Why steel frames?
09-13-07, 10:45 AM
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Why steel frames?
Why are steel frames so much more popular than aluminum frames?
Carbon and ti are expensive so I guess that's why more people don't ride them. I also understand a lot of people want vintage frames so that's why they go steal.
But aluminum frames are not crazy expensive, won't rust like steel, and are typically lighter. So why don't more people pick aluminum over steel?
Carbon and ti are expensive so I guess that's why more people don't ride them. I also understand a lot of people want vintage frames so that's why they go steal.
But aluminum frames are not crazy expensive, won't rust like steel, and are typically lighter. So why don't more people pick aluminum over steel?
09-13-07, 10:49 AM
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What is stiffness?
I'll take comfortable flex for $600
I'll take comfortable flex for $600
09-13-07, 11:11 AM
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Aluminum has a negative reputation with some people for a few reasons. It is said by many that it offers a harsher ride than steel, which might hold a grain of truth but is generally blown far out of all reasonable proportion. The way people talk about it, you'd think an aluminum frame will result in stress fractures in load-bearing bones from road vibration and steel frames yielded a ride like air shocks on a tour bus. In reality, though, Aluminum frames can be wonderful to ride. Also, people will cite that steel frames are more durable and can be repaired after a bad crash. If you trash an aluminum frame, yes, it is probably toast and you might be able to have a steel frame of similar damage repaired, but let's be realistic here - when a frame really gets messed up bad, how many of us try to get it repaired? Usually if it's that bad, we just go for a new frame. Finally, I think that a lot of people just like Steel better because it's more familiar and they don't feel like they have to worry about it. That's fine, but aluminum is a completely reasonable thing to ride and we shouldn't forget that. I'll take good aluminum over crappy steel any day of the week.
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09-13-07, 11:12 AM
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Why are steel frames so much more popular than aluminum frames?
Carbon and ti are expensive so I guess that's why more people don't ride them. I also understand a lot of people want vintage frames so that's why they go steal.
But aluminum frames are not crazy expensive, won't rust like steel, and are typically lighter. So why don't more people pick aluminum over steel?
Carbon and ti are expensive so I guess that's why more people don't ride them. I also understand a lot of people want vintage frames so that's why they go steal.
But aluminum frames are not crazy expensive, won't rust like steel, and are typically lighter. So why don't more people pick aluminum over steel?
And NJS frames are made of steel.
Plenty of people pick aluminum but cheap aluminum frames with track or horizontal dropouts aren't that easy to find. The Jamie Roy group buy was a big success.
As for weight, that's overrated unless you are racing up mountains or in criteriums. It's all in the legs.
Yeah, that whole thing about steel being easier to repair. yes, it's repairable but not by Joe Blowtorch unless you are really desperate; like being in Peru and being chased by ninjas or something.
09-13-07, 11:12 AM
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my daily rider is steel because aluminum dents so easily.. That said I do have two alloy bikes as well, but I'd never ride them daily; if you do it is just a matter of time before you will be bummed
besides, the thin tubing on steel bikes is in style
besides, the thin tubing on steel bikes is in style
09-13-07, 11:13 AM
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I'm not saying you haven't had bad experiences with aluminum denting, but it's probabl not fair to make a blanket statement that it dents easily. My basso has been totally beat to **** and not a dent to show for it. A lot depends on the particular frame and tubeset.
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09-13-07, 11:16 AM
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I have an Al cannondale MTB. It is the 3rd frame from them. Bent seatstay 1st frame (there was no discernable event that caused it). Cracked 2nd frame where the downtube meets the headtube. Current frame is still going strong (I don't MTB anymore...)
I originally liked AL due to corrosion resistance, etc.
After finally getting a steel bike, I realized how much better the ride quality was for me. Seriously, much better.
Those are simply my results.
I originally liked AL due to corrosion resistance, etc.
After finally getting a steel bike, I realized how much better the ride quality was for me. Seriously, much better.
Those are simply my results.
09-13-07, 11:18 AM
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If you have to ask, go take a steel frame for a test ride. Then try aluminum. The answer will present itself.
09-13-07, 11:19 AM
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i have an aluminum GT aggressor MTB and it's great because i don't do hard riding on it.
aluminum is only marginally lighter weight for the same strength as a good chromoly.
steel is good for strength. i'm thinking of having it powdercoated so that it will resist rust more.
aluminum is only marginally lighter weight for the same strength as a good chromoly.
steel is good for strength. i'm thinking of having it powdercoated so that it will resist rust more.
09-13-07, 11:28 AM
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Has anyone done a correlation between rider size and weight and frame material preference?
My steel San Jose and my aluminu/carbon Orbea feel pretty close to me. I weigh 150lbs.
My steel San Jose and my aluminu/carbon Orbea feel pretty close to me. I weigh 150lbs.
09-13-07, 11:30 AM
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true.. true....
09-13-07, 11:44 AM
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09-13-07, 11:45 AM
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It depends on if you ask the people a Rivendell or the people at Cannondale. I have an aluminum road bike and a couple of steel ones. The difference between them is more a result of slightly different geometry than anything else as far as I can tell.
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09-13-07, 12:40 PM
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Aluminum frames don't look like these:
09-13-07, 01:36 PM
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aluminum is secretly made from styrofoam
09-13-07, 02:52 PM
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aluminum is pleaty strong if you don't hit it with a hammer.
steel frames dent a lot too ask everyone riding a dented keirin frame.
I gave up my Concept because I didn't love the ride as much as my steel frames
BUT the Concept has some HELLA steep geometry. and VERY little rake .so was it the metal or the geo?
I think I prefer steel.................. I hope Dan loves Aluminum though cause its his now
steel frames dent a lot too ask everyone riding a dented keirin frame.
I gave up my Concept because I didn't love the ride as much as my steel frames
BUT the Concept has some HELLA steep geometry. and VERY little rake .so was it the metal or the geo?
I think I prefer steel.................. I hope Dan loves Aluminum though cause its his now
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09-13-07, 03:04 PM
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honestly aluminum frames can be hella fast--less flex than steel
means more power transfer to the road. Steel is a good compromise
between ride quality and stiffness. . .but of course there are crappy steel
frames and great aluminum frames with carbon forks to absorb road vibration.
means more power transfer to the road. Steel is a good compromise
between ride quality and stiffness. . .but of course there are crappy steel
frames and great aluminum frames with carbon forks to absorb road vibration.
09-13-07, 03:28 PM
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A lot of how Aluminum feels has to do with how it is shaped.. if you build an aluminum bike with the same kind of tubes as a steel bike, it will probably feel terrible to ride. But if you curve your seatstays, hydroform your tubes properly, and distribute the material where it should be, you can get a very comfortable ride that is still stiff. Cannondale seems to be doing a good job of this with their CAAD series. I ride an old R500 that was before they introduced curved seat stays, and it feels much worse than the CAAD5 Capo I ride. Really, it is quite painful going over mild bumps. This is also due to the aluminum fork (which is never a good thing) and seatpost. And my Selle Italia SLR seat, which isn't the most comfortable in the world.
