abeloco
03-19-02, 03:42 PM
Whats best: chromoly or aluminium. whats the difference?
Mountain Biking - Chromoly or aluminium
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thbirks
03-19-02, 05:20 PM
Chromoly is a type of steel. It is an excellent material for a bike frame. Aluminum frames can be very good or not so good. Many cheaper frames do not have a replaceable rear derailler hanger. This is the part of the frame that the rear shifting mechanism attaches to. The hanger can easily get bent. If this happens on a steel frame you can bend it back. If this happens on an aluminium frame the hanger will probably break when you try to bend it back. This is why good aluminium frames have replaceable hangers. So if you can avoid aluminium frames that don't have replaceable hangers.
Many people say that aluminium frames ride harshly. I tend to agree. A steel frame will take some of the edge off a bumpy trail. Aluminium frames, especially inexpensive aluminium frames, will transmit most of the bumps directly to the rider.
By the way, Many inexpensive bikes will advertise a frame as being Chromoly when only a coupe of the tubes are actually made of Chromoly. The rest of the frame is usually made of cheaper and heavier high-tensile steel. This is good to know when comparing frames.
If you don't mind me asking where in Mexico do you live. I hope to visit Mexico one day.
Many people say that aluminium frames ride harshly. I tend to agree. A steel frame will take some of the edge off a bumpy trail. Aluminium frames, especially inexpensive aluminium frames, will transmit most of the bumps directly to the rider.
By the way, Many inexpensive bikes will advertise a frame as being Chromoly when only a coupe of the tubes are actually made of Chromoly. The rest of the frame is usually made of cheaper and heavier high-tensile steel. This is good to know when comparing frames.
If you don't mind me asking where in Mexico do you live. I hope to visit Mexico one day.
John E
03-19-02, 07:35 PM
Recommended reading: sheldonbrown.com
He has an excellent article about frame materials and the many myths surrounding them. Having said that, I personally prefer moly steel, at least in the main triangle. However, I am not convinced that these stronger steel alloys offer any significant over high-carbon steel in the stays and forks.
He has an excellent article about frame materials and the many myths surrounding them. Having said that, I personally prefer moly steel, at least in the main triangle. However, I am not convinced that these stronger steel alloys offer any significant over high-carbon steel in the stays and forks.
Moose
03-20-02, 12:04 AM
Just thought I'd post a link directly to one of Sheldon's Pages (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/frame-materials.html) that details frame materials.