The Beginner’s Guide to Carbon vs. Aluminum Bike Frames | Shop Talk | The Pro's Closet

[@CFCMahomet]

I think we need to help people understand this…. Carbon $5,000-$12,000 Aluminum $1,000-$3,000 Seems pretty easy to understand to me.

[@topspot4834]

The alloy bikes are getting more and more expensive. Even Commencal has a few $7k+ which is crazy IMO ... I think warranties play into it as well. If I can get carbon with a good warranty and crash replacement, it might be worth it in the long run. I'd never buy used carbon though, since warranties typically don't transfer owners.

[@calebniederhofer6529]

That’s actually not true at all. You can get entry level FX4 Trek and even a FX5 for 2k and under.

[@calebniederhofer6529]

@@topspot4834 That’s not true at all either. I own a FX3 aluminum and it is a 1,000 bike. You can get a FX4 carbon fiber at under 2k, and it is Carbon fiber.

[@robosergTV]

wrong. 2000-2500 € bikes have carbon frame.

[@kevbev1524]

So.... They are comparing carbon to steel? Then reference aluminum as the alternative, So you lost me right in the beginning, Very unprofessional, Carbon fiber has all types of Grades and weaves for different integrities. Basically aluminum has a longer shelf life at half the expense, Don't get caught up in the hype, Your not a pro that gets a free bike every year, go aluminum. Be smart, Be safe

[@mudkayak6305]

I see broken carbon mtn bikes a lot, not so many with Alu

[@PersonaN007Grata]

My old aluminum mtn bike has gone end over end a dozen times with no real damage. I wouldn’t want to risk that with a carbon bike.

[@kevinnielsen1356]

Add to that carbon most often fails catastrophicaly without warning.

[@bov5982]

So carbon fiber are good granny bikes but for abuse Aluminum or steel.

[@kevinnielsen1356]

@Kameron Black OK, post your bank account number

[@LordHolley]

Yeah definitely gotta be a little more careful with it. I just learned that lesson pounding through a rock garden before I hearing a large "crack". Time to walk home with my cracked wheel.

[@mortlow6688]

A modern Aluminum frame is good enough for most people. I like good Carbon Wheels/Seatpost on a high quality (Reynolds/Columbus) Steel frame (Allroad/Cross)... Carbon is for the Pro' s/Racer.... Pain in the ass for Nature and very expensive (if you want a good build, solid, very light and stiff frame ) Cheap carbon frames are more placebo than good...

[@billsmith5109]

My 40 year old Cannondale is good enough for me. Did get some unfriendly comments from friends of G Klein when I first bought it. Never from Gary or his Spouse.

[@lesliepropheter5040]

Bamboo?

[@billsmith5109]

@@lesliepropheter5040 Someone was marketing a set of lugs you could buy to make your own bamboo bike. Way too flexible except as a novelty.

[@lesliepropheter5040]

@@billsmith5109 I was half kidding, the carbon fiber is where it’s at. Thx

[@6NPA]

Steel

[@s1alker564]

Steel is real

[@Leo-gt1bx]

So is carbon 😂

[@ilopilleri5905]

2:14 DUDE! Show me how easily you can weld carbon fiber than aluminum! I have 20 years experience welding all of metals. So tell me what you mean "if you crack an aluminum frame or dent it really badly it's toast.."!!!

[@petegobeckli1386]

Carbon Fiber road bike. Aluminum mountain 🚵‍♂️ bike.

[@unfab]

Aluminium forever. It CAN be hightec and lightweight.

[@zachscherpa944]

Steel! Reynolds 853

[@theproscloset]

#steelisreal

[@anthonywalters7434]

Aluminum all the way. I’ve taken way too many rocks to the downtube for carbon, and I like the snappier feel of aluminum more

[@theproscloset]

Right on!

[@tapbike3145]

Titanium , where have they gone? why?

