All about alloy bikes

Among the different types of bicycles available, one type is immensely popular nowadays, and that is the alloy bike. So, what is an alloy bike and what advantages does it have?

The term alloy bike refers to bikes made of aluminium alloy, unless mentioned otherwise. The word alloy means metals mixed with other elements for enhance properties like strength, durability etc. Alloy bikes have been introduced to the world of bicycles fairly recently.

Alloy frames cannot rust. However, they are not safe from corrosion. The components of the alloy include magnesium, titanium, iron, copper chromium, zinc, manganese etc. however these elements comprise of less than ten per cent of the alloy. The alloyed materials usually help enhance the strength, the resistance to corrosion and joining capability. They may also help reduce the manufacturing cost of the bicycle.

While aluminium is known to be a lightweight metal, and in its pure form weighs about one-thirds of the weight of the same volume of steel, it may not necessarily be the same case for aluminium alloys. This difference may be due to the differences in the engineering requirements of the bikes as well as the aim to manufacture them at a lower cost.

To compensate for the lower strength of aluminium, manufacturers tend to make use of aluminum tubes that have thicker walls and larger diameters than their steel counterparts. Alloy frames have the same stiffness for any type of alloy used. They are typically stiffer than steel frames though aluminium has a lower stiffness as a greater volume of aluminium is used to build the frame.

Though alloy bikes tend to be less durable than steel bikes due to the lower strength of aluminium, they come with a number of advantages as well. They tend to be substantially less expensive. Their lightweight nature is also a great plus point for a number of people. Aluminium alloy bikes are a good choice for people who have a tight budget and want an optimal performance. Regardless of the material, it is important to try out the bike and ensure it fits your needs before making a purchase.