What is considered better for a bike frame: Chromally, steel, aluminium?

Question

I am looking to buy a Hybrid bike, perhaps a Motobecane Cafe Noir. The frame is chromally, is that considered strong and light weight?

Answer 1

chromoly is a fairly strong and lightweight material. it will suffice unless you plan on hucking your bike around the mountains. steel is a very sturdy material and has been around for a long time bit is also heavy. aluminum is the preferred choice these days because it can be bonded with other metals (to make an alloy) to make it very light and it is also very durable, aluminum frame will take a hell of a beating before they give out.

another option is titanium. its expensive, very light and very strong. if you have the cash, you might want to check out Lightspeed bikes.

have fun

Answer 2

I know I'll get flamed for this long answer but it is info you'll need.

First, Chrome Molybdneum (Chrome Moly) is a steel. More bikes have been made of steel than any other material. In fact, most frame makers using other materials compare their ride to it. It is by far the most dependable frame material around, so if you want a bike that'll last a looong time, it is the way to go. It is strong, relatively light, and inexpensive.

Aluminum is half the weight of steel. The problem is that it is 1/3 the strength. So, when you are talking about most production aluminum frames the manufacturer uses more material to increase the life of the frame so the weight goes up as well. In addition, it is well known that all aluminum frames have a short life when compared to steel. In fact, it is not uncommon for an aluminum frame to fail without warning. This is called "sudden catastrophic failure". Believe me- if you are riding down a hill and a frame fails the result is nothing short of catastrophic.

So, I suggest you go ahead and get a steel (CrMo) framed bike.

Answer 3

I don't know where you got the idea that steel absorbs vibrations better and carbon is bumpy. I own both and the carbon bike is so much smoother. The link shown by deighton it is an interesting read. I am one of those you refer to as an old dog, having been on road bikes since 1970 and I prefer carbon, thank you very much. My 40 year old Reynolds 531 frame is in perfect condition, so yes steel does last. Check out Bianchi, Merlin, and Lightspeed to see a couple titanium bikes (Google titanium bikes for more). Titanium is very light, expensive and compliant. I didn't like the feel of titanium vs. carbon -- feels soft to me, an old term we used to use -- whippy.

Answer 4

Chromoly IS steel, and aluminum is lighter. You forgot titanium and carbon fiber...

Steel gives a more compliant ride, but will be heavier and you need to watch for rust. Aluminum is very stiff and has a lifespan of about 5-7 years with the kind of bike you're looking at. Whatever fits best is the right choice.

Answer 5

To all who voted STEEL ---you all RULE! Recently, I dropped by a bike shop with Ellsworths, Titus, Scott rigs with all the hype of Aluminum, high-end gears-----Yeah----their prices are enough to buy a small dirt bike ( $5000 and above).or low end naked motorcycles. ( just check motorcycle category of EBAY and look at those Kawas,Hondas playbikes! )----and to buy a real wallet-drainer ( or credit card destabilizer ) is NOT EXACTLY COOL! So go for those simple Konas, old school mt. bikes with simple yet sweet equipment----and get e REAL DEAL.

Answer 6

Actually, chromally is really just another name for most steel tube materials... it is generally the more heavy of all bike materials.
Aluminum is lighter, titanium is even lighter, and carbon fiber (basically plastic) are the lightest.

As other postings have said, it depends on your type of riding as to which one is better for you.

Answer 7

Cromoly is steel. While usually the heaviest material used for bikes, it is very durable, inexpensive and the best in ride feel (comfy yet lively, all things being equal).

Answer 8

The aluminum and carbon fiber will be the lightest and most expensive. They will be a little stiffer as well.

Unless you are doing jumps and stunts, you probably won't break the frame on any of them.

Answer 9

Are we talking a motorcycle or a pedal bike? If it's the latter, definitely aluminum. It has adequate strength properties and it's light.

Chromium-Molybdenum is a steel alloy. It's heavy, and the strength properties are way overkill.

If cost is no object you could go with titanium.

Answer 10

Chromally is very strong. Aluminum is plenty strong enough and yet lighter weight.

My 180 hp Yamaha R1 has a frame made of aluminum, as do all sport and racing motorcycles.