[@bman6502]

Let’s stop about weight being such a big deal… I have a full carbon, but then I put on a water pak at about 2.5 pds full…. My next bike will be Al, due to pricing and longevity

[@staticx2552]

Just got a nice steel frame . done with the anxiety carbon gives with crashes

[@reboundrides8132]

@@staticx2552 steel? Steel is heavy and rusts. You mean aluminum?

[@staticx2552]

@@reboundrides8132 depenss on the steel and if you choose to maintain your shit or not

[@T59-j7k]

Have a 2001 Cannondale aluminum which weighs less than my 2020 Cannondale SystemSix.

[@sylvainbernaers]

i race cannondale caad 12. my carbon bikes stay in the cellar. the caad is that better

[@anakinskyguy6582]

"Alluminum can't be repaired" and then there's me trashing my xc hardtail repaired alluminum bike without worrying about anything, it has hold on pretty well for the kind of things I've done with it.

[@tigerone2353]

Hey, don't let these guys know you disagree with them, they'll get mad..

[@istinkhaha9447]

Hi

[@codythill2659]

Ya I mtb also and you can’t fix aluminum without completely ruining the Heat treat and if you running d.h you’re on a ticking time bomb.

[@LordHolley]

@@codythill2659 You just have to anneal the aluminum frame, it's not a big deal. There are several places in every reasonably large city that do it. I would not say that carbon is any easier to fix and make durable again than aluminum. They are both a pita and it's gonna be more cost effective to just get a new frame either way.

[@russelmurray9268]

How is it heat treated a second time

[@AGoogleUser-h2r]

❤ my 2016 GT PRO series 2 Aluminum frame w/carbon forks. Dura-Ace group set. Shimano 105 rim brakes. RITCHEY WCS full carbon seat post and a Selle Italia saddle . RITCHEY WCS Handlebar stem. Mavic rims wrapped in specialized TURBO tires. LOOK full carbon KETO Peter Sagan clip in pedals.

[@theproscloset]

Very nice!

[@fennec13]

Carbon fiber vs. Aluminum ? I'll stick with my Titanium bike. Thx

[@bov5982]

If you have one. What's the weight on on it? Had a couple as well as some different friends over the years that had a several.

[@irockuroll60]

Don’t think titanium was an option in the carbon v aluminum

[@valeriesorrells]

Carbon baby

[@martinromeo1006]

Carbon Fiber

[@billbove7304]

The guy putting the tubes together has a bigger impact on how the bike will ride than what the tubes are made of.

[@craigcarlson4022]

Yep, agree. This should be the starting and ending point on all these discussions.

[@noureddineelaroussi7680]

It comes down to price really. I have a SantaCruz aluminum from 2013 with Shimano XT and Mavic wheels that I paid 500 dollars for, the same set up carbon can go to upward of 5000 dollars, it's up to you.

[@jeanlawson9133]

My Specialized carbon fiber road bike has Mavic rims very nice bike to ride.....

[@elnyoutube123]

Steel

[@searaydrivingguy]

i have a 2014 Santa Cruz Bronson C, and 2014 Trek session 8.8, both are great bikes. Going up hill with with the Santa Cruz is easier, and its better on bumps feels lighter at only 26 pounds. The Trek is a dream bike to look at, and performs like a beast. They both are incredible.

[@joeywheeler8576]

prefer aluminum, with carbon forks, you get best of both worlds

[@theproscloset]

Good combo 👍

[@TheMd1975]

Well, I saw no Steel or Ti... True it was not in the title. Overall best material is likely Ti. But, it is very hard to weld correctly

[@lostpony4885]

Bamboo with PVC fittings wins. Bye

[@bruvbruh8056]

Ignore this whole video I got a carbon fiber stump jumper that’s gone through hell and back so many times it’s practically got a citizenship there. If it’s well made carbon fiber it will be better than aluminum in every way but if it’s a lower end bike just get aluminum until ur ready to invest in something dope. Haven’t watched the vid either just putting this comment here for a quick sum up on them

[@2scoops624]

I prefer metal to canvas and glue.

