What's the difference between bicycle steel frame and aluminum frame?

The difference between bicycle steel frame and aluminum frame: different shapes, different weights and different sounds.

1, different shapes

Steel frame, the general frame is thicker and has various shapes. The tube of the frame has a special-shaped structure, and the welding spot is usually large, but some are relatively small. Generally speaking, the solder joints will be polished later to increase aesthetics.

Generally, the frame of aluminum frame is slender, and the pipes are mostly round or oval, with fewer irregular pipes and smaller solder joints, which are usually not polished.

2, the weight is different

The steel frame is heavier and the aluminum frame is lighter. The usual aluminum frame is 1500-2000g (excluding the front fork), but the steel frame must exceed 2000g.

Step 3 make different sounds

The sound of tapping the steel frame with your fingers is loud, but the sound of the aluminum frame is small.

Extended data

Advantages and disadvantages of steel frame and aluminum frame

steel frame

Advantages: light weight, best hardness and rigidity in a short time, easy molding and no rust. If it is light, the pipe can be drawn very thin, and if it is strong, it can also be cut by CNC die to create exaggerated appearance and amazing strength.

Disadvantages: almost no elasticity, it will accumulate metal fatigue, and because of its sensitivity, portability and high rigidity, it is easy to transmit ground vibration, resulting in poor ride comfort.

Aluminum frame

Advantages: good rigidity for riding for a long time, elasticity (shock absorption) of the pipeline, multiple connection modes of the pipeline, good workability, easy welding and no heat treatment, so the cost and price are relatively low.

Disadvantages: heavy weight, easy to rust due to improper maintenance, difficult forming of pipes and metal fatigue.

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