JamesFromBusan

6061 aluminum vs Columbus Alloy custom?

I was under the impression Columbus was steel, but Cinelli has a bike that’s Columbus Alloy Custom which is an aluminum material?

I mentioned 6061 because it’s a common aluminum build and I’d like to know if there is a huge difference between the two I mentioned above.

Thank you in advance and be safe during these unknown times!

-James

ClydeClydeson

The actual properties of different aluminum alloys are generally similar. Differences between aluminum frames are caused primarily by the design and construction of the frame, not the differences between the alloys.

For instance, an old plain gauge frame of 6061 is a very different beast from a modern frame made with butted and hydroformed 6061.

JamesFromBusan

So a double butted or triple butted 6061 frame would be high quality typically?

How would a double or triple butted 6061 frame compare to Columbus Alloy? Similar quality or?

I appreciated your reply, so thank you 🙏🏻

ClydeClydeson

I don't know that Columbus publishes properties or data on how their tubes relate to other types of tubing.

If a bike is made by a company you trust to make high-quality bikes, and they use tubing or frame parts from a tubing manufacturer known to make high quality tubes, then assume the bike will be good. The reverse can probably be said of companies that make cheap bikes or use cheap tubing.

Gconan

Columbus has both steel and aluminum tubes for sale.

Mulberry20

Two things, one Columbus owns Cinelli, and two Columbus is one of a small handful of companies making tubing with a sterling reputation. I can only think of two others with superior branded tubing like Columbus.

Anything Columbus makes is top quality and Cinelli is a great frame.

JamesFromBusan

Please correct me If I’m wrong, but I’m under the impression that Columbus alloy is just a fancy name for Columbus’ aluminum? Or does it have a secret chemical makeup added to their aluminum in order to make it stronger than their competitors?

I haven’t been able to find much information regarding, “Columbus Alloy Custom”.

Ironfish653

Most likely it’s just their 6061, the only things that would make it ‘custom’ would be OD, wall thickness and butting, just like steel tubes.

More important, what do the welds look like? A nice, clean ‘line of dimes’ is good, but a smooth ‘double-pass’ weld (like an old-school Klein or Cannondale) is the mark of a really well-finished frame

mstateglfr 

Sure- tubing specs are often not revealed. So instead, its 'custom'. Sometimes, a brand really can get custom drawn tubes, but I am guessing the order has to be large or the per tube cost is going to be significant.
Columbus alloy is their aluminum tubing. 'alloy' is synonymous with aluminum in cycling.