Sell or keep?

[Mobile 155]

[QUOTE=THE ARS;14157435]

A lot of 240lb men riding ten year old aluminum mountain bikes there?

Tom

In the US home of the supersize? You think those big guys aren't there? Have you looked at any of the ten best lists for MTBs in any of the mags? What sells more? What do most of the manufacturers sell more of? In fact I met Bill Walton at several Cycling events and what do you think he was riding? (not a little guy) I have nothing against steel except the weight and they rust. I don't care for the flex they provide but I can also see why they are favored by touring cyclists. Shoot even steel bikes upgrade to Aluminum bars wheels and seat posts. Yes there are some custom builders that can build someone a nice steel bike. But there is no need to go against the flow if you already have a bike and you are just starting out. Not when most people have moved to Aluminum anyway. The best advice a new person can get is , try before you buy, and see what others that ride in your area are riding. Chances are what works for your local riders will work for you. There is no reason for the OP to trade his Aluminum bike for a steel bike made in the same factory.

[Mobile 155]

Thanks I'll ride mines and not sell it but will still buy a 820 this summer.

Now you are talking like a cyclist. N+1 is an infection that isn't a bad thing. You can't have too many bikes.

[Alfster]

I have a 2005 Trek 6700 Hardtail MB. It's an aluminum frame. I ride it mostly on easy dirt / gravel paths, as well as on pavement ... it's my basic work horse. I have used it for some single track, but maybe only 20 hours worth. For this type of riding, I doubt the frame will give out. If you're a more hardcore mountain biker, then other materials may be more suitable.

[rebel1916]

I have a 2005 Trek 6700 Hardtail MB. It's an aluminum frame. I ride it mostly on easy dirt / gravel paths, as well as on pavement ... it's my basic work horse. I have used it for some single track, but maybe only 20 hours worth. For this type of riding, I doubt the frame will give out. If you're a more hardcore mountain biker, then other materials may be more suitable.

What other material would be more suitable? Over 90% of "hardcore" mountain bikers ride aluminum. The number might still be over 95% although carbon is starting to make some serious inroads. Hell over 90% of internet mountain bikers probably ride aluminum, and there are way more steel is real types on the interwebs than in real life!

[Savagewolf]

I had to get back with you, smart guy.

What plane is made from aluminum?

Can you tell me about it?

Thanks.

Tom

http://www.aluminum.org/Content/Navi...ft/default.htm

[WickedThump]

Wrong.

A high quality steel frame does not have a finite life.

An aluminum frame does.

A carbon frame does.

Sell that chinese POS and get yourself a real frame.

Or listen to these guys and end up in a nursing home.

I have a friend who just bought a used Shockwave. He weighs almost 300lbs and thinks those bikes are indestructable. I think he needs to see this picture.

[Thor29]

I have a degree in mechanical engineering and I am amazed at the ignorance being spouted on here as if it were fact. Aluminum is a great material for mountain bike frames and is not likely to fail during the life time of most riders. That's why it is used for the vast majority of mountain bike frames. If you are afraid of aluminum, you should not ride a bike, given that the handlebars, cranks, rims, stem and other vital components are most likely made out of it. (Imagine what would happen if your stem or handlebars were to break suddenly).

There is a lot of confusion about fatigue limit. It is true that steel is better in this regard than aluminum, but it still doesn't make steel superior to aluminum in every application. Steel is not indestructible and many steel frames have broken in the past. So a picture of a broken aluminum frame proves nothing. I like steel frames (5 of my 6 bikes are steel) but I wouldn't hesitate to ride an aluminum frame if it were built by a real bike company (like Trek) and not bought from a department store.

PS - It is especially telling that the "The ARS", who is spouting so much nonsense, doesn't know that almost every airplane out there is made of aluminum. Please Mr ARS, go to an airport and find me just one steel airplane. Just one. I'm waiting...

[SkyDog75]

So...if we were to search this forum for cracked frames, how many would be aluminum? ... They DO break, all the time.

