What frame materials are available?

A bicycle frame should be light and strong at the same time. Carbon is increasingly used for sporty bikes. But aluminium, steel, titanium and even wood and bamboo bikes can also be found on the market. You should set priorities! If it has to be cheap, then aluminium. If it has to be super light, then carbon.

Aluminium frame

One of the most common materials on the market is aluminium. An all-rounder and quite well-balanced. Light, robust and stiff. Aluminium can be freely shaped and recycled. Nevertheless, you should handle an aluminium frame with care. Of all materials, aluminium has the highest risk of denting.

“Double butted” or “triple butted”.
Refers to the butting of the tube ends. During production, the tube ends are formed with a constant outer diameter so that they have a thicker wall than the middle of the tube. Since a higher mechanical force acts on the ends, the centre of the tube does not have to be as pronounced. This saves additional material and reduces weight. With a “triple butted” frame, the wall thickness is even thinner than with a “double butted” frame, thus achieving the maximum weight saving.

Carbon frame

Carbon is the lightest frame material and is indispensable for sporty bikes. Carbon fibre reinforced plastic is torsionally stiff, comfortable and aerodynamic. Road cyclists and mountain bikers swear by the lightest material, the only disadvantage being its robustness in the event of a crash or falling over.

Steel frame

Bicycles have been made of steel since the beginning of time. Steel is robust and easy to work with, but it is rarely used in high-end frame construction because it is relatively heavy. On the other hand, if you are looking for a “workhorse” that is stable and durable, you will opt for a steel frame. Fine weld seams and slim frame tubes have a noble appearance, which is why steel is also often used for “retro bikes”.

Titanium frames

A titanium frame does not scratch and is very durable. It does not need painting because titanium does not rust. A high purchase price as well as the high energy consumption in production make the titanium frame interesting only through long and intensive use.

Bamboo or wooden frame

A wooden frame on a bicycle? Sure, it’s possible! Bamboo is stable and flexible at the same time and a perfect material for building frames. It is also an eye-catcher – so curious glances are guaranteed. Wood is not only used for frame construction, but is also used for bicycle handlebars. Some designs even surpass aluminium in terms of weight savings.

Frame materials at a glance

	Aluminium	Steel	Carbon	Titanium
Weight	medium	high	low	medium
Stability	low	high	low	very high
Durability	low	high	low	very high
Stiffness	high	low	high	medium
Torsional stiffness	medium	very high	high	high