Material of Choice

[Billy Mathisen]

I'm curious what most people think is their favorite bike frame material and why. Is it:

Steel
Aluminum
Titanium
Carbon fiber
or Magnesium


I guess you'll have two answers -one for hardtails and one for full suspension.

Thanks

[drevil]

Ti. It's tough, light and comfortable. Steel comes second, but you have the little issue of rust. None of the others appeal to me for a hardtail.

If'n I'd ride a dually, I'd go for aluminum only.

[Billy Mathisen]

yeh, I think I agree. Ti is some amazing stuff. And I noticed a some rust inside of the seat tube of my hardtail recently. Maybe if I ignore it, it will go away!

[BrianN]

Out of the 6 bikes I have only one isn't steel. The steels include the Bridgestone MB1, Specilized Allez, Brew 180proof, WTB Pheonix and the IBIS Hakkalugi. I recently purchased a Weyless Full Suspension which is my first Aluminum. If I had the extra cash, I probably would have looked at the Vicious Groover. I've found the steel frames are a little more forgiving. Also I like it when my steel weighs less that some of the Ti frames my friends have.

[drewdane]

I'm curious what most people think is their favorite bike frame material and why. Is it:

Steel
Aluminum
Titanium
Carbon fiber
or Magnesium


I guess you'll have two answers -one for hardtails and one for full suspension.

Thanks
Lead. Solid lead.

[drevil]

Lead. Solid lead.

I don't know, Drew. Spent Uranium might give you a better workout!

[halfinch]

I don't know, Drew. Spent Uranium might give you a better workout!

methinks you wouldnt need headlamps for the night rides..

[themonkeyman]

gold--it looks good on the top of the podium

But seriously, I like either steel or aluminum--Ti's way to friggen expensive, and all the rest are kind of like sideshow materials--for now anyway, but trek is changing that in terms of carbon.

---Graham

[DKEG]

I don't know, Drew. Spent Uranium might give you a better workout!

Depleted Uranium is best for riding in south east D.C.. Your bike will be RPG proof.

[tsteele999]

I'm curious what most people think is their favorite bike frame material and why. Is it:

Steel
Aluminum
Titanium
Carbon fiber
or Magnesium


I guess you'll have two answers -one for hardtails and one for full suspension.

Thanks

And you thought you were going to get serious answers...


I ride a steel single speed, rigid fork...I like it, but you don't realize how much it beats you up not having front travel until you ride the same trails with it. Even with the front tire at 30 psi.

My regular mt. bike is a C'dale aluminum with a headshock, it's lasted 3 years now and is still going strong. I am thinking about converting to a 1x9 setup since I never use the granny gear.

My road bike is a steel 2003 Specialized Allez, my favorite bike ever. Steel is the way to go on the road.

[halfinch]

gold--it looks good on the top of the podium

But seriously, I like either steel or aluminum--Ti's way to friggen expensive, and all the rest are kind of like sideshow materials--for now anyway, but trek is changing that in terms of carbon.

---Graham
being a hamfisted and nongraceful clyde, i'm shy of carbon in the woods. Steel rawks, but also like the way the cannondale alum frames ride (i have three)..
Ti is way pretty, but not in my scope at this current time. if you have the cash, go for it.

[Billy Mathisen]

Well thanks for the replies everyone - the results are strange.

So far it looks like for hardtails:

1st place: steel - forgiving, cost effective, and strong -but corrodes

2nd: Aluminum - light, and looks like some mfg'ers can produce a quality and durable ride out of it.

Tie for 2nd: Depleted Uranium -resists RPG blasts (a requirement for some areas of D.C.)

3rd: Titanium - light, strong, resists corrosion but expensive

Tie for 3rd: Gold - looks good on the podium

Tie for 3rd: Lead (solid tubes) - no explanation -possible workout benefits

For full suspension:

Aluminum has been the only material specifically mentioned for full sussers

[themonkeyman]

For full suspension:

Aluminum has been the only material specifically mentioned for full sussers

Actually, Litespeed has just released a new Ti full suspension rig--looks awesome. Has 2 inches in the back I believe (could be 3), and the entire bike weighs in at about 23-24 pounds :eek: :D

[Billy Mathisen]

Yeh -The Litespeed Niota? It looks pretty nice. Wouldn't mind having one. If only money grew on the plant in my house (Actually, scratch the plant. It's not looking so good. Stick with trees.)

I'd like to hear from someone who has a magnesium frame or some other rare exotic.