FRAME MATERIAL: CARBON, ALUMINUM OR STEEL?

Basically, three main groups of raw materials are used in bicycle production at the moment, if we are talking about frame production. Aluminum, carbon fiber fabrics and steel are the holy trinity of bicycle manufacturing, it has a long history and rigorous evolutionary development. All three represent suitable solutions in their own kind and at their own level, but these levels are strongly separated from each other.

ALUMINUM: Aluminum can mean several types of aluminum alloyed with scandium or other metals. As a result, the end result will be different, adapting to the area of ​​use and price level represented by the given frame. Aluminum is a good choice for entry-level and bike-for-fun bicycles, as it is relatively cheap, quite light and rigid.

CARBON: Carbon is actually the best raw material from every point of view. Carbon fiber fabrics can be grouped in two ways. We can categorize according to tissue density and their types. There are classic crocheted (e.g. 1K, 3K, 12K) fabrics, and there are unidirectional, i.e. non-crocheted UD (unidirectional) fabrics.

The other grouping point is that a carbon fiber fabric has a high modulus, is strong, or is capable of high resistance. The former are very stiff and light, the latter are extremely resistant and more flexible. You cannot build a frame that is light, rigid and suitable for racing at a serious level without the dominant use of the former! However, without the latter, frame production does not exist.

STEEL: Steel alloys are the most ancient frame material in cycling. Different carbon steel and chrome-molybdenum alloys are distinguished here. It has a great culture in Europe, Italian companies still make their legendary models from this material today.