Framebuilders - Help me make my bike :D

I want to make a bike that'll really be great for me (who's budget ain't that great). So far, i'm really having trouble finding the right frame and fork for my dream bike. I'm pretty sure I want a 6061 Aluminum frame. The trouble is, the only 6061 frame I can get my hands on isn't T6 tempered and there isn't a place that tempers aluminum in my country (Philippines).

I figured that even if the frame wasn't tempered, I'd just find a good fork that can take the stress but I also want my fork to be aluminum, 6061 if possible (but again, I can't get my hands on a T6 one). What do you think is the best thing for me to do here?

I was thinking of just settling for the 6061 without heat treatment and get a 7000 series alu for the fork (so that it'll still be stiff). Do you think that's a good idea? I wonder what kind of 7000 series wouldn't need tempering but still have enough in it to withstand the stress without failing?

Any idea would be great. THanks! :lol:

I'm not sure where it would get you to have 7000 series and not temper it. The advantage to 7000 series is it is stronger, but it doesn't like welding unless subsequently heat treated. So how much would you gain by going that route and not heat treating it? Aluminum is mostly more expensive to work with, so you might be better off trying steel.

you might be better off trying steel.

I agree. Is there any reason you are so set on making an aluminum frame in the first place?
and the only weldable 7000 series is 7005 and if you can't find 6061 T6 you might have a tough time finding 7005.

Well I really want aluminum because it's lighter. I thought I could make a cheaper bike by making using a 6061 frame without the tempering and just find a stronger frame.

I was advised to use a steel frame but I thought I could find an aluminum alternative to make it lighter.

Where are you getting the information that says the 6061 frame is not heat treated? 6061 frames are almost always heat treated so this would be very strange. 7005 is basically a superior allow to 6061 for bicycle purposes since it does not need special heat treating like 6061 does.

And the weight difference between an aluminum frame with an aluminum fork and a steel frame with carbon fork (or maybe even a good steel fork) is minimal. Steel and carbon might actually be lighter.
Save weight on your wheels and components, you'll notice it more there.
-Gene-