3 ms·
Steel also has lower embodied energy than aluminum, it's rather underrated.
by Qwertious 3y ago
Steel also has lower embodied energy than aluminum, it's rather underrated.
- __loam 3y agoSteel is real!
- kazinator 3y agoSteel has a bad rap because cheap, bicycle-shaped objects sold in the consumer mass market are usually made of steel: both frame and often wheel rims too. Like "Ozark Trail" bikes sold by Walmart, bikes for toddlers and what not. These bikes are massively heavy and susceptible to rust.
- Lio 3y agoThat is true but aluminium requires less energy to recycle when you're finished with it. I have bikes made of steel, aluminium and carbon fibre. I don't worry about the longevity of any of them. Hydro-formed aluminium is cheap, relatively light and easy to live with IMHO. Horses for courses. I also think geometry of a frame is far more important than frame material for things like comfort but that's a different story. i.e. how much can the seat post flex.