Benefits / Characteristics of Steel vs Ali Vs Carbon??
#1
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Benefits / Characteristics of Steel vs Ali Vs Carbon??
Is there and easy guide as to which of the above are better for what conditions and what their different characteristics and advantages / disadvantages are of one against the other?
I keep seeing posts saying I'd never move away from my steel or now I have I'd not go back again and whilst I thought Carbon would always be the Mecca because of the weight advantage again I'm seeing some comments saying not for X, Y or Z.
I'm mainly thinking about a gravel bike as a possible next purchase but I'd be interested in comments where one material may be considered better for road or mtb's as well.
I keep seeing posts saying I'd never move away from my steel or now I have I'd not go back again and whilst I thought Carbon would always be the Mecca because of the weight advantage again I'm seeing some comments saying not for X, Y or Z.
I'm mainly thinking about a gravel bike as a possible next purchase but I'd be interested in comments where one material may be considered better for road or mtb's as well.
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https://www.bikeradar.com/us/mtb/gea...terials-49814/
I haven’t read it, but it was the first hit on a Google search. Have you searched the Internet? You will find plenty of information.
I haven’t read it, but it was the first hit on a Google search. Have you searched the Internet? You will find plenty of information.
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There is a ton of (conflicting) information out there. It really just comes down to cost, weight and ride characteristics. If you are riding a bike with large, low pressure tires the ride characteristics become mostly unimportant.
Realistically, you can make a nice bike out of any of the common materials. They will just all have compromises in cost vs weight vs ride.
Realistically, you can make a nice bike out of any of the common materials. They will just all have compromises in cost vs weight vs ride.
#4
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https://www.bikeradar.com/us/mtb/gea...terials-49814/
I haven’t read it, but it was the first hit on a Google search. Have you searched the Internet? You will find plenty of information.
I haven’t read it, but it was the first hit on a Google search. Have you searched the Internet? You will find plenty of information.
I've heard that carbon isn't great on rougher surfaces ... is there any truth in that I would have thought it would be more shock absorbing than the others.
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I tried to look at that but as I have adblocker running it won't let me and I'm sick of playing the 30 second video to gain 30 minutes of site access that it doesn't remember the next you go in that you've only used 2 minutes of the 30 minutes allocated ..... just bugs me.
I've heard that carbon isn't great on rougher surfaces ... is there any truth in that I would have thought it would be more shock absorbing than the others.
I've heard that carbon isn't great on rougher surfaces ... is there any truth in that I would have thought it would be more shock absorbing than the others.
#6
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If you can lift the bike relatively easily, it is light enough. Unless you are a serious racer, the bike is not what is holding you back.
Steel may last longer if it doesn't rust, but with the development in frame geometry and components, is a bicycle that lasts 25 vs. "only" 23 years really better? It is the heaviest.
Carbon is lighter, but seems more fragile and expensive.
Al is in between, somewhat a compromise (like everything in technology).
Ti is pretty good in all departments, except cost.
Darn it, the old "cheap, light, strong - pick two" still is true!
Steel may last longer if it doesn't rust, but with the development in frame geometry and components, is a bicycle that lasts 25 vs. "only" 23 years really better? It is the heaviest.
Carbon is lighter, but seems more fragile and expensive.
Al is in between, somewhat a compromise (like everything in technology).
Ti is pretty good in all departments, except cost.
Darn it, the old "cheap, light, strong - pick two" still is true!
#7
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There is no consensus. Do an internet search, read all of the conflicting opinions until your eyes glaze over, and come to your own conclusion.
Or just read the following posts in this thread which will in all likelihood become a microcosm of an internet search.
Or just read the following posts in this thread which will in all likelihood become a microcosm of an internet search.
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I’m a big fan of titanium and (quality) steel, but it’s totally subjective. I’d say that the more you ride the more you’ll build your own opinion on things. If you’re looking for a bike, I’d go with something used - great value to be had in 10 year old quality steel (853/OX Platinum come to mind) or some higher quality aluminum frames.
Carbon is a very nice ride, top end carbon is the lightest, best power transfer and best vibration damping plus maybe the best ride out there. until you dump it on a rock.
Quality steel is a good value, lively and absorbs vibrations wonderfully. If you pair it with a carbon fork, you’ll pay a pound penalty over most mainstream carbon frames.
Titanium (which I love) is fools gold if you’re looking for a ‘deal’. Best characteristics of steel, a shade lighter and much more cafe ride bragging rights.
If you go aluminum, don’t cheap out on the frame - cheap aluminum frames range from stiff as I-beams to soft and muddy. Aluminum’s characteristics don’t allow it to be flexible and lively like the others, but high end frames are very nice.
I put the over/under at 2.5 days till this thread gets locked.
Carbon is a very nice ride, top end carbon is the lightest, best power transfer and best vibration damping plus maybe the best ride out there. until you dump it on a rock.
Quality steel is a good value, lively and absorbs vibrations wonderfully. If you pair it with a carbon fork, you’ll pay a pound penalty over most mainstream carbon frames.
Titanium (which I love) is fools gold if you’re looking for a ‘deal’. Best characteristics of steel, a shade lighter and much more cafe ride bragging rights.
If you go aluminum, don’t cheap out on the frame - cheap aluminum frames range from stiff as I-beams to soft and muddy. Aluminum’s characteristics don’t allow it to be flexible and lively like the others, but high end frames are very nice.
I put the over/under at 2.5 days till this thread gets locked.
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Cannondale can make an aluminum bike that will rival the comfort of most steel bikes. Rival Carbon too for that matter.
