carbon V aluminuim

[J4CKO]

I wouldn't worry too much about weight for the commute, once you are loaded up with all your gear the weight of the frame is negligible between the different materials, I think it is has been mentioned how it rides that is the main factor, carbon hasnt been around long so it remains to be seen how it copes with long term hammer on a commute but they do make planes out of it !

I think weight seems to get more focus than it perhaps should, ok its important but I reckon aerodynamics play a much bigger part in the equation for us commuters than weight.

 

[malkie]

Is the OP parking it in a bike shed ?

If not and he is on reasonably surfaced roads then why not get carbon ? I`m not convinced a lightweight aluminium frame would be much more durable than carbon . Guy at my local bike shop got a crack in his ally frame in normal use ... he put it down to manufacturers trying to keep up with the weight of rival carbon bikes.

Mudguards schmudguards

 

[hackbike 666]

I'm considering carbon for my next bike...

Im considering a frame made of feathers.

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

Mines a carbon bike (carbon frame – alloy stays)– lovely ride (Giant Cedex MTB/Hybrid with slicks) – great for commuting – really light – rigid frame but feels great over bumps – smoother than equivalent priced bikes with front shocks that I’ve tried – must be 14 years old now and taken loads of abuse – been kept outside in all weather for nearly it’s entire life and frame is still going strong - i'd say carbon frames are pretty durable IMHO

 

[buggi]

you easily get a decent bike for that, carbon too. try a Boardman from Halfords or a Focus from Wiggle.

mine's carbon and i commute on it too, but i don't have to carry anything coz i have a locker at work.

 

[Paul_Smith SRCC]

Comparing frame materials is a topic often mentioned, below is my take on the differences that I posted only recently but may be of interest here, I have listed all the popular types to give an overall a comparison that you may find of interest, I repeat this is my take on the differences, fully respect if others have a different view point.

Frame materials:

Frames made of Aluminium Alloy: Often simply referred to as ‘Alloy’ Light, cheap, reasonably robust although some do comment that aluminium alloy frames are not as comfortable when compared to the others; in part this is why most will not use aluminium alloy forks, most current roads bikes will use steel or carbon. Aluminium Alloy supposedly has the most performance drop off, which in fairness only really effects a racing cyclist where a few percent reduction in performance can make the difference (especially in their heads) of winning or coming second, in reality that applies more to the older lighter frames when Pro’ riders used extremely light versions (now most pro teams use Carbon), the modern budget frames use a heavier, more robust alloy and are of course aimed at a different style of riding. They are now the most common option in the mid range and upwards frame sets, fairly robust, as they will normally dent as apposed to crack. Normally the price dictates a purchase of a frame built in alloy, that does not mean that you will not be satisfied, you will see quite a few older frames still being ridden by club cyclists who find them perfectly adequate, plus many don’t have any complaints re’ comfort or performance drop off. Although most refer to these frames in general terms as ‘alloy’ if we are being pedantic then strictly speaking this is wrong, as steel is an alloy of carbon and iron, titanium is normally aluminum and vanadium, for example Van Nicholas use 3% Aluminium, 2.5% Vanadium and 94.5 Titanium, which they simply list as 3/2.5

Frames made of Carbon:With sufficient research and development can result in a bike that is comfortable, very light and efficient at transferring energy into propulsion as the material does not flex as much as other materials. Although strong they can be more delicate, where other materials dent, Carbon is more likely to crack, although I don't believe that they are as delicate as many fear them to be, quite a few have been ridden for a few years now and still going strong. Most common rider is a racing cyclist or someone who still likes to have a ‘best bike’ that can to an extent have a more precious existence than say audax or touring bike, where robustness may be more of a consideration. Most production high end ‘Race’ and ‘Sportive’ bikes will these days use carbon frames, we are also starting to see this technology filter down into the mid price range models. In recent years high end mountain bikes have also started to use Carbon frames, note they are not road bikes with different geometry, they are designed to be far more robust and impact resistant than road bikes for obvious reasons.

Frames made of Steel : Very durable (if built correctly) with low performance drop off with age. These days still a popular choice for club riders who like to know that their frame has been built in the traditional way by craftsmen. Production bikes built with steel are less common, although it remains popular with the companies that still cater for touring bikes.

