There is a lot of debate on the differences between steel and aluminum bicycle frames. Most entry level cyclists don’t even consider the frame material that is used for their bicycle’s frame. Some of the top issues that cyclists are concerned about are durability, corrosion resistance and flex. Although, some high end bicycle manufacturers are now coating the inside of their bicycle frames with corrosion resistant primers, a lot of bicycle enthusiasts are more concerned about weight. So how do the two frame materials measure up? Let’s take a look at some facts about the frame materials that are used to manufacture a bicycle frame.
Steel has been one of the top choices for professionals and amateurs alike when it comes to bicycle frames. Steel is a very tough material that flexes and gives slightly when riding over rough roads or cobblestones. If you consider what professionals use you also have to consider that a lot of times they are at the mercy of their sponsors and must use whatever they are given to compete with. Unless the professional rider has been winning consistently there is little chance that they can choose what they prefer.
Steel has a lot of advantages over other materials and depending on the grade of steel that is used to build the bicycle a rider can definitely “feel” a difference. Steel flexes and absorbs some of the stress that would otherwise be translated to the rider. Some of the drawbacks to steel are weight and corrosion. Steel is a heavy material and if not properly cared for it can rust. Chips, nicks and scrapes in the paint systems on a steel frame bicycle can become unsightly and weaken the frame strength if left unattended for long periods of time. Most bicycle enthusiasts that are critical about frame material will tell you that steel or chromoly is the best material to use for frame building.
Aluminum alloys retain a lower material density and a lower strength ratio compared to steel alloys. Aluminum possess a better strength-to-weight ratio giving aluminum a notable weight advantage over steel. Early aluminum frames have been shown to be more vulnerable to fatigue due to ineffective alloys or imperfect welding techniques. The contrast between some steel and titanium alloys which have known fatigue limits and are easier to weld or braze together is clear. However, some of these disadvantages have since been rectified with more skilled frame builders capable of manufacturing better quality welds, mechanical automation, and the greater affordability of modern aluminum alloys such as the ones used in commercial airliners. This assures greater strength and reliability in aluminum making it comparable to steel frames. Aluminum’s greater strength to weight ratio as compared with steel, and certain rigid strength properties, assure it a place in the preferred frame-building materials. Some disadvantages are that an aluminum frame doesn’t feel the same to an experienced cyclist as a steel frame. Aluminum doesn’t flex and is rigid which creates excessive ride harshness in lower quality frames. There is also an issue with decreased ease of repair-ability in aluminum bicycle frames.
There are also several other materials available that can be used to build bicycle frames such as carbon fiber, titanium and even bamboo. These materials, other than bamboo, can be very costly and they can be very expensive to repair. Most recreational cyclists will choose aluminum or steel frames in order to save money while retaining the durability and longevity of their bicycles frame and components. If you are undecided about what frame material you should consider then always choose a high grade chromoly steel but if you plan on doing a lot of hill climbing and need to save weight then aluminum is a great choice. Also, depending on what kind of application you choose for your riding style such as mountain biking or road biking, you may want to consider other materials that are within your budget.
