View Poll Results: Frame Material Preference
Carbon Fiber



40
31.25%
Aluminum



10
7.81%
Steel



61
47.66%
Titanium



17
13.28%
Voters: 128. You may not vote on this poll
Frame Material Preference Poll
#26
The comment was made to illustrate the point that the OP did not specify the type of frame they are looking for, or the intended purpose of said frame. Without that criteria, there is no way anyone can answer the question. In other words, it is a garbage pole with no chance of compiling any accurate results. It is completely pointless without knowing the frame's intended use.
#27
Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,946
Likes: 507
From: Elevation 666m Edmonton Canada
Bikes: 2013 Custom SA5w / Rohloff Tourster
Building a very low maintenance ultra fast super commuter
Here. Read these 6 pages. This guy got titanium, Alfine11 with hydo disc brakes and belt drive.
Lots of discussion about my fave drum brakes.
Hey, Bob .... IF and when I see anybody going 20 miles with a 5 lb grocery bag on both sides of a CF racer handlebar, then I'll consider them not useless. LOL.
Here. Read these 6 pages. This guy got titanium, Alfine11 with hydo disc brakes and belt drive.
Lots of discussion about my fave drum brakes.
Hey, Bob .... IF and when I see anybody going 20 miles with a 5 lb grocery bag on both sides of a CF racer handlebar, then I'll consider them not useless. LOL.
Last edited by GamblerGORD53; 11-10-22 at 12:19 PM.
#28
Clark W. Griswold




Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 18,254
Likes: 6,627
From: ,location, location
Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26
I think frame materials are great especially ones that can build a frame that does what you want it to do. Some frames are made of different materials so you can have a choice of materials and frames. If you like frame materials you should get a frame built from those materials so you can ride it. Riding on frames made of materials is the best : )
#29
Habitual User



Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 9,928
Likes: 10,767
From: Altadena, CA
Bikes: 2025 Ritte Esprit, 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2022 Trek Supercaliber
Of the 7 bikes currently in my stable. 5 are CF, 1 is steel, and 1 is aluminum. Of those, the bikes I ride most are CF, largely because they are the newest, lightest, and excite me the most.
What I have suits the way I ride, and my personal preferences, which may not be anything like your preferences and the way you ride.
What I have suits the way I ride, and my personal preferences, which may not be anything like your preferences and the way you ride.
__________________
RIP 01/08/25...2022 Trek Supercaliber, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2018 Trek Procaliber SL Singlespeed, 2017 Bear BR1, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
RIP 01/08/25...2022 Trek Supercaliber, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2018 Trek Procaliber SL Singlespeed, 2017 Bear BR1, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
#30
The comment was made to illustrate the point that the OP did not specify the type of frame they are looking for, or the intended purpose of said frame. Without that criteria, there is no way anyone can answer the question. In other words, it is a garbage pole with no chance of compiling any accurate results. It is completely pointless without knowing the frame's intended use.
Had it been put in a specific subforum, then it would have led the answers better.
#31
I AM AI
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,286
Likes: 1,164
From: Tucson, AZ
Bikes: 2008 S-Works Roubaix SL, 1979 Raleigh Comp GS, 1978 Schwinn Volare
Steel. For aesthetic reasons mostly, but affordability (vs CF) and other reasons too.
__________________
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
A race bike in any era is a highly personal choice that at its "best" balances the requirements of fit, weight, handling, durability and cost tempered by the willingness to toss it and oneself down the pavement at considerable speed. ~Bandera
#32
Banned
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 8,701
Likes: 2,506
From: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
That's what I like most about my steel frames. They're suitable for any type of riding. Gravel riding, longer distance road riding, singletrack and mountain bike trails, bikepacking, loaded touring, commuting and utility riding, recreational riding, steel frames can do it all and they are a lot more durable than carbon or aluminum.
#33
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,954
Likes: 388
From: NE Indiana
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
You didn't say what kind of bike the frame material was for. If a road bike, I have had all sorts of frame material, and steel was the best, and I still have several steel bikes. That was until I got a titanium bike, that bike rides like it's on air...fine, not like it's on air but it is noticeably smoother than steel.
But it does depend on how the bike is going to be used. In 2019 I bought a steel touring bike, why steel if I love TI so much? due to cost for one, but when a steel touring bike is loaded up, along with its larger tires, it rides very smoothly, so there is no need to go with a TI touring bike.
If you're going to be racing a road bike above CAT 3 you probably want a CF bike because it's lighter and responsive, but having said that if you're going to be road racing CAT 3 or below, I would only use an aluminum frame bike because crashes happen a lot in racing, and more so in the beginning categories, and an AL frame is a lot less expensive to replace vs a CF frame. Also, above CAT 3 levels you usually get at least a huge discount on bikes, but most of the time you will get a free bike, so a CF bike is the way to go then.
Let me clear the air because I know how people get when it comes to frames, these are just my thoughts, nothing political going on with my response.
But it does depend on how the bike is going to be used. In 2019 I bought a steel touring bike, why steel if I love TI so much? due to cost for one, but when a steel touring bike is loaded up, along with its larger tires, it rides very smoothly, so there is no need to go with a TI touring bike.
If you're going to be racing a road bike above CAT 3 you probably want a CF bike because it's lighter and responsive, but having said that if you're going to be road racing CAT 3 or below, I would only use an aluminum frame bike because crashes happen a lot in racing, and more so in the beginning categories, and an AL frame is a lot less expensive to replace vs a CF frame. Also, above CAT 3 levels you usually get at least a huge discount on bikes, but most of the time you will get a free bike, so a CF bike is the way to go then.
Let me clear the air because I know how people get when it comes to frames, these are just my thoughts, nothing political going on with my response.
#39
Senior Member

