Originally Posted by africanomad
- Do aluminium frames really have a limited lifespan under normal touring/commuter use? (I must have a frame that lasts for the rest of my life, with peak oil and retirement coming on).
- Could the "asshammer" rigidity of an alu frame be mitigated by some sort of shock absorbing system? If so, why aren't they standard?
1: No.
2: Rigidity is a function of frame design more than material. Shock absorbing systems aren't used because if you design a frame correctly it doesn't matter. A spring-deflection mitigation method commonly used is a carbon fork.