In addition, the tubes are double butted, which means they're thicker at the welds for strength, and thinner in between to save weight. Our bikes are made from a very strong and very light alloy called 4130 chromoly steel. Aluminum tubes can be many shapes (square, triangular, fluted, etc) and are usually larger in diameter than steel (1.5"+). How can you tell the difference? There's a quick and easy visual test for material: Steel tubes are always cylindrical, and usually between 1"-1.5" in diameter. That extra material adds extra weight, and quickly an aluminum frame can weigh just as much or more than a steel one. To make aluminum frames strong enough, builders often make the tubes larger and thicker than steel tubes. And while it's true aluminum is lighter by volume as a metal, that property doesn't tell us the whole story. Not surprising, we make bridges out of one, and soda cans out of the other. There's a misconception that steel bike frames are heavy, and aluminum frames are light. Steel on the other hand, will bend before it breaks, resulting in a far more resilient frame. The same is true in many respects of aluminum. Think about it like this: glass will break before it bends. And when aluminum fails, it fails catastrophically. A single dent in the wrong place could render an aluminum frame unsafe to ride. Aluminum is more brittle, so it's more susceptible to failure through fatigue or damage. When well made and cared for, steel will last a lifetime. It can ding, scratch, dent, even bend, and retain structural integrity. No frame material is more durable than steel. But for getting to the store over city streets steel offers a more forgiving ride. When fractions of a second count, track racers prefer that rigidity. Read on for the how and why, and we'll help you navigate the materials market.Īluminum frames are generally stiffer than steel, resulting in a harsher ride. Most city bikes are built on either steel frames or aluminum frames, and which one you pick will impact the quality of your ride and the life of your bike.
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