Joined: May 2017
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 2,272
From: Hacienda Hgts
Bikes: 2026 Motobecane Mulekick 520 Steel 1999 Schwinn Peloton Ultegra 10, Kestrel RT-1000 Ultegra, Trek Marlin 6 Deore 29'er
My favorite bike ATM is a 32 lbs Al 29er with a chromoly fork.
This has more to do with it being a flatbar upright and very comfortable since my last crash that aggravated rotator cuff injuries.
My favorite bike before that was an 853 steel crit bike I crashed on (great ride quality).
My favorite bike before that was a fully carbon dropbar endurance bike (light/responsive).
It is the sum of the components, frame/fork materials, and fit with me and current injury status that decides my preferences.
This has more to do with it being a flatbar upright and very comfortable since my last crash that aggravated rotator cuff injuries.
My favorite bike before that was an 853 steel crit bike I crashed on (great ride quality).
My favorite bike before that was a fully carbon dropbar endurance bike (light/responsive).
It is the sum of the components, frame/fork materials, and fit with me and current injury status that decides my preferences.
#41
I've been doing so much research into frame materials that I actually forgot why I was looking in the first place, sorry. I'm looking for the holy grail of bikes. In other words, the single one that says, "Hey, you don't need those others." And that would make my DW very happy. She encourages me (I'm 73 btw) to do good in the neighborhood which is why I fix other people's bikes, cars, trailers, and whatever is needed. But she is now encouraging me to begin downsizing the herd. I'm looking for an endurance style bike that I can put full fenders on in the winter, ride strictly roads/mups. Don't need to fit anything wider than 28mm tires. And last, but definitely not least, not weigh as much as the iron I currently own. I've already donated several bikes to the local charity and I still have 2 sheds full. (They're small sheds) I need to get down to one though so the DW can have the other for a potting shed. My fave right now is an aluminum with carbon fork, but it's a racing geometry and after 30 miles I feel done in but love the speed and quickness of it. My second fave is vintage steel and so comfortable I can go all day on it, just much slower. I contemplated upgrading it to brifters and 700c wheels a while back, but that won't make it any lighter. The other's in the stable are mostly alloys with low end components that I never ride anymore. Carbon was my first choice, but then I started thinking maybe titanium. However, like I said earlier, my current fave is alum, so maybe just find an alum endurance bike with drop bars. Lots of nice ones out there. Too many options really. Just thought I would filter through what others thought and why. Thanks for all the input. Smokey
#42
I don't currently have a full carbon or a titanium, so maybe I need 2 more bikes is what you're saying? haha Oh yeah, the DW will be pulling out those divorce papers by morning haha. She would rather I buy another Harley than another pedal bike, but I've convinced her that I am working toward getting down to just one, and she's happy about that, so I better follow through. Huh?
#43
Senior Member


Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,637
Likes: 2,208
Perhaps we should reframe the question. What would be the best frame material for a sub 700 gram frame? What. Would be the most comfortable endurance bike sub 1,000 grams. What is the most durable 2,000 gram frame set. In reality carbon would be superior in each category. Tell me any material other than carbon which could hit sub 700 grams remain reliable at mass market pricing. How about comfort, no way any titanium frame is as comfortable as a Roubaix or Domane. Carbons amazing weight to strength ratio as well as total flexibility regarding layup means it is unbeatable in any cycling related arena.
#44
Perhaps we should reframe the question. What would be the best frame material for a sub 700 gram frame? What. Would be the most comfortable endurance bike sub 1,000 grams. What is the most durable 2,000 gram frame set. In reality carbon would be superior in each category. Tell me any material other than carbon which could hit sub 700 grams remain reliable at mass market pricing. How about comfort, no way any titanium frame is as comfortable as a Roubaix or Domane. Carbons amazing weight to strength ratio as well as total flexibility regarding layup means it is unbeatable in any cycling related arena.
#45
Senior Member




Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 29,413
Likes: 13,443
From: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Building a very low maintenance ultra fast super commuter
Here. Read these 6 pages. This guy got titanium, Alfine11 with hydo disc brakes and belt drive.
Lots of discussion about my fave drum brakes.
Hey, Bob .... IF and when I see anybody going 20 miles with a 5 lb grocery bag on both sides of a CF racer handlebar, then I'll consider them not useless. LOL.
Here. Read these 6 pages. This guy got titanium, Alfine11 with hydo disc brakes and belt drive.
Lots of discussion about my fave drum brakes.
Hey, Bob .... IF and when I see anybody going 20 miles with a 5 lb grocery bag on both sides of a CF racer handlebar, then I'll consider them not useless. LOL.
I ride with 2 road clubs. 500 members in one and about half that in the other. The vast majority of the members ride CF bikes. Never seen drum brakes except on tandems. Don't recall ever seeing an IGH. edit: I remembered there was a guy with an IGH on an old Trek CF bike a few weeks ago. He also had flat bars and he passed me on a 3 mile climb. He was about 70 pounds lighter than I am, I'm guessing.
Last edited by big john; 11-11-22 at 08:41 AM.
#46
Senior Member




Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 29,413
Likes: 13,443
From: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
I rode a friend's Moots Vamoots and it felt like a spring compared to my Seven.
I've had a number of steel frames and still have one. Steel can be extremely harsh or very soft. I have broken 3 steel frames.
The only full CF bike I've had is my mtb.
#47
Senior Member




Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 10,300
Likes: 14,751
Perhaps we should reframe the question. What would be the best frame material for a sub 700 gram frame? What. Would be the most comfortable endurance bike sub 1,000 grams. What is the most durable 2,000 gram frame set. In reality carbon would be superior in each category. Tell me any material other than carbon which could hit sub 700 grams remain reliable at mass market pricing. How about comfort, no way any titanium frame is as comfortable as a Roubaix or Domane. Carbons amazing weight to strength ratio as well as total flexibility regarding layup means it is unbeatable in any cycling related arena.
__________________
#48
You can have a custom built carbon frame too. I've noticed the "boutique" market is inevitably heading in that direction at the top end.
#49
That's what I like most about my steel frames. They're suitable for any type of riding. Gravel riding, longer distance road riding, singletrack and mountain bike trails, bikepacking, loaded touring, commuting and utility riding, recreational riding, steel frames can do it all and they are a lot more durable than carbon or aluminum.
#50
Banned
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 8,701
Likes: 2,506
From: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
I have no desire to try carbon because I believe it's inferior to steel it terms of toughness and durability. And I also have an old aluminum MTB with a rigid steel fork which is holding up great after many years of hard riding. The only issue with aluminum frame is a bit of galvanic corrosion on the lower chainstay bridge and that is the result of road salt corroding a steel bolt and reacting with aluminum. My steel frames had rustroofing oil sprayed inside tubes and there is no rust even after many years of winter riding.


