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The judges:

Date: March 25, 2006
Oso a cross-country rider from USA writes:

Titanium...Have ridden titanium for 16 years. Titanium is the definate hands down winner. Last bike you'll need.
Aluminum...Aluminum's only virtues are; 1.) its cheap. 2.) its light. Ride quality sucks! Good for beer cans and airplane fuselages, not for bicycle frames.
Steel...my road bike is steel. I sold a carbon fiber bike to buy a steel bike. Steel is real. My first mtn bikes were steel, but they broke.
Carbon fiber...light, much improved over the years. Probably better for road bikes than real mountain bikes. Was on an afternoon ride with a friend and he broke his OCLV mtn bike when crossing a gully.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: March 22, 2006
Aaron a weekend warrior from Florida writes:

Choose for youself after looking up frame stuff at sheldonbrown.com. Aluminum is good for me because of the flex and feel is nice and soft. Steel is strong, but is also stiff and heavy. Carbon fiber is light, but expensive and may shatter on hard impact depending on weave quality. Titanium is strong as steel w/out the rust danger, but expensive. Stiff, but light. Aluminum is #1. Titanium is #2. Trek's ZR9000 Zirconium crap is #3. Paper mache might as well be 4th. Carbon fiber would be excellent if I were Bill Gates and the technology was a lot more proven, but right now all I trust it to be in are my handlebar end plugs and cage.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: March 15, 2006
nemania malic a racer from morocco,rabat writes:

it should be cool looking

WINNER: Steel

Date: March 11, 2006
CN a cross-country rider from Memphis, TN writes:

Never used carbon fiber or Ti, but on steel vs aluminum I can comment. I now ride a Trek 3900 with an aluminum frame. And I wish like hell I handn't sold my old Trek 850 (with it's steel frame and rigid fork). |It rode alot smoother than my new bike. The front shock does make a little difference, but the ass-end of my bike is alot more harsh. Steel is much more flexible, and there is no noticable weight difference from aluminum (mind you I say "noticable". None of my bikes have been on a scale. I judge by how heavy it feels in my hand and when I ride, so weight weenies should ignore this whole review).
Steel is the winner!

WINNER: Steel

Date: February 27, 2006
Carlos Marquez a cross-country rider from Jalisco Mexico writes:

Titanium do not have to paint

WINNER: Titanium

Date: February 24, 2006
Pablo a weekend warrior from UK writes:

If I want to fly its the aluminum, light, stiff but cheap enough that you dont get precious about it.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: February 9, 2006
sam a weekend warrior from canada writes:

il go with aluminum because its lightwight and kinda tough but not steel .the only bike that i riden with steel were crappy so aluminus wins titaninum looks awsome but pricy and we have to realisti.and i think aluminum is good for hartails like uraban assault or dirt jumping

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: February 1, 2006
NaraQuend a cross-country rider from Berkeley, CA, USA writes:

for hardtail mtb: steel rules, but a well designed & crafted stiff titanium's a good choice for serious racers

i'd rather xc race on a 3.9# steel hardtail than a 3.4# aluminum.

aluminum's fine for full suspsnsion: xc fs or dh fs.

WINNER: Steel

Date: December 15, 2005
mini from India writes:

Aluminium can be anodised.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: November 12, 2005
Old Dude a weekend warrior from Houston, Texas writes:

Bontrager Steel bikes are old school but they still rule in strength, durability and smooth ride. Steel bikes will still be on the trails when all the exotic metals are stressed out and being recycled for 15 cents a pound.

WINNER: Steel

Date: November 9, 2005
SS Dave a weekend warrior from Hill City, MN writes:

It flexes for a smooth ride and you can run it into a brick wall and it won't crack.

WINNER: Steel

Date: November 4, 2005
scott a downhiller from speedfreek07@hotmail.co.uk writes:

titanium is by far the best matirial but is the most expencive so i wud go 4 aluminum cuz its light and strong !

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: November 1, 2005
Gregorio O. Alcantara III a cross-country rider writes:

I like aluminum because it's cheapper than other frame materials, but it's durable. I'm a mtb "freerider", and I do alot of fast decents on technical rocky terrain, and do jumps and drops, my ellsworth Id,with romic rear shock does the job with "Aplum".

