With the popularity of cycling, an increasing number of people are eager to own their own bicycles. Here is a brief introduction to the frame materials for newcomers who plan to buy a bicycle, just for reference.
Chromoly steel is an alloy of chromium and molybdenum. Its properties are as follows: good hardenability, high resistance to tempering treatment, low tendency to temper brittleness, good high-temperature workability, good appearance after processing, and good weldability.
Advantages of a chromoly steel frame: Good workability, excellent shock absorption performance, an extremely comfortable riding feel, easy to weld, and relatively low price.
Disadvantages of a chromoly steel frame: Prone to rust. The chromoly steel used for the frame contains chromium, but the addition amount is small (stainless steel contains 12% chromium), and it is an iron-based alloy; Metal fatigue is significant (metal fatigue caused by stress concentration).
Aluminum alloy
Aluminum alloy frames have been in use for a long time. Its advantages are: It can be used to make lightweight frames, and the appearance doesn't change much after long-term use. Disadvantages of an aluminum alloy frame: Aluminum is a material with low elastic modulus and rigidity. Therefore, thick pipes are used, or the shape is changed; Heat treatment is required. If heat treatment is not carried out, the strength will be insufficient.
Titanium alloy
Titanium alloy is a high-performance material used in aerospace products. It has excellent metallic material properties and is currently recognized internationally as the most advanced and ideal material for manufacturing high-end bicycles for various competitions and leisure purposes.
Advantages of a titanium alloy frame: It can be used to make lightweight and strong frames. The strength of pure titanium metal is even higher; It doesn't rust. Titanium is hardly corroded in a general environment. However, it has another type of corrosion phenomenon, namely galvanic corrosion; Good riding feel. Titanium is also used in the springs of shock absorbers. Now, frames made of titanium are suitable for long rides. Some cyclists are extremely fond of titanium frames and think the riding feel is excellent. Disadvantages of a titanium alloy frame: High price. Due to the complexity of the manufacturing process and welding technology, the cost of a titanium alloy frame is very high.
Carbon fiber
The scientific name of carbon fiber is "polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fiber". A carbon fiber frame still has advantages that other materials don't have: It can be used to make lightweight frames, has good shock absorption performance, and can be used to manufacture frames of various shapes. Disadvantages of a carbon fiber frame: Complex stress calculation, difficult to change the size. Since it is formed after making the mold, it is difficult to change the size. It cannot meet orders with multiple sizes and styles, and it is prone to aging.
