Scandium Frame - Good choice for commuting?
 

Scandium is a frame material I am really in the dark about. Where does it fit in tubing hierarchy? Does it's properties bode well for commuting? Does any of our BF's members commute on a scandium frame?

I ask this question because of see an increase of frames made with this material.

Recently, Salsa Cycles introduced 5 new frames. Three of which were made of scandium.

http://www.salsacycles.com/07_frames_preview.html

Picture of the Salsa Con Crosso
http://content.mtbr.com/TRP_13_265_4crx.aspx

Salsa's blog about scandium:
http://www.salsacycles.com/scandium.html

When they say scandium, they really mean an aluminum/scandium alloy. As I understand it (I suppose I could ask my dad, the metallurgist for more info), the scandium reduces the grain size and promotes a higher yield strength.

I prefer unobtainium. Heard about it on the Internet; someone saw it at the Interbike show. I plan to preorder a kickstand made out of it.

S&W makes a really expensive revolver out of it.

I talked to the guys at Sunshine about Scandium. They have built up a few of the Scandium mountain bike frames. (According to Sunshine) it rides more like a steel frame, and has the durability of a hog nose (that means it's tough). His top riders still prefer steel though.

--A

Usually comes with big tubes so it looks good and is super light. If you are worried about ride comfort, maybe think about a CF fork and seatpost and mabe a littgle fatter tires becasue the frame proably will be as stiff as any frame can get.

My CX is Scandium main triangle w/ carbon elsewhere. It'sproven to be a great 'fast' commuter bike when the cargo is carried in a mess bag. Remarkable material, but often considered disposable after a few years. Time will tell.

That thing hurts on both ends ...

But, as long as you have a poor understanding of physics, putting the cargo on a rack on the bike will make it a 'slow' bike. :D