ufbeans

Yes, steel is indeed still real. Full disclosure, that's what I ride but I find myself jealous of these low cost aluminum frames. I feel like they have taken over in just the past few years. You can get a frame for $100 that's weighs 3.75 lbs. Just take a look at the frames City Grounds is selling these days. So I guess my question is, have manufacturing processes made these aluminum frames such a tremendous bargain at this point, that we steel guys can't hide behind our lively, feeeeel, springy arguments anymore? I mean who doesn't want to ride a 15 lb bike as long as it's not a complete ass hatchet?

Fixed Gear Frames, Fixie Frames & Single Speed Frames | City Grounds

nightfly

I've never been much of a fan even of nice aluminum frames, I can't imagine a cheap one would ride well but who knows. My understanding is that to get rid of the harshness of aluminum you have to do a good job with the other elements of the alloy and design the frame to have more give. Seems sorta nuanced for cheap manufacturers.

I think they're geared toward the style/fashion end of the spectrum. Don't think I'm trading my Rush for one anytime soon to shave a pound or two.

If we started seeing cheap carbon fixed frames, I might bite because at least I like the ride of good quality carbon. I'm sorta surprised this hasn't happened as I'd think the raw material would be pretty cheap and once you have the process down you could bang them out for less than steel or aluminum since there's no mining involved. But I'm probably missing something.

ufbeans

6061 is 6061 there is no changing the alloy. The tube shape and hydro forming I presume are much cheaper today than they once were to produce but that's a guess. If thats true then why can't these frames be made to feel very stiff or even flexy? It's the geometry and tires anyway, right, that are most important to making a bike comfortable or not. I've heard of lots more quality control issues with these alu frames but putting that aside, If you can find a well manufactured one, why not?

mrblue

I find the proliferation of low-cost aluminum fixies annoying, too. But I guess they do serve one purpose: Getting people riding. I know it's been said before, but hopefully these low cost bikes, which tend to be all style over substance, will inspire people to get on a bike, fall in love with riding, and hopefully cultivate a lifelong passion, whether they remain a fixie rider or move on to road, mountain, cyclocross, or whatever.