Chromoly Steel versus Aluminum Frames?
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Chromoly Steel versus Aluminum Frames?
While Chromoly steel bike frames offer a smoother ride, steel rusts. Given the choice for an around-town errand bike and light commuter, and all other things being equal, like price, which would you prefer?
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I'd pick whichever one came in the color I liked better.
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Having a low-end modern aluminum bike and a high-end obsolete steel one, I think ride quality is first a matter of tires, and as far as the frame matters, it's probably more how well-designed it is, rather than what it's made of.
Rust is why humans invented paint.
Rust is why humans invented paint.
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#6
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The rust issues are overstated, unless you are a complete idiot and leave your bike outside for the entire decade. There might be issues with salted roads in winter, but most people who live in those parts don't ride that often then, anyway. There are other components on any bike -- including aluminium and CF ones -- that are likely to corrode/rust before the frame, with the most exposed being the chain, then the cogs on the rear, and various bolts unless they are stainless steel (which mostly they aren't).
The only way to determine if a bike has a good ride is to test ride it over the same sorts of surfaces you intend to ride normally. Personally, aluminium doesn't do that much for me -- my one road bike made of that material left me feeling quite beaten up after a century, and my steel ones haven't. But then I don't dismiss aluminium as a future option, especially if I was looking for a bike to go racing with (because aluminium frames generally are cheaper).
How long a frame lasts also is a non-issue with most modern bikes these days. Aluminium frames and the materials (alloys) generally are designed to ensure they will last pretty well the lifetime of the user (yes, always exceptions, but not that many).
The only way to determine if a bike has a good ride is to test ride it over the same sorts of surfaces you intend to ride normally. Personally, aluminium doesn't do that much for me -- my one road bike made of that material left me feeling quite beaten up after a century, and my steel ones haven't. But then I don't dismiss aluminium as a future option, especially if I was looking for a bike to go racing with (because aluminium frames generally are cheaper).
How long a frame lasts also is a non-issue with most modern bikes these days. Aluminium frames and the materials (alloys) generally are designed to ensure they will last pretty well the lifetime of the user (yes, always exceptions, but not that many).
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My choice...for me....if I commuted on bike...aluminum. Responsive and light. Tires would be another subject...for me.
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For a while, I had both an AL frame and steel frame road bike. They both had 25 mm tires, but different wheel sets, the steel bike was custom fit. AL was quite comfortable, steel frame is more so. However not sure if the comfort is due tires, bike fit, frame material or geometry.
Have ridden steel frame bike year around in all sorts of weather, not concerned about them rusting. However, after riding in the rain or wet weather, when done - I raise the front wheel up so bike is perpendicular to ground to let water run out of the frame limber holes. I also might hang bike up by it's front wheel.
Have ridden steel frame bike year around in all sorts of weather, not concerned about them rusting. However, after riding in the rain or wet weather, when done - I raise the front wheel up so bike is perpendicular to ground to let water run out of the frame limber holes. I also might hang bike up by it's front wheel.
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I commuted for years in all weather on a steel frame. Still have the frame, still not rusted. Only thing I didn't like was it was noodly when cornering hard, otherwise the ride was very comfortable and I felt I could go forever on that thing.
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You are asking about an around-town errand bike and light commuter. Since I'd think most people would tend to buy a less expensive bike, rather than spend thousands of dollars on a bike for this purpose, I'd recommend aluminum. (If you're planning on spending big dollars, ignore everything else I say.) In lower price ranges, you'll have a much greater selection of bikes to choose from in aluminum. Also, higher end, and even mid-range steel bikes ride nicely and usually to rarely to never have rust issues, lower end steel will be (very) heavy, not ride as well, and be (more) prone to rust. I have a $200.00 aluminum frame which is very comfortable.
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After we've exhausted this topic, we'll move on to discuss which political party is the best.
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#18
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Yes, slushy salted roads are the big issue for a steel bike. My old Trek Sierra started rusting out after only 2-3 years, all around the BB area. I guess I should have applied rust-proofing to the inside when it was new. Chains would get destroyed in a matter of weeks during the late winter/early spring; I could oil the chain heavily, ride to work, and by the time I got home it would be rinsed clean and red. The requirements for its replacement included aluminum frame and top-routed cables. If not for salt, I think I'd prefer the steel as being stronger and less susceptible to fatigue.
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The purpose of using a stronger alloy isn't to produce a stronger bike frame. If the base line frame is strong enough, making it even stronger would be pointless. Manufacturers use stronger alloys so they can make a bike frame that is equally strong but weighs less.
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My greatest fear is all of my kids standing around my coffin and talking about "how sensible" dad was.
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#20
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Both metals Oxidize, it's called Corrosion in everything But steel and Iron .. only then the corrosion is called Rust.
#21
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Yes, slushy salted roads are the big issue for a steel bike. My old Trek Sierra started rusting out after only 2-3 years, all around the BB area. I guess I should have applied rust-proofing to the inside when it was new. Chains would get destroyed in a matter of weeks during the late winter/early spring; I could oil the chain heavily, ride to work, and by the time I got home it would be rinsed clean and red. The requirements for its replacement included aluminum frame and top-routed cables. If not for salt, I think I'd prefer the steel as being stronger and less susceptible to fatigue.
Regarding the chain; I am reasoned to guess that you need to do more than apply some oil to it. If it is washing off in a single day's commute, then the oil being used is not worth a damn for that purpose. Pick something more viable and see if it improves it. Might look for products specifically intended for bicycle chains.
Hope that helps (and apologize in advance if the above sounds preachy or condescending as its not so intended)
/K
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I'm betting that most buyers are looking at the wrong end of the equation.
The purpose of using a stronger alloy isn't to produce a stronger bike frame. If the base line frame is strong enough, making it even stronger would be pointless. Manufacturers use stronger alloys so they can make a bike frame that is equally strong but weighs less.
The purpose of using a stronger alloy isn't to produce a stronger bike frame. If the base line frame is strong enough, making it even stronger would be pointless. Manufacturers use stronger alloys so they can make a bike frame that is equally strong but weighs less.
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For a start: Reynolds 531 for steel and 6065 for aluminum. Either is strong enough to be made into a light ,stiff frame.
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the oxide layer on aluminum
protects the metal underneath from oxidising
unless it is rubbed off
while our orange friend rust
continues eating the iron even after the first layer has been converted