Just because you see failed aluminum frames on the 'net doesn't mean that aluminum is significantly more prone to failure. How do the sales numbers stack up between aluminum and steel bikes nowadays? If aluminum outsells steel and has comparable failure rates, wouldn't it make sense that we'd see more failed aluminum frames?

Engineering is an art of compromises and any material can fail depending on which compromises are made. Want a bike that's impervious to frame failure? Sure, but it'll probably be a bit on the heavy side, whether it's made from aluminum or steel. Want a bike that's lightweight? Sure, we can do that, in a number of materials. But it'll probably be a bit more prone to failure since we'll push the envelope a little bit to get it juuuust that much lighter. Want that bike to be stiff, too? And without being too expensive? No wonder aluminum's so popular.

I had to get back with you, smart guy.

What plane is made from aluminum?

Can you tell me about it?

OK, but only since you asked so nicely...

Aside from the absolute newest composite designs, most modern airframes are built primarily from aluminum. A Boeing 747-400 is made of 74 tons of aluminum. The Boeing 777 is 50% aluminum. The structure of the brand-new Airbus A380, the largest airliner in the world, is 61% aluminum. 80% of an F-16 fighter's structure is aluminum. B-52 bombers are primarily aluminum and have an estimated service life of 37,500 flight hours -- about 4.25 years in the sky -- before metal fatigue becomes a concern.

[Mobile 155]

I have a degree in mechanical engineering and I am amazed at the ignorance being spouted on here as if it were fact. Aluminum is a great material for mountain bike frames and is not likely to fail during the life time of most riders. That's why it is used for the vast majority of mountain bike frames. If you are afraid of aluminum, you should not ride a bike, given that the handlebars, cranks, rims, stem and other vital components are most likely made out of it. (Imagine what would happen if your stem or handlebars were to break suddenly).

There is a lot of confusion about fatigue limit. It is true that steel is better in this regard than aluminum, but it still doesn't make steel superior to aluminum in every application. Steel is not indestructible and many steel frames have broken in the past. So a picture of a broken aluminum frame proves nothing. I like steel frames (5 of my 6 bikes are steel) but I wouldn't hesitate to ride an aluminum frame if it were built by a real bike company (like Trek) and not bought from a department store.

PS - It is especially telling that the "The ARS", who is spouting so much nonsense, doesn't know that almost every airplane out there is made of aluminum. Please Mr ARS, go to an airport and find me just one steel airplane. Just one. I'm waiting...

Thanks for that post. There seems to be an theme that some have spread that Trek, Giant, Specialized, Jamis, Haro, Raliegh and Lapierre decided to design MTBs strictly by marketing without the help of engineers, pro riders and testing facilities. Then they disreguard the experience of multitudes of riders and customers that have successfully bought and used the machines developed by those same companies. About a month ago I was looking for a back up bike and started hunting for a more classic or vintage bike that I could at least put STI shifters on and a 130 rear spacing. I happened upon a 91 Klein pre-Trek. This bike was like new even after 22 years. Gary Klein was from MIT and should know something about frame material and the result was a classic Quantum with full Dura Ace 7403 front to rear. I was a bit worried about how the ride would be but with hand built wheels and 32 spokes it is just fine. Klein was right a quality long lasting bike not only could be built from Aluminum he built several. I still smile when I ride the Klein on weekends.

[Alfster]

What other material would be more suitable? Over 90% of "hardcore" mountain bikers ride aluminum. The number might still be over 95% although carbon is starting to make some serious inroads. Hell over 90% of internet mountain bikers probably ride aluminum, and there are way more steel is real types on the interwebs than in real life!

Most hardcore mountain bikers are not 240 lbs. Having said that, I said 'may be more suitable' because I'm not a frame material's expert. Perhaps an aluminum frame would last with a 240 lb rider going over obstacles???

