View Poll Results: Who Makes the Best Aluminum Bicycle Frame?
Voters: 53. You may not vote on this poll
Who Makes the Best Aluminum Frames?
09-25-11, 12:29 AM
#1
Banned
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northern California
Posts: 5,804
Bikes: Raleigh Grand Prix, Giant Innova, Nishiki Sebring, Trek 7.5FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Who Makes the Best Aluminum Frames?
Which bicycle manufacturer makes the best aluminum bicycles frames?
So from whatever facts you've experienced, witnessed, read about, or have possibly even heard about, make your decision about the above question, and please vote.
Thank you!
- Slim
PS.
Please feel free to leave comments about your reasoning for your vote.
So from whatever facts you've experienced, witnessed, read about, or have possibly even heard about, make your decision about the above question, and please vote.
Thank you!
- Slim
PS.
Please feel free to leave comments about your reasoning for your vote.
Last edited by SlimRider; 09-25-11 at 12:47 AM.
09-25-11, 01:26 AM
#2
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Had a few Aluminium frames and for their use- they have all been good.
The Tandem is a Fat tube Cannondale that is Al- Very stiff Al at that but there is no flex in it whatsoever. The Bianchi Grizzly is stiff but as a Hardtail MTB it needs to be.
Then there are the Generic Frames Like the OCR. Bit on the heavy side- not much flex but this is a road bike. Any "Suspesion comes from the Forks- seatpost and wheels.
Then there are the "Quality" Al Frames. I have a Boreas Ignis which is no longer made. Small European manufacturer that is now defunct and that is one neat frame. Lightweight at 1050grammes- full race geometry and tubes selected for the size of the frame to give the correct "Flex" for the rider. Dare say other manufacturers make the same "Quality" frames if you pay enough. That is where the problem lies-Cost.
But taking the list you have provided-I doubt that any of the frames would be much different to another. But No-one makes quality frames in Al nowadays- it will be carbon fibre. So tick all the boxes above because untill the list is expanded to Cervello- Pinarrelo-BMC- etc---all the frames will be the same quaulity.
The Tandem is a Fat tube Cannondale that is Al- Very stiff Al at that but there is no flex in it whatsoever. The Bianchi Grizzly is stiff but as a Hardtail MTB it needs to be.
Then there are the Generic Frames Like the OCR. Bit on the heavy side- not much flex but this is a road bike. Any "Suspesion comes from the Forks- seatpost and wheels.
Then there are the "Quality" Al Frames. I have a Boreas Ignis which is no longer made. Small European manufacturer that is now defunct and that is one neat frame. Lightweight at 1050grammes- full race geometry and tubes selected for the size of the frame to give the correct "Flex" for the rider. Dare say other manufacturers make the same "Quality" frames if you pay enough. That is where the problem lies-Cost.
But taking the list you have provided-I doubt that any of the frames would be much different to another. But No-one makes quality frames in Al nowadays- it will be carbon fibre. So tick all the boxes above because untill the list is expanded to Cervello- Pinarrelo-BMC- etc---all the frames will be the same quaulity.
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
09-25-11, 02:42 AM
#3
In Real Life
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 141 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3203 Post(s)
Liked 592 Times
in
326 Posts
Answer: It depends.
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
09-25-11, 06:11 AM
#4
CRIKEY!!!!!!!
Join Date: May 2005
Location: all the way down under
Posts: 4,276
Bikes: several
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1589 Post(s)
Liked 680 Times
in
363 Posts
For an alu road bike frame it's very difficult to top the Cannondale CAAD9. Extremely stiff, light, beautifully hand made in the USA, very efficient transformer of human energy into forward motion.
09-25-11, 06:38 AM
#6
Senior Member
A vague question without more info -
So there is an equally vqgue answer - before Cannondale's move off shore
Probably Cannondale.
Right now the best Al road bike is a Co motion Ristretto.
So there is an equally vqgue answer - before Cannondale's move off shore
Probably Cannondale.
Right now the best Al road bike is a Co motion Ristretto.
09-25-11, 09:54 AM
#7
Banned
Taiwan.. they all go there to big contract bike manufacturing companies,
Every one on your list.
the investment capital, went where it offers the lowest cost per unit,
for the features desired ,
at the price point the bike will sell for.
I own a Koga Miyata WTR. it is made in a 7005 aluminum,
hand finishing smoothed the welds most places
the frame received several heat treatment processes,
before painting, in TW then shipped to NL,
where the frame got assembled into a bike.
new they sold for $3600,
but that is as a fully equipped world traveling touring/trekking bike ,
mudguards racks and all that..
Every one on your list.
the investment capital, went where it offers the lowest cost per unit,
for the features desired ,
at the price point the bike will sell for.
I own a Koga Miyata WTR. it is made in a 7005 aluminum,
hand finishing smoothed the welds most places
the frame received several heat treatment processes,
before painting, in TW then shipped to NL,
where the frame got assembled into a bike.
new they sold for $3600,
but that is as a fully equipped world traveling touring/trekking bike ,
mudguards racks and all that..
Last edited by fietsbob; 09-25-11 at 10:04 AM.
09-25-11, 10:04 AM
#9
your god hates me
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,525
Bikes: 2016 Richard Sachs, 2010 Carl Strong, 2006 Cannondale Synapse
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1129 Post(s)
Liked 1,091 Times
in
604 Posts
Imma go with None Of The Above
If I was interested in an aluminum frame I'd be talking to Carl Strong, Craig Gualzetti, or Joe DePaemelaere (Primus Mootry).
If I was interested in an aluminum frame I'd be talking to Carl Strong, Craig Gualzetti, or Joe DePaemelaere (Primus Mootry).