[@bov5982]

It was good enough for the red barron.

[@williamrogers4114]

Aluminum frame carbon forks

[@freedomofmotion]

Wait, why can't aluminium be repaired? Couldn't you just weld it if it cracks?

[@Samsonmetaphysical]

Yes, it can be repaired. You are correct it can be welded.

[@dixoncider6366]

Just weld and grind it, I’m a welder so I know this would work.

[@brianwright9514]

Engineer here: Aluminum and steel frames are often heat treated after they are welded. This is done to normalize after welding to soften the heat affected zone and then the rest of the frame is frequently heat treated again to harden the rest of the frame to improve fatigue resistance. If you weld repair the frame, you'll also need to re-normalize and re-heat treat it.

[@freedomofmotion]

@@brianwright9514 So not a home job then , unless you have an industrial kiln at home. 😂

[@brianwright9514]

@@freedomofmotion I wouldn't even trust a welding shop to do it right unless I could give them specific repair instructions from the frame designer.

[@Gledii]

Interesting. There are a lot of info out there telling to be very careful with carbon fiber parts when applying force to it (e.g tightening a screw). it can cracks if you are not carefull. Aluminium is way forgiven on this.

[@HerrenGamingNews]

If repairing a carbon frame doesn't cost alot then I'm sold on carbon at least for a fat bike!

[@theproscloset]

Depending on the damage, a carbon repair is going to be less expensive than almost any other alternative.

[@kennethbellotte8678]

I prefer titanium, lol

[@DanRasmussen1]

Steel

[@theproscloset]

#steelisreal

[@larryletgo6565]

If I accidentally click on this ad one more time I’m going to blow my brains out

[@michaelhaney3388]

I have a BMC team 29 aluminum. Rides like carbon.

[@cowsagainstcapitalism347]

Steel is the answer you're looking for.

[@theproscloset]

Ah secret option "C"

[@kevinnielsen1356]

It isn't really carbon fiber. It is carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Question then is, do you want a plastic bike?

[@paulm8269]

well it depends who you're calling out... but high end bikes are the real deal. Same manufacturing process as Aerospace applications.

[@bov5982]

@@paulm8269 carbon fiber ii plenty strong. Just not impact resistant. I don't see it lasting as a wheel.

[@bov5982]

They need the same guy that sold the platic explosives idea. Sounds kind of boring till you call it Plastique

[@josemoure520]

Aluminium all day

[@markanthony1481]

Aluminum all the way. I’m not dropping $$$ on a carbon bike that rivals the cost of a used motorcycle. I mean that shop in the UK that repairs carbon bikes said in one video that he’s repaired 14k Carbon bikes! Seems to risky cost wise

[@tongalizia3175]

I broke my Colnago carbon ,,,,walked 16 miles,,,,what a waste of money,,,,switch to ,,,,steel is real ,,,,,,,,aluminum is better…

[@thomasmarlow1254]

Steel is real

[@tibbar1000]

I do remember how fun it was to go fast when I was young. I am 62 and don’t bike when I am in a hurry. My bike is 28 years old, works great, and is made of chromoly steel. I will confess that on a good day I wonder how fast I could go on a good carbon fiber bike. Nice to see you kids having fun on them.

[@Kenny-zv4pp]

I have a Salsa mountain and a Canyon Road bike, both Carbon and there's no comparison for them in their class.

[@theproscloset]

🙌

[@brianjones2118]

Titanium

[@dougstump2520]

Can you explain what you mean by carbon fiber is "repairable"? Everyone I know that had damaged carbon frame ended up with a useless frame. Another point you don't address is that carbon bike can more easily damaged during cold temperatures.

