Bicycle material

Aluminium

A light metal alloy and the most common material for frames and parts on entry-level and mid-range bicycles.

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A chunk of shiny, freshly cut aluminium metal on a light background
Photo: Unknown author (images-of-elements.com), CC BY 3.0. Plain background extended at the sides and resized by VeloVerse.

Advantages & Disadvantages

The main strengths and weaknesses of Aluminium.

Advantages

  • Light and stiff for its cost
  • Does not rust like steel
  • Easy to shape into many tube profiles

Disadvantages

  • Can give a harsher ride than steel or carbon fibre
  • Less resistant to fatigue over very long periods of use
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