steel vs. aluminum?
12-29-05 | 11:55 AM
#1
Thread Starter
hell's angels h/q e3st ny
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: boston area/morningside heights manhattan
Bikes: surly steamroller, independent fabrication titanium club racer, iro jamie roy--44/16, independent fabrication steel crown jewel--47/17, surly karate. monkey (rohloff speed hub), unicycle
steel vs. aluminum?
i apologize if this is somethin' ya'll talk about all the time (i mainly read and post on the fixed gear forum, but i thought you guys would know more about it), but i really am curious as to the advantages and disadvantages of each. i've only ridden aluminum. i like it, but what are the differences?
thanks!
thanks!
12-29-05 | 01:40 PM
#4
59'er
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 12
From: Alexandria, IN
Bikes: LeMond Maillot Jaune, Vintage Trek 520 (1985), 1976 Schwinn Voyageur 2, Miyata 1000 (1985)
The rap on aluminum is that it rides harsh. It's a simplistic view though. I have an all aluminum Trek 1200c that has a relaxed geometry and is quite comfortable. I’ve also ridden a Cannondale race bike and it beat the hell out of me. Weight of the rider matters too as the heavy guy will not be as bothered by Aluminum as a lightweight.
I think aluminum is getting a bad rap because it’s the cheapest material to produce and its human nature to assume the more exotic materials is better. Steel used to be old fashioned and no one wanted it. Now it has made a comeback so truly you should determine what you want out of a bike, make a list of bikes no matter what the material, and then ride them all.
I think aluminum is getting a bad rap because it’s the cheapest material to produce and its human nature to assume the more exotic materials is better. Steel used to be old fashioned and no one wanted it. Now it has made a comeback so truly you should determine what you want out of a bike, make a list of bikes no matter what the material, and then ride them all.
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12-29-05 | 02:12 PM
#7
if x=byh then x+1=byn
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Sacramento, CA
Bikes: See signature
Originally Posted by johnny99
SNIP:You need to compare complete bikes, not just materials.
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'00 TiSports Titanium - DA 9 speed------ '01 KHS Flite 800 - DA/Utegra 9 speed mix
‘02 Ellsworth Flight - Ultegra 10 speed -.'03 Basso Coral - Ultegra 10 speed
'03 Specialized Allez Pro - DA 10 speed .'04 Scattante CFR Limited - DA 9 speed
'05 KHS Flite 2000 - Ultegra 9 speed -... '06 Flyte SRS-3 - DA 9 speed-------
'05 Serotta Fierte - Utegra 10 speed--..-'07 Pedal Force RS - SRAM Force
'00 TiSports Titanium - DA 9 speed------ '01 KHS Flite 800 - DA/Utegra 9 speed mix
‘02 Ellsworth Flight - Ultegra 10 speed -.'03 Basso Coral - Ultegra 10 speed
'03 Specialized Allez Pro - DA 10 speed .'04 Scattante CFR Limited - DA 9 speed
'05 KHS Flite 2000 - Ultegra 9 speed -... '06 Flyte SRS-3 - DA 9 speed-------
'05 Serotta Fierte - Utegra 10 speed--..-'07 Pedal Force RS - SRAM Force
12-29-05 | 02:49 PM
#8
I-M-D bell curve of bikn'
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: NC mountains
Bikes: 06' Jamis Eclipse in the making.
I guess this brings back that old 70's commercial................Parkay.......butter! I vote for butter since margarines are one molecule away from being plastic! I like it natural!
Oh, I forgot the question here!
Oh, I forgot the question here!
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Ego Campana Inflectum of Circuitous
Ego Campana Inflectum of Circuitous
12-29-05 | 02:55 PM
#9
Huachuca Rider
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,275
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From: Charlotte, NC
Bikes: Fuji CCR1, Specialized Roubaix
Don't overlook the mixed materials frames either. I'm riding carbon (seat stays, seat post, stem and fork) and aluminum. makes the choice even easier. Doesn't it?
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Just Peddlin' Around
Just Peddlin' Around
12-29-05 | 02:56 PM
#10
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Originally Posted by Mariner Fan
The rap on aluminum is that it rides harsh...
Originally Posted by Mariner Fan
I think aluminum is getting a bad rap because it’s the cheapest material to produce ...
This has been re-hashed over and over, but the current protour for the last few years has either been on aluminum, titanium or carbon fiber.
12-29-05 | 03:09 PM
#12
59'er
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,307
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From: Alexandria, IN
Bikes: LeMond Maillot Jaune, Vintage Trek 520 (1985), 1976 Schwinn Voyageur 2, Miyata 1000 (1985)
Got to admit it's fun debating which material is better. I have a mixed bike (Steel & Carbon Fiber). Everyone has their preferences and geometry has alot to do with a comfortable ride. 
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12-29-05 | 08:59 PM
#13
Aluminium Crusader :-)
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,050
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From: Melbourne, Australia
aluminium frames generally don't last as long as steel, which is ok if the alu frame ain't expensive. I'm reluctant to pay more than $1000 AUS for aluminium.
If you buy aluminium, you increase the chances of the bike being uncomfortable, but a lot can be done to improve the ride with the right carbon fork.
I cracked 2 alu frames in under 2 years, but all 5 of my steel frames are still going strong (they're not all built up at the moment
)
If you buy aluminium, you increase the chances of the bike being uncomfortable, but a lot can be done to improve the ride with the right carbon fork.
