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Originally Posted by cindy0721  is it better to get a alum frame or a steel one? I know the alum. is lighter so would that necessarily make it better? |
It really depends on how much you plan on riding. Lighter isn't going to make a whole lot of difference if you're not riding at least 40 miles fast. Or if you do a lot of hill riding. Aluminum will climb a little better, but it doesn't dampen the vibration as well as steel does. And there ARE lighter steel frames, but they cost a LOT more than aluminum.
Aluminum is almost impossible to repair, but if you're only doing recreational riding, it should be plenty durable for a long time. Some manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on certain bike parts (like the frame).
If you want to get into big money bikes, there's always titanium and carbon fiber. I have a titanium bike and I love it b/c it's so light, but it's a racing bike. And I honestly prefer my Softride, which is also a racing bike, but is aluminum over it. Although...the frame material has nothing to do with why I prefer one over the other. I just like my Softride better.
BTW, if anyone is interested, the Tour de France starts July 5...you can catch it on Versus tv
