Bike Aluminum Vs Steel Frame

Spill an aluminum frame on a gravel strewn road and repairs will challenge even the most skilled bike mechanic.

Bike aluminum vs steel frame. A steel frame bike when properly cared for can perform admirably for decades. Butting means making the aluminum larger and thicker than steel. Most city bikes are built on either steel frames or aluminum frames and which one you pick will impact the quality of your ride and the life of your bike. Aluminum is less dense than steel and to make it achieve greater strength to weight ratio.

The goal of using an alloy is to increase the strength or decrease the weight of the frame. An alloy is a metal that is mixed with other elements to improve the metal s characteristics. Aluminium was the leader when it came to frame material before carbon become more accessible. Most bike frame manufacturers use an alloy of either steel or aluminum to craft the frame.

Higher quality steel is more expensive but 4130 cromoly is still affordable when compared to other materials like carbon fiber. The most common steel used in modern bicycles is 4130 cromoly steel which is lighter and stronger than carbon steel. Aluminum frames are generally stiffer than steel resulting in a harsher ride. Aluminum just can t be.

Quality aluminum frames are butted. It entails adding extra material and this extra material adds on weight and quickly an aluminum bike can weigh as much more or more than a steel bike. It s a relatively light and stiff material and generally cheaper to produce than carbon. Although bike frames today are available in a wide variety of materials such as titanium carbon and even bamboo most entry and mid level cyclists will be deciding between an aluminum frame and a steel frame.