What is the difference between steel and aluminum bicycle frames

Question

what is better for a all round bike

Answer 1

Steel- Been used for over 100 years and has a proven track record, great ride quality, eventhough it's heavier than other frame materials of the same density; There are high quality lightweight steel frames as of late and it is extremely strong: can be repaired if frame is cracked. Unfortunately, it is prone to rust if not properly taken care of.

Aluminum- Has a proven record as well but has only come into its own in the last 25-30 years; It's now the most common frame material used on bicycles; Aluminum is the lightest of all frame materials of the same density and it's very stiff. While it tends to have a harsher ride than the other frames, advances in frame design has drastically improved the comfort level on aluminum frames. It doesn't rust like steel and is relatively strong as well. The downfall is that aluminum is non-repairable. Then again do you really want a frame that has been damaged? That's like wanting a car that's been seriously wrecked.

I love both materials for what they offer. I would take either of them over carbon fiber (eventhough a carbon fork is the best out there, IMHO). As for Titanium, well, that's another story....

Answer 2

I prefer a steel frame to an aluminum frame.  I have owned both and the steel provides a better ride.  For an aluminum frame to be equally stiff as a steel frame, the tubing needs to be larger in diameter.

Aluminum is half as light as steel but half as strong.  Hence the diameter of the tubing has to be larger.  This is straightforward engineering.  Both materials are good, I just prefer steel.  

PS, I never owned a bike with a carbon fiber fork.  That offers a lot of comfort over a steel fork.  My next bike will have a carbon fiber fork.  In my opinion, comfort is the name of the game for most riders.  If you are comfortable, you will ride longer.

Answer 3

Aluminum is almost never lighter than steel when it comes to bicycle frames.

While it is true that aluminum is 1/2 the weight of steel, it is also 1/3 the strength. This means you need more aluminum to make a frame as strong as steel. More material=more weight. When it comes right down to it, comparably priced steel frames weigh the same as aluminum but provide a much better ride.

Also, aluminum is plagued with a limited life. While steel may last forever before it breaks, aluminum will eventually fail, often without warning. This is called "Sudden Catastrophic Failure" and is one reason Cannondale has the nickname "Crack-n-Fail".

Regarding corrosion, steel rusts and aluminum corrodes at about the same pace- it just isn't as ugly as rust.

Unfortunately it is VERY tough to find a good production bike in steel. Other than high end stuff, most manufacturers have moved to aluminum.

Answer 4

Aluminum is ligher than steal many BMX bikes are used with aluminum.