What is the best material for a frame on a bicycle?
unobtainium Edited to add: as usual, MR is right. There is no “best” there are some materials that are better suited to certain riding conditions, styles, and riders. You would need all of those variables included to get an opinion, and even then you would get people arguing their own perspective. I like aluminum and steel. I have 4 steel bikes and 6 aluminum bikes in my garage. While it is true that aluminum can be cracked due to stress, all bike materials can fail. A well built aluminum bike will last as long as any other. They are lighter than steel, but will be less forgiving (harsher ride). Steel is more compliant, but heavier. Carbon and Titanium are more considered exotic materials with a significant buy in price. There are advantages and weaknesses for both of these materials (scandium too). Generally speaking these are not appropriate for heavier riders.
In bicycles, as in all mechanical things, it comes down to trade offs. The main trade offs in bicycles are weight, cost and strength. Additional trade offs have been hinted at above, carbon fiber provides more shock absorption than aluminum, but is more expensive and not suitable for all parts. Aluminum is lighter than steel, but more difficult to work with (much more difficult to weld together than steel). If you want to know the best of the best, look at price. The most expensive frame (ignore anything that is expensive because someone famous rode it, or it is old and rare) will use the best material.
At this particular point in time, after riding virtually every type of material and every kind of bike with every kind of geometry, my preference is (and I know this will come as a surprise to many) STEEL. It has the optimum mix of shock absorption and strength. Premium steel frame weights approach the weight of titanium…maybe even less. A VERY close second is magnesium, but it is difficult to find a magnesium frame… for under, say, $2000. Titanium would be my third choice, if for no other reason that it has the same general characteristics as magnesium but is heavier. Fourth comes poor embattled aluminum. This includes variants like scandium. A well made aluminum frame is cheap and strong and light. A poorly built aluminum frame is cheap and weak and heavy (usually heavier than steel). Most aluminum frames fall somewhere in the middle. This is also the only metal that has a limited life and subject to sudden catastrophic failure. Use your imagination. Finally, Carbon fiber. Strong
If money was no problem, I would ride a bike with carbon fiber forks and a titanium frame. And if possible with carbon fiber stays. Now, for us mere mortals, there is nothing wrong with steel or aluminum frames. And fortunately one does not have to spend a huge amount of money for carbon fiber forks. Note I have suggested carbon fiber forks. The name of the game when riding a bicycle is comfort. The carbon forks do a great job of reducing shock to the hands, arms and upper body. Remember, if you are comfortable, you will ride early and often. There is not much worse than an uncomfortable bike.
