Bicycle Mechanics - Magnesium Frame

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mitok
07-30-04, 02:24 PM
I'm looking into buying a Magnesium frame (MTB) but have a hard time finding reviews on them. I have read all the stuff that the manufacturers claim them to be but would really like some private opinions. If anyone owns a Magnesium frame or knows about them I’d really appreciate if you gave me some info. In particular I'm interested in it's corrosive properties (if you scratch it and water gets on it), strength, and overall ride. Thank You.

BigBrooklynLou
07-30-04, 03:10 PM
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Pessi
07-30-04, 10:08 PM
Magnesium is very hard to work with, and it is the most inflammable metal you can purchase. You will never be able to weld or braise to a magnesium frame.

khuon
07-30-04, 10:44 PM
I'm looking into buying a Magnesium frame (MTB) but have a hard time finding reviews on them. I have read all the stuff that the manufacturers claim them to be but would really like some private opinions. If anyone owns a Magnesium frame or knows about them I’d really appreciate if you gave me some info. In particular I'm interested in it's corrosive properties (if you scratch it and water gets on it), strength, and overall ride. Thank You.

One thing to keep in mind is that magnesium is a fairly soft and compliant metal and may be rather flexy. I have never ridden a magnesium frame so I can't really give you a ride impression however. As far as durability and resistance to corrosion is concerned, I do know that the magnesium body on a set of clipless pedals I had got quite scratched up and did not suffer any corrosion effects. The same holds true for middle part of the Speedplay road pedal cleats I have.



Magnesium is very hard to work with, and it is the most inflammable metal you can purchase. You will never be able to weld or braise to a magnesium frame.

While arc-welding magnesium is not recommended and difficult at best, magnesium alloys can be welded usingf friction methods. This is obviously much more expensive. FWIW, there are a few magnesium frames out there. The Pinarello Dogma Ego is a road frame made of magnesium alloy. It's very expensive. Lodestar and Keef also made magnesium bikes including mountain bikes. I don't know if they're still around anymore though.
capsicum
07-31-04, 01:45 AM
I know mag rims (real mags, for racin') are a bit more prone to crack than alloys and are a lot more porous(more air seepage, not a factor on a bike) but are able to be made lighter for a given stiffness.