And then if you want to compare apples to apples. A guy sells his Niner RTL steel for a Niner RLT RDO, and then claims the RDO is the most comfortable bike he has ever ridden. what? Carbon more comfortable that steel? say it isn't so....
While each material has its advantages/disadvantages, once the material has been manipulated into a bike those advantages can be destroyed!
there are bikes of each material that are awesome, there are bikes of each material that flat out sucks.
choose your manufacture and bike wisely.
Likes For Metieval:
#10
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My query re the carbon was about it's fragility which seems to have been answered, I'm guessing though if Spcialized are offering it as a gravel bike option it can't be that fragile it'll self destruct going over a few stones.
Also as mentioned there doesn't seem to be a specific consensus so I think I#ll just find the bike / spec I like within my budget and go with that.
Cheers for everyone's input ... much appreciated
Also as mentioned there doesn't seem to be a specific consensus so I think I#ll just find the bike / spec I like within my budget and go with that.
Cheers for everyone's input ... much appreciated
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I'd like to see a comprehensive comparison regarding the properties of an aluminum frame vs. an aluminium frame.
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Check out this article (from an ali fan)
https://medium.com/@alexroseinnes/al...s-1ecc4dfcc3dd It is admittedly biased, but proves the point that aluminum can be competitive even in racing (on relatively flat courses anyway).
It really all comes down to preference. Just some general observations though:
-Aluminum and carbon are by far the most common on any training ride or group ride I've ever done.
-I am a cost-sensitive rider so I ride an aluminum frame with a carbon fork. Not only is aluminum cheaper, but it's harder to break. I do my own wrenching and it's nice not having to be ultra-precise with every torque on the frame to avoid cracking.
-Titanium makes me salivate and I really want to try one, but I doubt I'd ever buy one as my primary road bike.
-Steel is sturdy and has great feel, but is obviously heavier. I had a steel fixie in college that I loved, but you don't really see steel in many new bikes in the roadie segment.
https://medium.com/@alexroseinnes/al...s-1ecc4dfcc3dd It is admittedly biased, but proves the point that aluminum can be competitive even in racing (on relatively flat courses anyway).
It really all comes down to preference. Just some general observations though:
-Aluminum and carbon are by far the most common on any training ride or group ride I've ever done.
-I am a cost-sensitive rider so I ride an aluminum frame with a carbon fork. Not only is aluminum cheaper, but it's harder to break. I do my own wrenching and it's nice not having to be ultra-precise with every torque on the frame to avoid cracking.
-Titanium makes me salivate and I really want to try one, but I doubt I'd ever buy one as my primary road bike.
-Steel is sturdy and has great feel, but is obviously heavier. I had a steel fixie in college that I loved, but you don't really see steel in many new bikes in the roadie segment.
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Another note about carbon and gravel... the mud and dirt from the tire can abrade the seat and chainstays pretty bad if there isn’t sufficient tire clearance.
I sometimes push the tire size a bit on my older steel and titanium frames (27mm tires in winter with maybe 1-2 mm clearance). When wet and muddy, the grinding sound of the muddy tire on the brake bridge is terrible - no way carbon stays survive that.
I sometimes push the tire size a bit on my older steel and titanium frames (27mm tires in winter with maybe 1-2 mm clearance). When wet and muddy, the grinding sound of the muddy tire on the brake bridge is terrible - no way carbon stays survive that.
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And...They'reoff!
Last edited by indyfabz; 04-06-18 at 08:54 AM.
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I'm mainly thinking about a gravel bike as a possible next purchase but I'd be interested in comments where one material may be considered better for road or mtb's as well.
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Another note about carbon and gravel... the mud and dirt from the tire can abrade the seat and chainstays pretty bad if there isn’t sufficient tire clearance.
I sometimes push the tire size a bit on my older steel and titanium frames (27mm tires in winter with maybe 1-2 mm clearance). When wet and muddy, the grinding sound of the muddy tire on the brake bridge is terrible - no way carbon stays survive that.
I sometimes push the tire size a bit on my older steel and titanium frames (27mm tires in winter with maybe 1-2 mm clearance). When wet and muddy, the grinding sound of the muddy tire on the brake bridge is terrible - no way carbon stays survive that.
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This thread has the potential to be the greatest of all time.
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Holy smokes..........this is a can. But, I would say that in an instance where you were touring across the world, then steel would be the smartest bet. It can be repaired by any welder easily and you could be on your way. Aluminum is the harshest only in the fact that you will not see many aluminum forks. Your ti(y)res and PSI will make the most difference as far as comfort or ability to absorb "shock". I've ridden and raced carbon, steel, aluminum and have trained on multiple Ti and they were all excellent.
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I prefer steel and titanium bikes because they seem to last forever, and also because you can buy or retrofit them with S&S couplers for travel. Of the two, titanium is lighter, and more corrosion resistant, but of course also more expensive. Steel is more affordable, but heavier and we all know that it can rust.
I view carbon frames as being for people that like to compete and race. They are lighter, more aero, and can also be comfortable, but I don't think they will last as long as a quality steel or titanium frame. I am sure if you take care of a carbon frame it can last 10 years, but I wouldn't trust it on a expedition type tour.
Aluminum frames are fine, but I don't think think they are as durable as steel or titanium, nor are they as good for racing as carbon.
I view carbon frames as being for people that like to compete and race. They are lighter, more aero, and can also be comfortable, but I don't think they will last as long as a quality steel or titanium frame. I am sure if you take care of a carbon frame it can last 10 years, but I wouldn't trust it on a expedition type tour.
Aluminum frames are fine, but I don't think think they are as durable as steel or titanium, nor are they as good for racing as carbon.
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I like steel and Ti, but I'm 44 years old, a cheapskate and I don't race.
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