Once upon a time, all bike frames were made out of steel. Consequently, all the newer materials used for constructing frames of compared to grand daddy steel. The newer materials are lighter than steel, but are not as strong.
To adjust for the differences in material, the tubes that make the frame are larger, which changes the geometry of the bike. The materials feel differently to different folks, depending on what they want out of bike — speed versus comfort. If you're shopping for a road bike, it is important to ride a bunch of bikes from different manufacturers and different frames. Consider it research. As Renée Gaumond of Left Coast Cyclery puts it "There is a bike out there for everyone. You got to get out there and ride different bikes and see what feels right. Trust your instincts. "
To see a thumbnail comparison of the materials, just read more.
| Frame materiall | Pros | Cons |
| Aluminum | Lighter than steel frames 1/3 Inexpensive Doesn't rust |
Large tube size Can feel harsh on long rides Makes for a bumpier ride |
| Steel | Rigid decreasing energy wasted with bike flexing Long lasting Some say they can't feel the road when riding |
Heavy Can rust Harder to find these days |
| Carbon Fiber | Light weight Makes for a smoother ride Can be manipulated into exotic shapes |
Can break easily More expensive than aluminum |
| Titanium | Lighter than steel by 1/2 Strong as steel |
Super expensive More flexible than steel Can be difficult to repair |
What do you ride?
Soft Grey
John Lewis
Miss Sixty
I race a Trek Madone. It's carbon fiber, but if you are looking for the benefits of aluminum without the rigidity of the road feel, I recommend getting an aluminum frame and invest in a Titanium seat post - even more so than getting an aluminum frame with carbon seat/chain stays.
1Steel.
2I ride the Trek Madone 4.5 and love it! Just bought it last week. It is full carbon with 105 front derailer and ultegra back derailer. And it's made for women so being petite (5'3"), it fits me way better than some of the other brands of women's bikes I tried.
31. Steel Trek Fixed Conversion
2. Carbon Trek Madone 4.7 WSD
3. Aluminum Trek Mountain Bike Hardtail
Three very different bikes for three very different styles of riding.
4I have a beachcruiser. No idea what kind of frame it is. It's heavy ?!
5Steel is real. I have two steel Bianchi frames (Castro Valley & Campione d'Italia). Neither are particularly heavy, and I definitely appreciate their shock absorption when commuting on bumpy San Francisco streets!
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