Material definition and history
Aluminium can be combined with many other elements and additives to make more desireable bike parts.
Remember, the fit of your bike is more important than material! Read our frame size guide to get the best fitting bike possible.
Exotic bikes
Metal Matrix and Scandium alloys were developed as stronger materials than the standard 6000/7000 series aluminium, however they were hard to work with.
More recently Easton 'Rad', Trek 'Zirconium' and Specialized 'M5' alloys allow aluminium to make elaborate taper butted and twisted shapes. These alloys allow the manufacturers to carefully craft their bike's style and features, while keeping its weight down.
Good points
- Better than standard aluminium.
- Lure of having the latest technology.
Failure
Likely to break under an extreme impact and would be costly to repair.
Examples