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: October 23, 2005
Tabitha a downhiller from Canada writes:

I like aluminum Cuzz its light and pretty durable!! ..but its really up to you!!

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: October 21, 2005
indigoblue a cross-country rider from planet earth writes:

Steel is the ride. enough said.

WINNER: Steel

Date: October 20, 2005
Jason Blades a downhiller from Odenton, MD writes:

I like alluminum because its light but its really up to you...

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: October 19, 2005
LS a cross-country rider from Eindhoven writes:

I have a Litespeed Sewannee since an month or 2. Before this a Commencal Essance (alu)
I prefer the Litespeed becaus its strenghts and weights!

Titanium it wil be!!

WINNER: Titanium

Date: October 19, 2005
LS a cross-country rider from Eindhoven writes:

I have a Litespeed Sewannee since an month or 2. Before this a Commencal Essance (alu)
I prefer the Litespeed becaus its strenghts and weights!

Titanium it wil be!!

WINNER: Titanium

Date: October 18, 2005
MiketheBike a cross-country rider from Amsterdam writes:

I can say that all of those type has their own specifics, and is depending what you like.
I've rode steel, alu, carbon and Ti, but several for their positive strength's.
Steel is for real a good and affordable product, carbon is more a hightech and gimmick (except Look), Alu is very stiff but I like more the metal matrixes like Specialized M2.
Titanium is still a enforced steel.
So, steel is my winner!!!

WINNER: Steel

Date: October 17, 2005
Samantha a downhiller from West Virginia writes:

the answer is....................

WINNER: Steel

Date: October 14, 2005
Harriet a weekend warrior from Nigeria writes:

What metals can be hammered, rolled, or shaped without being broken

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: October 12, 2005
Darren Byrne a downhiller from Ireland writes:

aluminum

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: October 6, 2005
te he a racer from la la writes:

There are four main materials you can use to make a frame on a racing bike. These four materials are aluminium, titanium, carbon fibre, and steel. Many people have different preferences on frames but when it comes, down to it what is the lightest and strongest frame I can get? They are all equally different as Carbon fibre has the lightness but it gets dented and scratched easily. Aluminium has the lightness and durability. Then there is steel it is heavy and strong not very good for racing but if you want to go down hill then it will be excellent for that. I think titanium is probably one of the best as it is strong light and durable so it will be hard wearing also it won�t rust easily but it is expensive.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: October 6, 2005
te he a racer from la la writes:

There are four main materials you can use to make a frame on a racing bike. These four materials are aluminium, titanium, carbon fibre, and steel. Many people have different preferences on frames but when it comes, down to it what is the lightest and strongest frame I can get? They are all equally different as Carbon fibre has the lightness but it gets dented and scratched easily. Aluminium has the lightness and durability. Then there is steel it is heavy and strong not very good for racing but if you want to go down hill then it will be excellent for that. I think titanium is probably one of the best as it is strong light and durable so it will be hard wearing also it won�t rust easily but it is expensive.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: September 23, 2005
Brian a weekend warrior from PA writes:

I ride an aluminum road bike and a carbon mtn bike, but would prefer Ti given the choice, as I believe it would outlast CF

WINNER: Titanium

Date: September 22, 2005
Jimi a weekend warrior from Jakarta writes:

No brainer - Ti wins

WINNER: Titanium

Date: September 21, 2005
David a weekend warrior from Sunnyvale, writes:

Titanium is the way to go if you can afford it. Too many to list.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: September 14, 2005
Dongee a weekend warrior from Greenville, SC writes:

Here's the reason for my picking....

Carbon Fiber - would be my choice for lightness if I did not have to worry about it getting scratched and damaged which would result in a failure. For example, I would worry about chain slapping on chain stay all the time. I guess it is like driving your Farrari to a local WalMart.

Steel - If I lived in a reasonably dry weather with not much humidity, I would consider this to be my No.1 or 2 choice. I guess I worry too much because I love bikes too much.

Aluminum - This is good for MTB with full suspension. But I again worry about its longevity especially on MTB. For a road bike, I would never get an Aluminum bike as it is just too harsh. Even a hardtail with 2.1 in tires stings when going over little bumps.