I cracked 2 alu frames in under 2 years, but all 5 of my steel frames are still going strong (they're not all built up at the moment
)
Last edited by 531Aussie; 12-29-05 at 09:26 PM.
12-30-05 | 01:22 AM
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 164
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1. Aluminium frames on average have a shorter fatigue life compare to steel frames.
2. Aluminum frames suffering structural damage are harder to repair than most steel frames.
3. Aluminum frames are lighter than steel frames of similar stiffness.
4. Alumininum frames absorb more high frequency vibration than steel frames. Some considering the transmission of high frequency a desirable characteristic that gives more "road feel" and "feed back".
2. Aluminum frames suffering structural damage are harder to repair than most steel frames.
3. Aluminum frames are lighter than steel frames of similar stiffness.
4. Alumininum frames absorb more high frequency vibration than steel frames. Some considering the transmission of high frequency a desirable characteristic that gives more "road feel" and "feed back".
12-30-05 | 04:03 AM
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Mesa, AZ
Bikes: Moots RCS, tandem, beach-cruiser, MTB, Specialized-Allez road-bike, custom track-bike
Originally Posted by tinrobot
Steel contains iron. Iron is good for you. They put it in vitamins and stuff.
Here's some threads of interest:
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Ti vs Al vs Steel need help thanks
Why would Alum feel better than Steel?
Carbon Conspiracy....
Is Aluminum stronger than Steel?
If steel is real, then what is carbon fiber?
has anyone seen ti crack?
biased against steel?
tell me about the different frame materials, please.
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12-30-05 | 06:33 AM
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Munich
Bikes: Lemond Alpe d´Huez, Scott Sub 10, homemade mtb, Radlbauer adler (old city bike), Dahon impulse (folder with 20 inch wheels), haibike eq xduro
From what I can gather from these forums it seems that there is a huge difference between the popularity of different frame materials in Europe and the US. Most people on this forum (from the US) seem to want and buy steel framed bikes. Aluminium bikes are regarded as inferior.
Here in Europe I have seen no such attitude. If you go in any bike shop now it is extremely difficult to find any quality bike made of steel. The really cheap (Walmart type) bikes are either made of "Hi- Ten" and are incredibly heavy and bad or are made of aluminium and are not much lighter. The middle range bikes are now all made of aluminium and the top end are now all CF.
It looks like the US cyclists have had more motivation to retain steel as a quality frame material. Or are the bike forums maybe not really representative of the US cycling scene.
Here in Europe I have seen no such attitude. If you go in any bike shop now it is extremely difficult to find any quality bike made of steel. The really cheap (Walmart type) bikes are either made of "Hi- Ten" and are incredibly heavy and bad or are made of aluminium and are not much lighter. The middle range bikes are now all made of aluminium and the top end are now all CF.
It looks like the US cyclists have had more motivation to retain steel as a quality frame material. Or are the bike forums maybe not really representative of the US cycling scene.
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only the dead have seen the end of mass motorized stupidity
Plato
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only the dead have seen the end of mass motorized stupidity
Plato
(well if he was alive today he would have written it)
12-30-05 | 06:33 AM
#20
Lets Ride
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,102
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From: Biking Country, USA
Bikes: Trek 1200, Lemond Sarthe, Gary Fisher Tass
Originally Posted by DannoXYZ
Here's some threads of interest:
I am pretty sure that almost every subject that could be discussed has already been discussed and could be found using the search feature. So if everyone used just used search against the current knowledge base we wouldn't see many new post. But it still makes for good reading and interesting conversation. The research value of the search feature is invaluable for research but doesn't do much to promote newl conversation about a particular subject.
12-30-05 | 06:44 AM
#22
Behind EVERYone!!!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,029
Likes: 111
From: Burlington ON, Canada
Bikes: 2010 Specialized Tricross Comp 105 Double
Originally Posted by Trekke
Appreciate seeing this effort vs just saying "Use the search"
I am pretty sure that almost every subject that could be discussed has already been discussed and could be found using the search feature. So if everyone used just used search against the current knowledge base we wouldn't see many new post. But it still makes for good reading and interesting conversation. The research value of the search feature is invaluable for research but doesn't do much to promote newl conversation about a particular subject.
I am pretty sure that almost every subject that could be discussed has already been discussed and could be found using the search feature. So if everyone used just used search against the current knowledge base we wouldn't see many new post. But it still makes for good reading and interesting conversation. The research value of the search feature is invaluable for research but doesn't do much to promote newl conversation about a particular subject.
Cheers,
Brian
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“A good teacher protects his pupils from his own influence. ”
― Bruce Lee
12-30-05 | 07:06 AM
#23
Administrator
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,651
Likes: 2,697
From: Delaware shore
Bikes: Cervelo C5, Guru Photon, Waterford, Specialized CX
Originally Posted by royalflash
It looks like the US cyclists have had more motivation to retain steel as a quality frame material. Or are the bike forums maybe not really representative of the US cycling scene.
12-30-05 | 07:06 AM
#24
Thread Starter
hell's angels h/q e3st ny
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 0
From: boston area/morningside heights manhattan
Bikes: surly steamroller, independent fabrication titanium club racer, iro jamie roy--44/16, independent fabrication steel crown jewel--47/17, surly karate. monkey (rohloff speed hub), unicycle
hey dannoxyz!! thanks!!! 
brunop!
brunop!
12-30-05 | 07:10 AM
#25
I think aluminum is getting a bad rap because it’s the cheapest material to produce and its human nature to assume the more exotic materials is better.