[@markkus1134]

Titanium

[@markuskorn4829]

Steel

[@Robert-z2h7m]

I'm 5ft.2" I have 25" inseam, my financial budget is 26.96 per day on my ssi. I live in poverty so I can only afford aluminum bikes, if you would give me a carbon fiber bike of 44 cm. and use it as a tax write off, I would be very grateful (JOKE) HAHA

[@truman5838]

Nobody has ever been to space. We live on a flat stationary plane with a firmament above. It's a closed system. "Outer Space" is water. Consistent with Ancient Hebrew Cosmology.

[@martindelgallego5809]

I prefer cromoly steel. Carbon is expensive, ages and becomes brittle over time. Aluminum is cheap and only better off with bigger tires - my 2 cents IMO. Titanium would be a dream but can't afford it. If you're a PRO, Carbon is it. Peace

[@dylanclements2485]

Carbon fibre weakens over time, becomes to flexy as a result you loose efficiency and power.

[@josemelendez6860]

Aluminum takes a tremendous amount of force to break, and you would have to weigh 400ibs and jump off a cliff to bend it. Carbon fiber just has to fall in a certain way and completely break open.

[@melvinpante552]

For me still is the best Like other than. Frame set. Still is still beautiful

[@robduncan599]

I think you misset the main point? Most ,indeed the vast majority of bicycle sales are aimed at regular general public not competitive racers? Yet most channel are focused on competitive sport ? Most people will purchase their bike not on marginal gains , but price and a bike that suits their needs ? Even though the world seems to revolve around supper lite and fractions of seconds?

[@MrFluero]

Why the most cyclist which use carbon bikes they don't cycling often the winter months? I am all around year cyclist and very rarely see carbon bikes in winter months?

[@derekgilson9479]

If I was going to do any type of jumping, aluminum. But personal racing against myself with no jumps, carbon

[@xxan84]

I preffer what I can aford and since I can't afford carbon... Then again I've been dreaming of Elon Musk sending me 2 billion dollars as a gift, I will be buying a carbon one at that point.

[@sethtruecycling8803]

Carbon fiber for my Cyclocross Race bike, carbon fiber for my Gravel Race bike, carbon fiber for my Road Race bike, and carbon fiber for my Adventure/Bikepacking bike! So I guess I’m a fully carbon fan!!! I’ve dented aluminum a bunch, but never done anything to carbon so that’s why.

[@nyyommm9640]

I want aluminum fiber

[@theproscloset]

🤔

[@rinaldocatria4386]

You left out Titanium. I’m an old Litespeed lover. Or what about Kinesium? I like it as well.

[@chrisscott8362]

+1 for Ti.

[@ShihabdeentheCyclist]

Carbon fiber bicycle is best for road bike but it's not ideal for touring adventure bikes and mountain bikes

[@xXjoehotXx]

alloy isnt lighter then steel !!! a kg of alloy is as much waight as 1 kg of steel !!! and frames could be made in the same waight in steel if someone wanted to ! but noone of steel frame producer seems to want that - thats the prob of the waight ...

[@frankducett9]

I think you're to busy trying to be funny to really present a viable video of any value. You're fired. Both of you. Clean out your desks.

[@macinfloydvolk]

The acting and bad script reading reminds me of a really really low budget public access program that get troll phone calls. You’re talking to the audience like we a toddlers.

[@russelmurray9268]

Which product is more toxic to the planet. Aluminum isn't great as a clean medium but I doubt carbon fiber is good for the environment

[@bribolin7278]

Looking forward to the day people quit saying. "And it's toast."

[@armandojuan64]

Do you know what is wrong with aluminum ? .... Absolutely nothing .

[@Sendythetaco]

As a welder, couldn’t you tig and grind an alu frame?

[@youvebeenmilked2893]

I’ve heard that the aluminum is too thin and difficult to properly repair usually

[@lesliepropheter5040]

Burn your shop down aluminum burns nasty. Try getting the fire out. Funny they make ferry boats and recreational boats out of aluminum huh?