Titanium - You guessed it. I like its near lightness of Carbon, softness of steel, weather resistance of aluminum, and finally the durability of material. Titanium is not as light as aluminum at equal volume, but it is almost twice as strong, so it could use twice as little material to achieve equal strength. Unlike carbon or aluminum, it will take a little bit of scratches with no lingering ill effect. It has the similar riding feel of good steel frame.

But, again, it all depends on personal preference. I just happened to think it is a no brainer.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: July 24, 2005
Daisyscape a cross-country rider from England writes:

There's no point in buying titanium. It's fantasically expensive, so you'll kick yourself when someone inevitably nicks your bike, and an aluminium frame is so light there's almost no point anyway. Besides, has anyone actually broken their frame? Not the rear shocks or anything but the actual tubing? Does anyone even know anyone who has? You'd have to REALLY try...

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: July 23, 2005
magdy nabel fadel a cross-country rider from cairo writes:

my name /magdy nabel fadel
my adrees /29 hazek st masra shobra cairo
please iwant help to jop in church in malta

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: July 18, 2005
Morrissey869 a cross-country rider from England writes:

Most definetly aluminium. Light and pretty durable.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: July 10, 2005
ryan from Vancouver, Washington writes:

6061 aluminum

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: July 7, 2005
ben a downhiller from canada writes:

it all depends on what your doing, for me I like the titanuium because its strong and lite, it dosnt matter how much it costs becasue in the long run it will save you money.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: June 16, 2005
dsfssssssss a downhiller from pensilvania writes:

ghhhhhhhhhhhhh

WINNER: Tie

Date: June 12, 2005
ev a cross-country rider from can writes:

Aluminum is light, and fairly cheap.
Carbon fibre is cool and light.Aluminum doesnt die with just a chip though...

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: June 12, 2005
kyle thornhill a downhiller from sierra vista writes:

I think that carbon fiber is the best because they have been the lightest

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: June 10, 2005
Marty a cross-country rider from Chandler, AZ writes:

Carbon Fiber offers the best of all materials. Rigid, absorbs vibration, and does not fatigue.

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: June 1, 2005
lindsey a racer from kennelly writes:

hello,

i ride a chro-moly racing-style beaut of a bike. i find that it is durable, but the fanny pressure is monstrous. i recommend steel for its knobby tires.

toodles,

lindsey kennelly--

WINNER: Steel

Date: May 28, 2005
hansome one from kuala lumpur,malaysia writes:

titanum is the best

WINNER: Titanium

Date: May 27, 2005
MS ISLE a downhiller from Jogjakarta, Indonesia writes:

Best of the best for downhill is aluminum......

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: May 18, 2005
magdy nabel fadel a weekend warrior from cairo writes:

my name magdy nabel fadel my adrees 29 hazek st masra shobra cairo iwant help to jop

WINNER: Titanium

Date: May 16, 2005
magdy nabel fadel a cross-country rider from cairo writes:

my name magdy nabel fadel my adrees 29 hazek st masra shobra cairo

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: May 12, 2005
Bandi a weekend warrior from Hungary writes:

Hey guys!!!
One of the best materials is not on the list!
Magnesium is light as a feather (how 'bout a 1200g CC frame?) and it dampens shocks like Ti, only cheaper...
For high-end frames it seems to be a tie b/w Ti, Mg and carbon fiber

WINNER:

Date: May 4, 2005
mel a downhiller from australia writes:

carbon will win

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: April 30, 2005
dillon a weekend warrior from canada writes:

titanium then carbon fiber

WINNER: Titanium

Date: April 30, 2005
charles gaunt a cross-country rider from uk writes:

my verdict on the website is that its great...and on the test...........titanium all the way...the aluminium

WINNER: Titanium

Date: April 26, 2005
Darwin a racer from Arizona writes:

I have had a aluminum bike for 10 years been through 4 pairs of aluminum rims but no frames. Aluminum isnt bad for any application. Been off 2 story ramps with no bending or breaking and its a Mongoose 100% aluminum.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: April 25, 2005
isabel a racer from down hart south writes:

i got a need for speed, and titanuim is here to win

WINNER: Titanium

Date: April 25, 2005
isabel a racer from down hart south writes:

i got a need for speed, and titanuim is here to win

WINNER: Titanium

Date: April 25, 2005
rebecca a racer writes:

titanium all the way!!!!!!

