Why aren Softride frames made out of titanium or carbon fiber?
Titanium and carbon fiber are good materials in some applications, but not optimal in others. Titanium and carbon fiber are inherently more flexible materials than aluminum. When you are dependent upon your frame material to dampen vibration you need more flexible materials. This helps a little to dampen vibration, but also allows the frame to naturally have increased flex. Aluminum, on the other hand, is not the best at dampening vibration, but is exceptionally stiff and allows for a variety of tube shapes and manufacturing processes to be used. Because Softride uses suspension to dampen vibration, they are not material dependent and can build the drivetrain out of the stiffest, most responsive material currently available (aluminum) without sacrificing comfort and damping. It allows you to get the best of both worlds, an exceptionally stiff, responsive and aerodynamic frame that is still comfortable.