[@bov5982]

@@lesliepropheter5040 HELLO you are thinking of MAGNESIUM. In the 70s the Husqvarna factory caught on fire and couldn't be put out. Now they foam and other methods to deal with it.

[@E-MTBs]

Aluminum

[@ericroden6677]

I have both alu and carbon cx and gravel bikes. Funny thing my alu giant with basic build spec is still much lighter than my carbon di2 bikes. But at the end of the day, they all bring a smile!

[@nofearnothrill1776]

Do you prefer carbon or aluminum? Fatigue and vibration?

[@ericroden6677]

All things considered I'm going to stick with aluminum. Cheaper, lighter, recyclable. Maybe ti for a forever bike.

[@chip9832]

I just got w carbon mtb. I never get anything right.

[@kyboy9730]

The bike you have and ride is the best

[@SourPatchPuss]

Unfortunately I’m a victim of great marketing. I always want carbon fiber if I can get it.

[@Leo-gt1bx]

It's worth it though. Carbon makes for a great ride.

[@channelDD25]

Aluminum is also recyclable, while CF is not.

[@Docdog-dd1MB]

I've friend who's carbon bike price 🤔 is equal half my Busa motorcycle price!?!

[@theproscloset]

Sure some bikes are pricey, but so are some motorcycles. Comparing the two isn't really an accurate assessment of value.

[@akaraikiriakatsuki3157]

Got into a little accident a month ago. the bike is fine after the crash. I'm not hahahaha

[@GottaJibbo0]

Bruce looks like Mark Wahlberg, amiright?

[@scrufbmx6810]

You guys forgot TI and 4130 chrome

[@kevinnielsen1356]

Aluminum is not as reliant upon skilled labor as is carbon fiber layups. Who is making your carbon frame? Are the factory personnel actually skilled at carbon layup, or does the factory hire anyone who can roll a cigarette? Defective carbon frames are only detected with costly xray analysis or by outright failure. Aluminum is assembled by robot welding, and is relatively ez to inspect. Aluminum will almost always give plenty of warning prior to failure. Carbon most frequently fails catastrophicaly without warning. Carbon fiber begin to break down from the first use, and the pace of deterioration accelerates as the carbon/plastic matrix breaks down. Aluminium will not deteriorate unless it is deflected beyond its resiliency, potentially lasting indefinitely.

[@bov5982]

Work from home Carbon fiber molders don't have the proper equipment so you are going overseas where countries are on the edge of revolt. Asia is going to be a powder keg in the near future. Might try some African countries.

[@Mosely2007]

I have a newer Madone, SPEC. Allez and a Ritchey Road Logic steel. I mainly ride the Ritchey and a steel Salsa Gravel. Every carbon frame 8 broke. Non in a crash. I don't trust it so it stays on the Wahoo Zwift set-up. New steel. Has a sweet ride what I remember from the 70s . Classic frames look best to me. My Madone is ugly. Ritchey Dura Ace with Dura Ace deep carbon hoops. Whatever floats your boat. Just ride

[@bobbybreaker629]

SIX13 FRAME I'M RESTORING & CAMPY BUILD. 20YEAR OLD CLASSIC.

[@bennieknape4857]

I can't afford any of your bikes , alu. or carbon fiber.

[@PalmSandsRanch]

Love my CF Cloud 9

[@tonyrossify]

I love steel with a little carbon

[@danielandersen3463]

I’ve welded cracks on aluminum downhill frames. And they’re still being ridden. Aluminum can be repaired…

[@paulm8269]

After you repair it, you'd have to heat treat it to 570-800 degrees to get it back to original strength. Tell me what you'd have to do to repair it? I wish the Spencer & Bruce didn't say it's not repairable, because they are, it's just that they are not practical to repair, that's what makes them irreparable.