WINNER: Titanium

Date: April 17, 2005
ass a downhiller from fart writes:

woot

WINNER: Titanium

Date: April 17, 2005
kathryn from buffalo writes:

steel is going to rust faster because of the meatirals

WINNER: Steel

Date: April 12, 2005
Arthur Ogawa a downhiller from Three RIvers, CA, US writes:

I ride road (ultramarathon) and I ride technical singletrack. I live in the mountains, so I do climbs; riding the flats is not where it's at for me.

Steel would be nice because of its property of absorbing the energy of a crash and of ease of repair. But so many steel frames are made too flexible. I prefer a stiffer frame. Steel is now rarely seen in our mtb area.

Carbon fiber is great if you never crash. But if your frame is damaged, remember, it cannot be repaired. Bar ends, for example, are a poor application for carbon fiber.

Aluminum is inferior to titanium in most respects, but I'll ride my aluminum frames until they break; I'm not about to throw them away before then. My road buddy rides a Seven, and a sweeter, stronger bike is not to be found. But then, there's the expense, so the penurious need not apply.

I'm calling it a tie for the sake of the poll.

WINNER: Tie

Date: April 10, 2005
Keshav pahal a racer from chandigarh(India) writes:

I have passed my three year diploma in electrical engineeringfrom vaish technical institute,Rohtak,Haryana(India). I want to know about electrical engineering job opportunity in Norway.

WINNER: Steel

Date: April 2, 2005
Carl a cross-country rider from Sydney writes:

When you're 16 hours from anyone Carbon can't be trusted, I just havn't seen the technology or workmanship given to TI yet and AL just gets too sloppy, TI will kill steel one day!

WINNER: Steel

Date: March 30, 2005
josh a downhiller from england writes:

i believe that still is the best because they are well strong and heavy which is good for down hillers

WINNER: Steel

Date: March 24, 2005
og the downhiller a downhiller from Iran writes:

I have 4 bikes and mostly ride extreme downhill in Iran. Yes we have 4500 meter (14000 feet) peaks here that are a pleasure to ride with any bike. I love my steel bikes (solid,heavy which is good for downhillers,and cheap)

WINNER: Steel

Date: March 21, 2005
Hope a downhiller from Canada writes:

Snowboarding, Violon, Skiing, Ski-dooing, and Stepdancing.

WINNER: Steel

Date: March 14, 2005
Dom a downhiller from M()ntreal writes:

each has their place from a structural stand point so it entirely depends on the use of the bike. I even like each of them. I think my favorite from the perspective of current state of the art, speaking frames that are produced would be… drumroll please… steel.

Why? the things that can and have been done in steel are absolutely amazing. If you aren't impressed with steel alloys and forming technology you haven't been looking. And when you take into account the way it is used, it is just so elegant.

aluminum is cheap, and kitschy, the state of the art in aluminum just isn't executed, the pieces of the puzzle are there, it's just someone with the passion for the material has to put them together. cannondale isn't too bad on this front.
current titanium forming tech used in bike manufacture is so archaic, the material has a bright future though, barring energy crises.
the current SOTA (state of the art) carbon is even worse, but its future is much brighter even, give it a hundred years and a composite bike will rock your socks like you wouldn't believe, but for the mean time…

winner in 2005? steel, It still works (light enough and tough enough) for nearly everybody, despite the fact that they think it's heavy. There'll be a day when a steel bike really is an anachronism, but that day is not yet.

i vote 'tie' to reinforce my first point

WINNER: Tie

Date: March 13, 2005
ran a downhiller from australia writes:

Aluminium fatigues the worst of all these materials. Ti and steel would be the best, especially for dh.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: March 12, 2005
jamie a downhiller from london writes:

aluminim! deffently!! steel to heavey, titanium best all around but too expensiove, carbon very very goood, but too expensive! i'd say aluminim or carbon, i've got aluminim so i vote it

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: March 12, 2005
RankAss a racer from rankass@aol.com writes:

Stupid Homo's. Alum is the only way to go, ti to pricy, steel heavy, carbon is simply ugly and gay.


