Material definition and history
Aluminium (Al) is a very common element and roughly 8% of the Earth's surface is made of it. For over 100 years it has been produced for commercial use. Its main benefits are corrosion resistance, a low density and it is easy to work with, which allows light and strong, weatherproof structures to be mass produced from it at reduced costs.
It is very easy to machine and about 1/3 the density of steel, so like for like, aluminium bikes are much lighter than steel bikes, even if larger tubes are used to provide the same strength.
Remember, the fit of your bike is more important than material! Read our frame size guide to get the best fitting bike possible.
Aluminium bikes
Aluminium is softer and more rigid than steel. It is easy to draw and form into shapes, machine and weld. It is not hard to build a light bike with Aluminium as its density is about a third of steel and half of titanium. It will oxidize, and should be painted, powder coated or anodized to prevent corrosion, but it does not rust rapidly.
However, Aluminium has downsides. Its breaking, bending and stretching strength are far less than high strength steel and titanium alloys. Aluminium is relatively vulnerable in a crash and can fail without warning, although this should be fine if used for less extreme biking.
Good points
- Crisp, solid riding feel. Good feedback from the riding surface.
- Useful for forming awkward full suspension parts.
Failure
It breaks and is very costly to fix so it's cheaper to throw it away. Expect 4-6 years useful life from a well looked after aluminium frame.
Best suited to
- Mid range combinations of good weight and good price.
- Expensive, ultra low weight Downhill / Freeride bikes.
