Difference Between Steel and Aluminum Bikes

Steel vs Aluminum Bikes

People often have some confusion when buying bikes. They may think twice whether to go for steel or aluminum, which are the most common materials used for making bikes. Well, aluminum and steel bikes have their own features and qualities.

When talking about the strength of the two bikes, steel is stronger than aluminum. Another difference that can be seen between the two bikes is that aluminum bikes are lighter in weight than steel bikes. When the bikes are lighter, they deliver more speed, which means that aluminum bikes are faster than steel bikes.

One could have a stiff feeling while riding the aluminum bikes. However, these aluminum bikes are softer and they come in less tension and compression.

When comparing the tubes used in the two bikes, strong and larger tubes are used for aluminum bikes when compared to steel bikes. Aluminum bikes have strong tubes, and they flex more than steel bikes.

When talking about the life span of the two bikes, steel bikes have more fatigue life than that of the aluminum bikes. Well, though steel bikes have a longer life, they require more maintenance than aluminum bikes. Steel bikes have to be cleaned periodically to prevent rust. On the contrary, aluminum bikes are very easy to maintain.

Another difference that can be seen is that when steel bikes fail, they bend. On the other hand, when aluminum bikes fail, they crack and break apart. Well, aluminum bikes are also harder to repair when compared to steel bikes.

Now, when talking about price, aluminum bikes cost more than steel bikes.

Summary:

1. Steel bikes are stronger than aluminum bikes.
2. Aluminum bikes are lighter in weight than steel bikes.
3. Aluminum bikes deliver more speed than steel bikes.
4. Stronger and larger tubes are used for aluminum bikes compared to steel bikes.
5. Steel bikes have more fatigue life than that of the aluminum bikes.
6. When steel bikes fail, they bend. On the other hand, when aluminum bikes fail they crack and break apart.
7. Aluminum bikes cost more than steel bikes.