WINNER: Wetbacks

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: March 9, 2005
eurotrash a cross-country rider from europe writes:

still might be real but titanuim is magic:)

as long as i'm not paying full price anyway: titanium

WINNER: Titanium

Date: February 28, 2005
Horhi Anett a racer from Magyarorsz�g writes:

Sziasztok!!!!!!!!

WINNER: Steel

Date: February 26, 2005
Vince a weekend warrior from Ontario Canada writes:

Carbon Fibre by far. Less vibration, lighter and also stiffer. All the top guys are using Carbon Fibre now ( Roland Greene). 2k technology against 80's technology. Carbon Fibre is the winner.

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: February 11, 2005
bith from az writes:

steel

WINNER: Steel

Date: February 10, 2005
gregory fraik a weekend warrior from tahsis b.c canada writes:

i say aluminum becuase its like and pretty strong.
hey we have a trail here in tahsis we build ladders in the trees come check it out in the spring

WINNER: Steel

Date: February 10, 2005
Ivana a cross-country rider from zia pueblo writes:

this is cool

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: February 9, 2005
anidak a cross-country rider from canada writes:

titanium

WINNER: Titanium

Date: February 9, 2005
writes:

titanium or chromally

WINNER:

Date: February 5, 2005
writes:

steel=heavy
carbon fiber=gay,eg. roadbikers
titanium=$$$
aluminum = the only light weight strong decent priced material
easton 7075 rad tubing = the BEST .

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: February 4, 2005
Bob Upndown a racer from Texas writes:

Solid Steel And Sex Appeal!

WINNER: Steel

Date: February 3, 2005
xemperium a cross-country rider from jogjakarta indonesia writes:

almunium : for sports, charity ride
steel : for everiday use (school, shopping etc)
carbon fiber : for competition
titanium : just for prestige... useless

say NO for Titanium bikes !!!!

WINNER: Tie

Date: February 2, 2005
sudweeks a cross-country rider from salt lake writes:

lets all not forget that TANKS are made out of aluminum these days!!

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: February 1, 2005
paul O'connor a weekend warrior from Springfield writes:

I'm Gay so i don't know

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: January 27, 2005
writes:

because it is the strongest metal

WINNER: Titanium

Date: January 27, 2005
writes:

because it is the strongest metal

WINNER: Titanium

Date: January 27, 2005
Chas a weekend warrior from Somewhere in GA writes:

Aluminum(AL)is ok for fs, but for a hardtail ????? I understand lots of broken frames out there; although I have never had an AL frame crack. They are very cheap and really low weight. Cheap is good. Buy it, ride it, break it, then buy another one.

I have a TI bike that weighs nothing, should last for a while and is really cool. Except for the lack of travel with the Headshock it is an awesome ride. But TI costs to much. As much fun as the bike is I don't know if I would step up to the plate again; that is for a mountain bike. I am in search mode for a TI road bike; TI was made for harsh, bumpy, ass bruising pavement.

Carbon is cool, but not right for mass production. I mean they are ok in a few applications I guess....Trek makes a nice carbon road frame $$$$$$$. A few years ago I bought a K2 OZ frame to build but when I received it and saw what a carbonfiber/ plastic/ thermocarbon/ plastic fiber/ toy looking piece it was I said no. Looks good but not really for me.

Steel has to be the real deal. I have a 14 year old steel frame with rigid steel fork that still turns me on. My next mountain bike will be a custom steel IF or Steelman...good ride, strong, custom made for me without spending to much. About 1500 beans get ya a custom steel frame these days. Not cheap but it is however a custom bike. There is nothing like having a frame designed for you and just you. If ya like to spend time on a bike make sure it fits. This is the most important aspect of choosing a bike.

