December 6. 2007 'the frame material world'

Larry
I really like the idea of the Cannondale Recumbent, but I just discovered it was Aluminum, so I won't be getting it.
I am so sorry to have wasted your time.

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No waste at all
I'm up to almost TWO chapters in my forthcoming book about customers and frame materials.
The topic is also covered in the '"perception" chapter.
After 38 years of serving cyclists, 53,000 bike sales, two thousand graduates from my classes, and field assignments all over the planet I have run across some others that let the materials of which a bike frame is made influence their decision.
Because talk is not just cheap any more, it's very easy to get too much and for people to feel the way they do about certain metals, plastics, composites, steel alloys, and classic materials like bamboo.
With careful and compassionate embrace and coaching, many of those who had been affected with material "fear" (false evidence appearing real) let down their guard and made their decision based upon objective trial and test riding. Invariably people that afford themselves test rides and use objective influences are the ones that make the better decisions.
While my aluminum frames and bicycles date back to the 1940's, the current boom started in the late 1970's.
While pro level high quality domestic frames by Klein, Durham, and HiE took a certain elite group by storm, they were still considered exotic, boutique machines. In 1983 Cannondale took Aluminum into the mainstream and the rest is history.
Soon aluminum became a buzzword and the Asians took advantage of the American desire.
The variety was astounding.
Some of them were using what appeared to be lawn chair tubing. While many if these "wannabe" frames were lacking in performance compared to their wider-tubed counterparts, surprisingly failures were rare.
Famous builders like France's Vitus and Italy's Alan began making their legendary aluminum bikes that would be noteworthy in the Tour and other World class events for decades.
Fast forward to the 21st century. The bikes that are coming from those countries whose exquisitely-made frames we coveted for years are mainly the fat tube, bubble-gum welded styles that we started sending them 20 years ago.
While I have what might arguably be the world's largest collection of classic lugged steel frames and bikes and maintain a fondness and deep appreciation for those over the newer wave machines, I encourage objective decisions, like politics, made on individual parameters and performance.
Aluminum framed bikes can be as different from each other and as they can be from bikes of other materials.
I and other experienced experts would no sooner want to own or ride a bike because of the material of which it was made as we would avoid one for such reasons.
Quality, integrity, and especially the characteristics of the ride - comfort, handling, and performance efficiency- are among the best decision- making criteria.
We are far more wary of poor workmanship than the consideration of the raw material.
I was the first kid on the block with my bamboo bike last year and I am first (got it just yesterday!) with my new bamboo tandem. And yes, in deference to my whole diatribe, I went against my belief and bought it because of the material. Forgive me, but sometimes my need for novelty and attention get the best of me.
All that said, there is nothing neither bad nor wrong with wanting or avoiding a certain material, but in the event it is the only factor, a review and second chance might be in order.
I'm off to work.
Please keep in touch
Larry Black
bike123.com