Carbon Fiber vs Aluminum vs Steel vs Titanium

BY LEE AGUR /  TUESDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2013 

What is the real difference between carbon fiber vs aluminum vs steel vs titanium… What are the Pros and Cons of each material?

Carbon Fiber

Most high-end bikes are made from this material and for good reason:

Pros

• Lightest material
• Strongest material
• Stiffest material
• Best shock absorption
• Infinitely mouldable to any design
• Flexible where it needs to be
• Won’t rust or corrode like steel

Cons

• Expensive
• Not all carbon is created equal
• Can crack/fracture
• Strength and stiffness depend on design

Aluminum

Many entry level bikes are made from aluminum because it can be made stiff and light enough for a great ride.

Pros

• Light
• Strong
• Stiff
• Mouldable
• Great for climbing and sprinting
• Won’t rust or corrode
• Less expensive than carbon fiber

Cons

• Harsh on rough roads
• Can fatigue over time (Leads to overbuilding which adds to weight)
• Not easily repaired
• Weak joints

Steel

Steel will last a life time. It is also the easiest to repair, making it a great bike for touring.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Strong
• Flexes enough for a soft ride
• Most durable of all the materials
• Lively feel
• Easy to work with and repair

Cons

• Heavy
• Rust/corrosion
• Flexes too much for racing

Titanium

Titanium is a metal that takes aspects from aluminum and steel… better shock absorption that aluminum but not quite as light.

Pros

• Bullet proof
• Its density is between that of steel and aluminum which makes it stiff but shock absorbing
• Lively feel
• Shock absorbing
• Does not corrode

Cons

• Expensive
• Difficult to make aero shapes due to welding considerations
• Difficult to repair
• Stiffness is traded for lightweight

My Preferences…

I have at least one bike made out of every material. I use carbon fiber bikes the most; but here are the exceptions:

Winter riding - I use an aluminum frame as I do not want to ruin my more expensive carbon fiber frames, but still want a bike that climbs fast.

Downhill Mountain Bike – I like my titanium frame. I feel indestructible going downhill.

Touring – I would use a steel frame due to the ease of repairs and dependability.

I realize not everyone is fortunate enough to have such a wide selection of bikes and price point is always a factor. If you are just getting into cycling then most of the time a carbon fiber frame is not necessary. My first bike was aluminum and it was fantastic. I still have it… and I still ride it.

Each material has different qualities keep them in mind when you go to purchase your next ride.