[rebel1916]

Yes Alf, yes it would. Not that clydes aren't harder on equipment, but aluminum is a perfectly fine choice for them.

[stapfam]

It's especially more of a gamble if your beating the bike up riding on tough off road rides.

Got a mate that weighs 240 lbs and a Giant Boulder bought in 2000. Took him 9 years to break it and that was aggressive Offroad af about 2 to 3,000 miles a year.

[NightShift]

I have a degree in mechanical engineering and I am amazed at the ignorance being spouted on here as if it were fact. Aluminum is a great material for mountain bike frames and is not likely to fail during the life time of most riders. That's why it is used for the vast majority of mountain bike frames. If you are afraid of aluminum, you should not ride a bike, given that the handlebars, cranks, rims, stem and other vital components are most likely made out of it. (Imagine what would happen if your stem or handlebars were to break suddenly).

There is a lot of confusion about fatigue limit. It is true that steel is better in this regard than aluminum, but it still doesn't make steel superior to aluminum in every application. Steel is not indestructible and many steel frames have broken in the past. So a picture of a broken aluminum frame proves nothing. I like steel frames (5 of my 6 bikes are steel) but I wouldn't hesitate to ride an aluminum frame if it were built by a real bike company (like Trek) and not bought from a department store.

PS - It is especially telling that the "The ARS", who is spouting so much nonsense, doesn't know that almost every airplane out there is made of aluminum. Please Mr ARS, go to an airport and find me just one steel airplane. Just one. I'm waiting...

Right on.

If the OP was asking about replacing a '70s or '80s aluminum frame I would say yes, definitely, but even then it would be less about the inherent fatigue characteristics of aluminum and more about the improvements in alloys and manufacturing processes.

I would recommend riding one of GT's classic steel triple triangle frames before buying the Trek. There's certainly nothing wrong with a steel Trek, but I've always preferred the feel of the GTs. And they look cool. I occasionally see them turn up dirt cheap on Craigslist, but rarely in my size.

[mprelaw]

You do realize that airplanes are made from aluminum, right? Are you seeing airplanes falling out of the sky everyday because 'all aluminum eventually fails'?

People love to snow you with their technobabble about how aluminum can only handle so many stress cycles, etc. This is all nice theory, but I think you will find, in practice, only a very small number of aluminum (or steel, or carbon) frames break. Just do a google search on 'broken aluminum bicycle frames' - you'll find very few actual reports of broken frames. This is the difference between theory and practice (and common sense).

Here is a question which none of the 'all aluminum eventually fails' crowd never addresses: 'what percentage of all aluminum bikes in existence have failed due to repeated stress?' - I don't know what that number is, but it has to be very small otherwise bike companies would have one heck of a lot of lawsuits to deal with.

Most modern aircraft have a mix of aluminum and carbon fiber structural components.

[wordsthoughts]

Right on.

If the OP was asking about replacing a '70s or '80s aluminum frame I would say yes, definitely, but even then it would be less about the inherent fatigue characteristics of aluminum and more about the improvements in alloys and manufacturing processes.

I would recommend riding one of GT's classic steel triple triangle frames before buying the Trek. There's certainly nothing wrong with a steel Trek, but I've always preferred the feel of the GTs. And they look cool. I occasionally see them turn up dirt cheap on Craigslist, but rarely in my size.

I never see any steel GTs mine is '01 and it is a triple triangle frame. That feature is one reason I think may help my bike last some time. Whenever I get another bike it will be new, since I've already done the used craigslist way with the bike I currently own.

[NightShift]

If you want new there's nothing wrong with that, but there's also nothing wrong with riding a used (properly inspected, good condition) steel frame of any vintage you're likely to find.

Google didn't turn up a Darby CL, and I don't know Pa. geography well enough to know what's near you. Found these with a quick search of the Philly CL:
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/2988799400.html
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/2920560510.html
The posters didn't list tubing spec or provide pictures that would should the details, and since it's not near me I didn't go hunting to find out.

