Thread: frame materials for Road or Mountain

I agree on the horses for courses idea, but can't afford 2-3 frames @ $2-3k a piece, so I'm going for a combination of longevity, comfort and beauty... hence titanium. In the high humidity climate here, aluminium gets all kind of weird galvanic corrosion issues after a few years, steel rusts and I've seen too many carbon frames with cracks etc after coming off in criteriums or group rides... plus I like the classic look of a Ti frame e.g.

ally frame, carbon forks. One with carbon seat post.

I would only ever buy a carbon frame - or critical components - if I raced XC or road (semi)professionally.

For recreational use, the chances of something like this happening:
make it not worth the risk IMHO.

Steel and Ti bend (usually) and while AL may fracture in a similar way, it usually gives you plenty of warning (so long as you wash/clean your bike regularly).

Originally Posted by isuzurover

I would only ever buy a carbon frame - or critical components - if I raced XC or road (semi)professionally.
.

Is club racing an OK excuse?

I'm fat and old now but I did ride my very same Madone to a few State Medallions, so I reckon I'm justified to potter to work on it still.

Originally Posted by Scallops

Is club racing an OK excuse?

I'm fat and old now but I did ride my very same Madone to a few State Medallions, so I reckon I'm justified to potter to work on it still.

I only said what I would do - you are free to do whatever you want (or believe whatever you want - no wait, that is another thread...).

But it sounds like a good excuse to me. Better to use it than let it gather dust

Yeah - sorry, re-reading my post, I didn't mean to sound cranky. I actually had one bloke (another cyclist) accuse me of knicking it the other day - just 'cos I was wearing a drill cotton safety shirt and not lycra!

Originally Posted by Scouse

So, the alloy flexes but the steel doesn't?

I was under the impression from the LBS that the comfort came from the extra weight in the steel frame....

Steel frames can actually be as light as anything else - just depends on the actual steel used and the maker's design.

Originally Posted by Scallops

Steel frames can actually be as light as anything else - just depends on the actual steel used and the maker's design.

I think mine is made from RSJ .

Still, it gives the legs a workout .