steel, carbon, aluminum

steel, carbon, aluminum frames/forks

pro and cons?


TIA


---
"BitwiseBob" - Bob Anderson
Eugene Oregon

"Bob Anderson" schreef in bericht
news
steel, carbon, aluminum frames/forks

pro and cons?


TIA


Material doesn't matter, it is what you do with it. What are you looking
for?

Lou

Bob Anderson wrote:
steel, carbon, aluminum frames/forks

pro and cons?

You betcha.

Bill "yes/no/maybe" S.

Bob Anderson wrote:
steel, carbon, aluminum frames/forks

pro and cons?



Let me see if I've got it right.....

1. Steel is "plush"
2. Aluminum is "harsh" but "responsive"
3. Carbon it everything you want it to be. The amount of carbon on your
bike should only be limited by your budget.

At least that's what the marketing guys keep pumping out to the cycling
mags, right?

Tom

On Sun, 15 Aug 2004 15:16:15 -0400, "tcmedara"
wrote:

Bob Anderson wrote:
steel, carbon, aluminum frames/forks

pro and cons?



Let me see if I've got it right.....

1. Steel is "plush"
2. Aluminum is "harsh" but "responsive"
3. Carbon it everything you want it to be. The amount of carbon on your
bike should only be limited by your budget.

At least that's what the marketing guys keep pumping out to the cycling
mags, right?

Tom


Dear Tom,

If carbon is best, then should steel be superior to aluminum
because steel is an iron-carbon alloy?

Carl Fogel

On Sun, 15 Aug 2004 15:16:15 -0400, "tcmedara" wrote:

1. Steel is "plush"
2. Aluminum is "harsh" but "responsive"
3. Carbon it everything you want it to be. The amount of carbon on your
bike should only be limited by your budget.

reply to my post, why not... found this, it's the basic info I was looking for, for now

http://bikegallery.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=64

Although over the years there have been such oddities as bamboo and plastic frames,
current road bikes are made of one or blends of these four materials: steel, aluminum,
titanium and carbon fiber. We get into the differences below.

But first, realize that fine bicycles are built of all these materials. Also, two frames
can be constructed of the same material yet have entirely different ride qualities due to
differences in geometry, assembly, tube shape, and material manipulation (reinforcing a
tube, for example). Which is one of the reasons it's so important to test ride and feel
the bikes you're thinking of buying.

A tip for inspecting frames: Look for a tubing decal on the seattube or downtube.
Sometimes manufacturers provide these and they usually explain what brand and type of
material is used in the frame. We're happy to elaborate if you have questions. Just ask.

Steel
The most traditional frame material, steel has been used by framebuilders for over a
century. Many types of steel tubing are available and the material is easy to bend and
shape. Plus, there are myriad methods of assembly making steel very adaptable to cyclists'
needs. It also offers excellent ride quality, durability, is easily repaired and
affordable. If there's a knock on steel, it's that it tends to be heavy when low-quality
tubing is used (found on bikes sold at department stores). And steel can rust if treated
carelessly (protect that paintjob!).

Entry-level steel-frame bikes are usually less sophisticated than those typically favored
by discerning cyclists and steel fanatics. But, the affordability of the lesser steel
frames usually allows you to get a better level of components. And, it's possible to make
a fine-riding steel frame on a budget by cutting back on some of the frills that add cost.
For example, such a frame might feature less-costly TIG welding compared to the fancier
lug construction on the higher-end model.

High-quality steel frames integrate great design, superior assembly, and better alloys in
the tubing. A popular quality steel for bicycle frames is American SAE 4130 steel, better
known as "chrome molybdenum," and referred to as "chromoly" or "chrome-moly." And, there
are plenty of other impressive alloys offered by tubing suppliers such as Columbus,
Reynolds, Tange and True Temper. Frames built of these materials are famous for their
combination of responsiveness and comfort.

Steel is an excellent fork material. It can be formed into any shape; even aero ones. It's
plenty strong. And, it also absorbs shock to soften rough roads. Steel forks are heavier
than those built of lighter materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber.

Aluminum
Aluminum was first used in frame construction in 1895. But, it didn't come into wide use
until the 1980s when large-diameter tubing was conceived and construction processes were
perfected. Now, it's the most popular of frame materials. It's subject to the same
variances in assembly and quality as steel. And, like steel, as you spend more, you get
higher quality tubing and better construction.

The buzz about aluminum is that is has a more jarring ride than the other materials. But,
while this used to be the case in its early years, it's not a problem today thanks to new
aluminum alloys, tubing enhancements and improved construction techniques. These allow the
frames to absorb shock better than ever while still offering the wonderfully lively ride
that makes aluminum all the rage today.

This magic ride is attributed to aluminum being the lightest frame material -- even
lighter than carbon and titanium. It makes aluminum frames great choices for racing and
time trialing. And, unlike steel, aluminum won't rust; another advantage.

There are various types of aluminum tubing in use by manufacturers. Some common types are
6061 and 7005, numbers that refer to the alloys in the aluminum such as magnesium, silicon
and zinc (pure aluminum isn't strong enough for bike use). And, there are some new
superlight tubesets such as Easton Scandium. Be sure to ask if you have questions about an
aluminum bike in our store and we can explain further.