[@bov5982]

@@paulm8269 plus the fact that they did such a poor video makes me leary of any advice. I am a welder and agree a fab shop may save your vacation but wouldn't be jumping anything. And take out of service after trip. Your 570-800 seems high to me but it has been a while since welding Aluminum and new alloys have come a long way. I expected a carbon fiber mold and some extruded Aluminum not a rolled up piece of paper. Might as well rolled a joint. Would have gotten more out of it.

[@paulm8269]

@@bov5982 570-800 are the actual temps .. depending on a few factors.

[@bov5982]

@@paulm8269 is the welding and heat treating done inside a chamber? Had some different parts made before from Titanium and they had to be welded with these gloves and a special window like a bead blaster. plus a hood. Then the mirror welding where everything is bassackwards.

[@cedrickscott283]

I'm from Durango and I hear about this custom bike AND SEEN PICTURE S OF IT IN TOWN

[@toddamtmann3528]

Um... Aluminum can be repaired, also. With a grinder, welding machine, & some skill.

[@theproscloset]

Aluminum frames are extremely difficult to repair back to their original integrity and strength, whereas a carbon repair can match the original stiffness and strength of the frame exactly. Aluminum CAN be repaired but it's strongly advised against.

[@kuyajayyoutubechannel5389]

I have carbon fiber bikes trek MTB 29er in depends on you how to use ur carbon bikes.

[@jeanlawson9133]

I still have my Vitus 21 tubing Motobecan ,,, and an Aluminum Mountain bike and I have a Specialized carbon fiber road bike,,,,my favorite bike is always the old 21 speed 27" Miche rims she's been so many miles for me and dude she is super fast.. never got rid of anything....

[@kevinhall2376]

Aluminum. I have been riding my Garry Fisher Cake 2 for years in the rocky mountains. Inspite of what some say, aluminum can be repaired. I would recommend some models carbon for the road.

[@heathenshaunt681]

Even on a road bike I can't trust carbon frames like it's been said the few gains on carbon frames don't out weigh the issues they come with in my book and I can get or build a great aluminum bike for less by far

[@heathenshaunt681]

And I would go titanium way before carbon too

[@David_a_journeyman_curmudgeon]

So aluminum isn't repairable but carbon is... Trying to wrap my head around that.

[@theproscloset]

Aluminum frames are extremely difficult to repair back to their original integrity and strength, whereas a carbon repair can match the original stiffness and strength of the frame exactly. Aluminum CAN be repaired but it's strongly advised against.

[@peterpisani4749]

Carbon fork and rear stays on AL take out the stiffness of an all AL frame. You can really get beat up on a longer tour with all AL

[@heavenlysedated4906]

I run a galvanized steel frame with carbon rims and a banana dropper post seat 😎

[@bov5982]

Me too galvanized pipe and elbows. Got the plans off that Three Stooges show where Curly threads himself into a maze of pipes.🙊🙉🙈......... Hey Mo!!!

[@douglasswright484]

This bike is a good and reasonable price.

[@whiterock1865]

Don’t forget titanium! 😁😂😉🥰

[@alanr4263]

How about Titanium?

[@paulm8269]

If you think CF is expensive, wait until you get the Ti bill.

[@alanr4263]

@@paulm8269 😊 what kind of welding rods do they use titanium?

[@bov5982]

@@alanr4263 uhh let me guess bailing wire?

[@bov5982]

@@paulm8269Buying Titanium is like Buying a Rolls Royce if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it.

[@dubblearr7622]

Aluminum cuz I’m chubby

[@kalijasin]

Aluminum is Not unrepariable.

[@faithinverity8523]

Hydroformed aluminum tube sets are available from top Taiwanese manufacturers. Those tubes are the product extensive research whose goal was to produce a new generation of aluminum frames that perform well. If you know what to look for, you can walk into a bike shop and see them being used on many mid-range bikes.

[@ianmangham4570]

Marin Taiwan here 🇬🇧 🤟🤠💯

[@nektin9923]

A good example is the sagmit bike