Basic Guide To Bike Frame Materials

December 03, 2018

There are lots of ways to decide on the right bike for your Sunday rides. You want to look stylish, be comfortable, and have a reliable set of wheels beneath you. But have you thought about the frame? The frame of your bike supports not only your own body but the other mechanisms of your cycle such as the seat post and crankset. When it comes to bike frames, materials used vary from lightweight and easily molded to durable and time-tested. Here is a quick guide to the four most commonly used bike frame materials:

Aluminum

Aluminum is perhaps the most commonly used material for bicycle frames. Not only is it lightweight, but it is a very affordable option. Aluminum frames are known to be stiff, durable, and strong. The one downside to this type of frame is that aluminum doesn’t always absorb shock as well as some other materials. However, clever manufacturers have found workarounds such as integrating foam into the design.

Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber is famously light. It’s also easy to shape into an efficient frame, so it’s a popular choice for high-performance mountain bikes. Carbon fiber frames are constructed by gluing together strands of carbon; because they’re not metal, these frames are less likely to fall victim to rusting and other corrosion. If carbon fiber sounds appealing to you, you’re not alone. Because this material has so many advantages it remains the most expensive type of frame on the market.

Chromoly

Chromoly frames are comprised of steel, chromium, and molybdenum. This steel alloy was developed as an alternative to hi-tensile steel. Its durability makes chromoly an attractive option for people who are racing or mountain biking – the material can withstand impact and absorbs a lot of shock. It’s a popular choice for BMX bikes but it could also be a great option if you’re seeking a frame that can navigate potholes like a champion.

Titanium

Titanium is increasingly rare and can be difficult to work with. That being said, it is still popular among some riders because it is just about the most durable material you can use to build a bike frame. It’s still lightweight (even lighter than steel) while having a weight-to-strength ratio that is unmatched by other types of metal or carbon. Titanium frames can be a bit stiff at first but these bikes usually last for years, even if they get into a minor crash.

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