[Artkansas]

I've had two frames fail on me. Both were steel. But then, I've never owned an aluminum frame.

One was a Montgomery Ward 10 speed, its downtube pulled out of the bottom bracket while I was riding along a bikepath. Suddenly the bicycle felt soft like a Claes Oldenburg sculpture. The other was a Diamondback Ascent and one of the dropouts cracked.

[wordsthoughts]

If you want new there's nothing wrong with that, but there's also nothing wrong with riding a used (properly inspected, good condition) steel frame of any vintage you're likely to find.

Google didn't turn up a Darby CL, and I don't know Pa. geography well enough to know what's near you. Found these with a quick search of the Philly CL:
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/2988799400.html
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/2920560510.html
The posters didn't list tubing spec or provide pictures that would should the details, and since it's not near me I didn't go hunting to find out.

Thanks, Upper Darby is right next to Philly.

Ive been looking on Craigslist and it seems when I find bikes that are nice and steel that they aren't my size. I bought my current bike off of Craigslist and would love to find the right bike at a discount. Frustration from looking is making me lean toward new.

[wordsthoughts]

I've had two frames fail on me. Both were steel. But then, I've never owned an aluminum frame.

One was a Montgomery Ward 10 speed, its downtube pulled out of the bottom bracket while I was riding along a bikepath. Suddenly the bicycle felt soft like a Claes Oldenburg sculpture. The other was a Diamondback Ascent and one of the dropouts cracked.

Ive heard that steel can fail but only with rust, crashing or a lot of abuse. What caused your bikes to fail?

[rebel1916]

Ive heard that steel can fail but only with rust, crashing or a lot of abuse. What caused your bikes to fail?

Words, you heard wrong. It's fine that you want a steel bike, but don't justify it with message board BS that aluminum is an inferior material. Any bike can fail. The vast majority (of any material) won't, under normal usage. And yes, a 250lb person rolling around on bike paths and fire roads and even single track is normal usage.

[NightShift]

I've had two frames fail on me. Both were steel. But then, I've never owned an aluminum frame.

One was a Montgomery Ward 10 speed, its downtube pulled out of the bottom bracket while I was riding along a bikepath. Suddenly the bicycle felt soft like a Claes Oldenburg sculpture.

Cheap department store bike which probably failed due to a poor weld.

The other was a Diamondback Ascent and one of the dropouts cracked.

I have an Ascent. I generally like DiamondBack's pre buyout stuff (and I love the old Centurion road bikes). Was there any unusual stress to cause the brake?

[SlimRider]

I've had two frames fail on me. Both were steel. But then, I've never owned an aluminum frame.

One was a Montgomery Ward 10 speed, its downtube pulled out of the bottom bracket while I was riding along a bikepath. Suddenly the bicycle felt soft like a Claes Oldenburg sculpture. The other was a Diamondback Ascent and one of the dropouts cracked.

These problems could all have been resolved by welding.

[SlimRider]

Words, you heard wrong. It's fine that you want a steel bike, but don't justify it with message board BS that aluminum is an inferior material. Any bike can fail. The vast majority (of any material) won't, under normal usage. And yes, a 250lb person rolling around on bike paths and fire roads and even single track is normal usage.

When it comes to keeping your barbecue grill clean, or wrapping food, use aluminum. When it comes to making durable bicycles, use chromoly steel

[NightShift]

Thanks, Upper Darby is right next to Philly.

Ive been looking on Craigslist and it seems when I find bikes that are nice and steel that they aren't my size. I bought my current bike off of Craigslist and would love to find the right bike at a discount. Frustration from looking is making me lean toward new.

If you need a much taller frame than you normally find you may want to talk to KOBE:
http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php/77789-KOBE

While I was looking at the Philly Craigslist I saw his Centurion:
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/2966160446.html

I posted a link to it in C&V and he said he's selling some of his "smaller" bikes.

[Axiom]

Not a real problem?

You accidentally the whole thing.