6061-T6 Alloy
For 2010, Prestaflator heads and couplers are made using aircraft-grade 6061-T6 alloy.
The previous standard in materials for most air tool and inflation components has been brass. Brass is a corrosion-resistant, soft metal - making it easy to use for parts machining. Unfortunately, brass does have some down-sides. Brass is heavy and also contains lead. The increasing concern for lead content has caused many air component makers to begin moving towards steel or plastic.
At PrestaCycle, we don't want to build components that could rust like steel or break like plastic. We've seen a few other components made from raw aluminum, but this is still not optimal. Raw aluminum is weaker and can more easily shear and crack, particularly in places like threads.
Our solution is to use 6061-T6 alloy. It's made from a combination of metals including titanium, zinc, copper and more combined with aluminum. It offers the same strength as brass, and only 1/3 the weight! To insure the highest quality, our components are CNC machined and then polished to offer long life and a beautiful, lasting finish. Usually you only see a material of this grade used ON a bike. At Prestacycle we choose quality, not compromise.