Self build

[Iainj837]

I am considering a self build (touring bike)
My question is do I go down the Aluminium frame or steel route

 

[black'n'yellow]

That's a bit like asking - "do I wear red socks, or blue socks today?"

I suspect people will need to know a lot more about the type of touring (ie fast, laden, long distance, etc) before they would be able to offer any kind of opinion.

 

[Herzog]

I am considering a self build (touring bike)
My question is do I go down the Aluminium frame or steel route

My instant reaction is steel. Besides the numerous advantages (e.g., more comfortable than aluminium in my experience - though this depends on the quality/price of the frame), steel can be easily welded by pretty much anyone, whereas aluminium... This will be of particular importance of you're touring off the beaten-track!

 

[Bodhbh]

I think if you have a choice from the gitgo, then steel - it can be repaired and also, if you want extra bottle mounts brazing on it can be done. You will probably find most touring specific frames are steel anyhow.

 

[lulubel]

As b'n'y says, it really depends on what kind of touring you've got in mind, and which material you prefer. There's no point in going for steel if you hate it.

Steel would be my personal choice, but that isn't because there aren't any good aluminium frames around that are suitable for touring. I just like steel.

 

[biggs682]

steel for all the above reasons