09-25-11, 10:52 AM
#10
Banned
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northern California
Posts: 5,804
Bikes: Raleigh Grand Prix, Giant Innova, Nishiki Sebring, Trek 7.5FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
09-25-11, 10:53 AM
#11
Senior Member
SlimRider, I didn't vote because presently most aluminum frames are made somewhere in Asia and differences are slight. At one time the best off the shelf aluminum frames that also happened to be affordable were made by Cannondale, Klein and Trek, IMHO.
After your steel thread I just have to wonder where you're going to steer this thread.
Brad
After your steel thread I just have to wonder where you're going to steer this thread.
Brad
09-25-11, 12:33 PM
#12
Banned
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northern California
Posts: 5,804
Bikes: Raleigh Grand Prix, Giant Innova, Nishiki Sebring, Trek 7.5FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
SlimRider, I didn't vote because presently most aluminum frames are made somewhere in Asia and differences are slight. At one time the best off the shelf aluminum frames that also happened to be affordable were made by Cannondale, Klein and Trek, IMHO.
After your steel thread I just have to wonder where you're going to steer this thread.
Brad
After your steel thread I just have to wonder where you're going to steer this thread.
Brad
Don't get the wrong impression of me. I have a truly profound and instinctive appreciation for all bicycles. I happen to like aluminum bikes. I like carbon bikes too. It's just that I have an even deeper admiration for steel-framed bikes. That's it! I happen to own a Trek 7.5FX.
I don't have anything against aluminum bikes within themselves. In fact, I see a Cannondale CAAD 10 5 105 drawing closer to me in the not too distant future.
I think I may be obcessed!
- Slim
PS.
I have no ulterior motive for this poll.
Last edited by SlimRider; 09-26-11 at 08:03 AM.
09-25-11, 12:42 PM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Posts: 7,055
Bikes: Cervelo Prodigy
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 464 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 81 Times
in
61 Posts
I suspect that much of the aluminum bikes are sent out to the tube makers. Those tube makers then process according to the bike manufacturer's specifications. Try the Deda web site and you will see what I mean. Dedacciai is their full Italian name.
https://www.dedacciai.net/eng-frame-c...frame-home.php
https://www.dedacciai.net/eng-frame-c...frame-home.php
09-25-11, 04:19 PM
#14
Gouge Away
C'Dale probably still the best of the bunch listed. If I was looking for another aluminum bike it would probably be a Spooky, Tsunami, Rock Lobster, or possibly a Salsa. But, I don't see that happening anytime soon as the Santana Stylus I have has been by far the best aluminum bike I have ridden.
09-25-11, 05:49 PM
#15
Banned.
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Southern california
Posts: 3,498
Bikes: Lapierre CF Sensium 400. Jamis Ventura Sport. Trek 800. Giant Cypress.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I have to vote for Giant because they make their own frames. Many of the Trek and Specialized frames more than likely are made by Giant anyway. Doral may or may not farm their frames out to Giant. Raleigh has their frames built in Asia by Kenisis and A-Pro or so I have read. Not sure who is making the frames for Cannondale now that they moved everything off shore.
I have been spending a lot of time looking for a frame lately so these are just things I am picking up. Giant is the largest frame manufacturer in the world right now I believe. And one of the few that makes their own frames.
I have been spending a lot of time looking for a frame lately so these are just things I am picking up. Giant is the largest frame manufacturer in the world right now I believe. And one of the few that makes their own frames.
09-26-11, 03:10 AM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,617
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
Mentioned: 28 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4085 Post(s)
Liked 2,367 Times
in
1,236 Posts
It all depends.. on the skill of the welder, material used and quality control of the company that makes it.
09-26-11, 03:11 AM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: England
Posts: 12,948
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 19 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
Giant, Merida, Kinesis, Pacific, Ideal are the bike builders in Taiwan who make all the major big-name bike brands.
Even Aluminium super-bikes like Principia are manufactured in Taiwan.
Even Aluminium super-bikes like Principia are manufactured in Taiwan.
09-26-11, 05:38 AM
#18
Zip tie Karen
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Posts: 7,006
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1465 Post(s)
Liked 1,539 Times
in
805 Posts
In A Word...
China
09-26-11, 12:51 PM
#20
Humvee of bikes =Worksman
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,362
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
yep, pretty much says it all.............
-and-
"Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"
-and-
"Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"
__________________
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
09-26-11, 12:54 PM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: West, Tn.
Posts: 1,761
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I'm not an engineer and not qualified to make this decision. And I'm not gonna say "the current bike I have" to make myself think it is.
09-26-11, 01:05 PM
#22
Humvee of bikes =Worksman
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,362
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
Good answer...........
__________________
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
09-26-11, 03:42 PM
#23
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 26,950
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 146 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5936 Post(s)
Liked 3,760 Times
in
2,164 Posts
And aluminum was first isolated in 1825. A bit more then 100 years of development
__________________
Stuart Black
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Days of Wineless Roads. Bed and Breakfasting along the KATY
Twisting Down the Alley. Misadventures in tornado alley.
Stuart Black
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Days of Wineless Roads. Bed and Breakfasting along the KATY
Twisting Down the Alley. Misadventures in tornado alley.
09-26-11, 05:35 PM
#25
Humvee of bikes =Worksman
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 5,362
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
6 Posts
<Sigh> Does your bike have steel wheels (I pity you if it does)? Does your car (most modern cars do)? Have you ever flown in a commercial airliner? All of these are supporting your butt on aluminum parts and some of them are operating far in excess of 30 mph.
And aluminum was first isolated in 1825. A bit more then 100 years of development
And aluminum was first isolated in 1825. A bit more then 100 years of development
https://xnet3.uss.com/auto/steelvsal/basicfacts.htm
__________________
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