Many cyclist like the fact that they are having something built often to their own specification, you can personalise your frame with your own braze on items, light bosses, extra bottle bosses etc, you can even chose your own colour. In the past all top quality frames were purchased this way, as it was how you got exactly what you wanted, both in quality and especially frame size. The old diamond shape frame being less adaptable in terms of variations in riding position than the modern sloping top tube frames; even Lance Armstrong used an off the peg frame size. Although I fall into this category, as in uses as steel frame, not Lance Armstrong, I have to admit that modern off the peg frames are now so good both in terms of production quality and the flexibility that the modern geometry gives you to achieve the perfect riding position, that the necessity to have a bike made to measure is less of an issue. In more recent years steel frames are starting to make something of a come back, as many realise that in many ways steel is a better option than aluminium alloy, especially when it comes to comfort.

Frames made of Titanium : Becoming more popular, virtually no performance drop as they don’t even rust, comfortable, light, yet robust. Performance wise not quite as responsive as carbon or alloy (alloy when new that is), although really it is that not far off, some pro riders now even use Titanium like Magnus Bakstedt a former Paris Roubaix winner, other Pro Teams used Titanium frames painted up to look like normal production bikes of their team sponsors, often used in races where comfort can become an issue, for example over the cobbles of the Paris Roubaix, as riders are bashed about so much it can lead to fatigue.

The down side is that Titanium is very hard to work/build with; so most don't! On the upside because of this the workman ship simply has to be of top quality and it shows, most Titanium frames do look and are very well made. Most common used when someone wants a fast, responsive, light comfortable yet robust, durable bike and of course where price is not so much of an issue. Titanium is therefore and ideal choice for longer day rides/audax/touring/sportive bikes.

Frame material conclusion :, Opinion is often much divided when it comes to frame materials and if it effects how the bike rides or not. Many will state that they can tell a huge difference and by the same token many will state that the frame material makes no difference at all. I would say I fall somewhere between both, I have ridden a huge variety over the years, when riding bikes similar in set up in nearly every respect apart from the frame material I would say that I can't tell a huge difference, but I can feel more than none that's for sure.

A quality designer and manufacturer will be sensitive to the material they have used, so I would expect the bike to perform how it is supposed to and give you good long service, regardless of what it is made of. So although the frame material is indeed a consideration I believe that many are far more concerned about what they should or shouldn't use than perhaps they need be.

Paul_Smith
www.corridori.co.uk

 

[buggi]

and what about MAGNESIUM? almost the same weight as carbon and absorbs vibration off the road. only thing is, its a bugger to weld and were it not for this a lot of manufacturers would prefer to use it (i read that in a cycling mag, in case you're wondering where i got it from and it doesn't surprise me).

From personal experience, i had a magnesium framed bike. it was my first road bike (i've only had two, so can't compare it to Alloy/Aluminium/Steel or Titanium) and i have to admit i prefer the magnesium to the carbon. it was brilliant. very responsive and used to fly. the only thing i prefer about my carbon is that it is a sub kilogram frame so it gets up the hills a bit better, but i would still swap it back for my magnesium frame (which was about 300 grams heavier but unfortunately broke in an awkward place... could have been very embarrasing for me at the hospital!)

i looked around for a magnesium frame again, but couldn't justify the cost of a pinarello dogma, which was the only one i could find. so i settled on the Scott CR1 Pro, which is great, but i still miss my other bike.

 

[dellzeqq]

and what about MAGNESIUM? .

aaaaaaggghhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

I have one in the attic. The ride is abysmal

(senses opportunity)

on the other hand, it does make you irresistable to the opposite sex and is brilliant for the planet. Make me an offer for a Kirk Precision!

 

[buggi]

aaaaaaggghhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

I have one in the attic. The ride is abysmal

(senses opportunity)

on the other hand, it does make you irresistable to the opposite sex and is brilliant for the planet. Make me an offer for a Kirk Precision!

obviously sub-standard magnesium then

 

[Black Sheep]

i like steel frames myself

i like the spring in the back end when i'm riding off road (the mountain bike is steel too) along with the positive feed back it gives me on the road bike

i like pushing it into corners which i can't do on carbon

not ridden ti tho