What makes aluminum so special for bikes?

Aluminum is often looked at as a cheap option when buying a bike. It lacks the nostalgia factor of steel and can not match the performance of good carbon. But it still has its place in the market and it is well worth considering.

In bike years, aluminum seems like a relatively young material. For most of the bicycle’s history steel has dominated. However, the Aluminium bike does in fact date back over 120 years, with the first bike produced in the late 1800s – a far cry from the best aluminum bikes we have today.

Under the brand name ‘Lu-mi-num’ the frame was cast in a single piece in order to avoid having to use lugs to join the tubes together and to avoid welding, which wasn’t fully mastered for aluminum bicycle frames.

There’s a great debate among cyclist about the different materials used to construct a great bicycle frame. Many people opt for the new carbon fiber, seeing steel as outdated and aluminum as cheap. This is a misconception though because aluminium road bikes can definitely hold up to match even some of the best carbon fiber frames.

Aluminium vs. Other Materials: How It Holds Up

You may hear sources boast about carbon, titanium, or steel road bikes as superior, but don’t be fooled; aluminum road bikes have their perks as well. When considering the best material for your bike frame, consider these facts about aluminium:

Aluminium is a lightweight material that creates a bike that is easy to handle and move.
Aluminum is not costly to produce, which means aluminum road bikes are incredibly affordable when compared to many other styles.

The aluminium frame will hold up to corrosion, so your bike will resist rust and damage due to chemical exposure for years.

Technology has advanced since the first aluminum bikes were created. The aluminum tubes that create the frame of the bike can be shaped to be more aerodynamic than a standard aluminium frame.

Because modern technology has allowed the advance of crafted metal, including aluminium, these bikes can now be single, double, or even triple butter for durability and geometrically sculpted for speed and comfort, meaning they can easily hold up to the carbon frame standard. Aluminum isn’t a bad choice, and you may save a dollar or two without having to compromise everything you need and love in your road bike.

Aluminium is lightweight, can be sculpted for durability, and is usually less costly than other materials. Alloy bike and also alloy road bikes are made out of the best combinations of metals with aluminum, making it the best fit.