Aluminum forks are generally stiff and light, and can be shaped aerodynamically. They also
offer excellent compliance for comfort on rough roads.

Titanium
Titanium (also called "ti") is one of the longest lasting, strongest, and most expensive
frame materials. Many cyclists and experts feel that it combines the best characteristics
of all the other frame materials. It rivals aluminum in weight, is as comfortable as steel
and it has a sprightly ride and electric handling that many riders swear by. The frames
feel "alive," as if each pedal stroke gets a boost from an inherent springiness in the
frame.

Titanium is hard on metalworking tools, requires expensive titanium welding rod and must
be joined carefully in a controlled environment. Consequently, titanium frames are very
expensive to produce, which explains their high purchase price.

The two common types of titanium are 3Al/2.5V and 6Al/4V. These designations refer to the
amount of aluminum (Al) and vanadium (V) alloys used in the titanium. 6Al/4V is more
expensive, lighter, harder to machine and stronger. But both titanium alloys are
excellent; they may even be combined in a frame.

Only a few companies manufacture titanium forks and they are very expensive due to the
additional costs in material and construction. Also, because extra strength is needed in
the fork steerer (the upper tube), ti forks usually outweigh other high-tech tillers.
These two considerations are why most ti frames come with carbon forks.

Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber (also called "carbon" and "graphite") is a relatively new material and unique
because it's not a metal. It's a fabric that's impregnated with a glue called resin that
allows shaping and joining the material. Carbon frames are extremely light, stiff and
durable. Its greatest advantage is that carbon can be manipulated essentially in endless
ways (because builders can orient the fabric strands however they want), which means it
can be fine-tuned to provide just about any ride qualities desired. It's also impervious
to corrosion and can be built into beautiful shapes producing Ferrari-like looks.

Like titanium, because construction is somewhat complicated and because carbon fabric and
resins are costly, carbon frames are on the high end of the cost spectrum. To describe
these frames manufacturers use terms such as "high modulus" and "void free," which tells
you that it's high-quality carbon fiber material and stellar construction. Sometimes,
these designations appear on frame "tubing" decals. Be sure to ask if you have questions
about the carbon material used in a frame.

Carbon is a popular material for forks due to its natural ability to absorb shock while
offering fine handling. There are even all-carbon forks (weighing less than a pound).
These are great if you want a superlight road bike. (Other carbon forks use steel or
aluminum for the steerer.)



+++

---
"BitwiseBob" - Bob Anderson
Eugene Oregon

wrote:


Dear Tom,

If carbon is best, then should steel be superior to aluminum
because steel is an iron-carbon alloy?

Carl Fogel

Dear Carl,

An interesting question that should be posed to the add copy writers and
bike review mutants at the major cycling magazines. As near as I can
tell, according to bike mag logic, steel will only be better than aluminum
again when some young upstart ad man is able to convincingly hype the carbon
content (or some other aspect) of the latest steel alloy to roll out of the
lab and into the marketing machine. Luckily, this crowd hasn't shown
themselves to be constrained by empirical reality, logic, or even mere fact
when extolling the virtues of a given frame and its material. Thankfully
too, since I want reviewers to use the full spectrum of "no-holds-barred"
prose when describing the cycling's latest technological wonders. How else
to convince the millions of retro-cyclists who continue to insist that ride
quality is more related to the characteristics of the humble pneumatic tire
than cutting edge material technology?

To further muddy the water, how many of us of seen the reviews were carbon
"responds like a top aluminum machine", or an aluminum framed engineering
marvel who's ride is extolled as being as "cushy" as steel? And let's not
forget titantium!

All in all, it does make for good reading.

Tom

"S o r n i" wrote in message ...
Bob Anderson wrote:
steel, carbon, aluminum frames/forks

pro and cons?

You betcha.

Bill "yes/no/maybe" S.

Yah, for sure.

Jeff "Brief" W.

Bob Anderson wrote in message ...
steel, carbon, aluminum frames/forks

pro and cons?


Cold drawn steel tubing has a common bicycle usage history stretching back
in excess of 100 years. It is difficult to find a lightweight steel tubed
frame and forks failing in any respect. Just make sure it fits.

Pros and cons exist a plenty with the other materials when they are compared
to steel. Their major failing is that your local framebuilder is unlikely
to repair them. Steel forks or frames should bend before tearing apart. If
you think that sounds bad, don't worry, if your involved in a crash that bad
you wont know about it. I'm sure someone else can tell you of the way these
other materials fail in respect of front forks.

Get a steel frame with a lifetime warrantee so as to cover it in the event
of cracking.

Trevor

"Bob Anderson" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 15 Aug 2004 15:16:15 -0400, "tcmedara"
wrote:
SNIP

This magic ride is attributed to aluminum being the lightest frame
material -- even
lighter than carbon and titanium. .

SNIP

The above passage highlights how quickly information can go out of date. I
don't believe that there was an aluminum frame under and GC contender going
up the L'Alpe this year, and this was the stage that every gram counted.