Aluminum Mountain Bikes
There are four main materials that are used to build mountain bike frames. These materials include steel, aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks that a person should consider when deciding on the material that best fits their needs.
Steel bike frames are usually the cheapest material available for mountain bikes, and titanium is usually the most expensive material used in mountain bikes. Carbon fiber is usually slightly cheaper than titanium, but more expensive than steel. Aluminum mountain bike frames sit in the middle of the cost spectrum. Aluminum is slightly more expensive than steel and slightly less expensive than carbon fiber, but aluminum is significantly cheaper than titanium. If cost is the most important factor for a person buying a mountain bike, then aluminum and carbon fiber frames provide the most benefits for a cheaper price.
When it comes to weight, steel mountain bike frames are usually the heaviest, while titanium mountain bike frames are the lightest. Carbon fiber frames are very light, usually lighter than aluminum and steel. Aluminum bike frames are lighter than steel frames, but heavier than titanium frames.
Rust can be a problem for people who wish to have a long lasting mountain bike. Steel frame bikes are known to rust easily, while titanium and carbon fiber bike frames are rust resistant. Aluminum bike frames also do not rust, but there is a chance that they can oxidize.
Along with rust, bike frame materials can also take on other wear and tear that may cause them to become unusable quicker than an owner may wish. Steel bike frames can easily scratch and, as stated before, will rust if any of the paint is removed. Aluminum bike frames can scratch and dent, which may compromise their ability to withstand load. Carbon fiber bikes can also scratch and dent, which will also compromise their ability to withstand load. Titanium frame bikes are nearly scratch resistant, allowing them to last a lot longer than other materials.
The last thing to consider when choosing the material of a mountain bike’s frame is the way it handles while being ridden. Steel mountain bikes usually provide a smooth ride, but can be severely scratched or dented, due to the nature of mountain biking. Aluminum bike frames provide a very smooth, comfortable ride, due to their suspension systems. Carbon fiber mountain bikes ride smoothly but are in danger of receiving chips or dents that will severely compromise the bike’s integrity. Titanium mountain bikes are very durable and provide a smooth ride.
While aluminum mountain bikes have some issues, such as the ability to be scratched, they provide the best mountain bike experience for the best price. Steel bikes are cheaper, but, like carbon fiber bikes, they can easily be compromised because of scratching. Titanium bikes are lighter and more durable, but their high price tag is usually something that most people will be turned off by.
Damondback Overdrive Aluminum Mountain Bike
Diamondback Recoil Full Suspension Aluminum Mountain Bike
Mongoose Domain Men’s Dual-Suspension Aluminum Mountain Bike
Schwinn Ridge AL Men’s Aluminum Mountain Bike
Schwinn Ridge AL Women’s Aluminum Mountain Bike