Carbon - no
Aluminum - ok for fs, downhill or throw away bikes
Titanium - the best but so is a Ferrari or a Lamborghini
Steel - the best for most folks

WINNER: Steel

Date: January 27, 2005
writes:

I like aluminum it is mostly used in electrical purposes.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: January 27, 2005
ali a downhiller from pakistan writes:

hj

WINNER:

Date: January 27, 2005
hussnain a racer from pakistan writes:

kjo

WINNER:

Date: January 25, 2005
barbara a racer from tn columbia writes:

i wate to have sx wath a man 5101 sonw creek RD colmbia TN 38401

WINNER: Steel

Date: January 24, 2005
Jarrod C. Gutekunst a cross-country rider from U.S.A. writes:

I would go with the titanium. It has all of the qualitiesof steel except it is signifigantly lighter for lack of a better term.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: January 21, 2005
Travis a weekend warrior from washington writes:

I choose titanium it's 45% lighter that steel and its harder.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: January 20, 2005
john paul a racer from Arizona writes:

I like Ti but thats just me.

1: Ti / carbon tied for first.
3: Steel
87987565: Aluminium


WINNER: Titanium

WINNER: Steel

Date: January 18, 2005
Kyle Wright a racer from Nevada City writes:

Steel rocks man you cant touch it for comfortability and price.

WINNER: Steel

Date: January 13, 2005
bad bernie a weekend warrior from Laguna, Philippines writes:

If you have the money Titanium is the winner, but for me, cromoly rules, it can be used on any road condition, its cheaper, its weight is not an issue to me, I can pedal them just like aluminums.

WINNER: Steel

Date: January 10, 2005
jimmy jones a cross-country rider writes:

aluminum is the best for the money

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: January 5, 2005
Aaron a cross-country rider from Mobile, Al USA writes:

Steel is the shit! Of course its not the lightest, But you simply can't Beat the ride!

WINNER: Steel

Date: December 30, 2004
Jaret McArthur a weekend warrior from Grande Prairie Alberta writes:

Aluminum rules all. Can get low and high quality for good prices and is lighter that steel and not as expensive as carbon or titanium.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: December 28, 2004
John a cross-country rider from UK writes:

My Ali Cannondale had no problems in seven years, My steel hardtail is great, my titanium (Very expensive) full suss had a cracked frame after only 9 months.
Vote steel!

WINNER: Steel

Date: December 18, 2004
anonymous a weekend warrior from CA writes:

It's a damn shame that you can't buy a high quality steel frame for an affordable price these days --even the low-end models are being made of aluminum. ALthough it's lighter than steel, I would never replace my steel hardtail with an aluminum framed hardtail. Fortunately there are still manfacturers out there like Jamis and Ritchey that recognize how lively and rewarding a good steel frame can be to ride. I'd rather ride a more soulful steel frame than a bike that feels as fragile as tin foil. I'm not a rich man, so I can't afford to consider carbon fiber or ti.

WINNER: Steel

Date: December 13, 2004
Bear Nards a weekend warrior from Southwoods, Laguna, Philippines writes:

Steel is da best! It's under rated because of weight!
But for a bike for life
Steel is the better choice!

WINNER: Steel

Date: December 11, 2004
Will a weekend warrior from Chicago, IL writes:

I've ridden a Trek Elite 9.8 for 5 years, began with the 2000 model, and just got an '05. [My 2000 was stolen :-(] Nothing compares to Carbon Fiber, stiff yet flexible, that quirky Zen paradox. Amazingly light-which has its pros and cons-depends on how you fall!

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: November 8, 2004
yo a cross-country rider writes:

it's real, baby!

WINNER: Steel

Date: November 6, 2004
Aonghus � hAlmhain a cross-country rider from Galway Ireland writes:

Carbon fibre, absorbs impacts

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: November 4, 2004
Neha a weekend warrior from Seattle, Wa US writes:

None...bambooo

WINNER: Tie

Date: October 28, 2004
factory defex a cross-country rider writes:

I like Ti but thats just me.

1: Ti / carbon tied for first.
3: Steel
87987565: Aluminium

WINNER: Titanium

Date: October 27, 2004
a cross-country rider from Southern Utah writes:

Titanium is the best overall, but it is way expensive... if you didn't know.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: October 15, 2004
emperor a cross-country rider from ngayogjokarto hadiningrat writes:

I DON'T CARE, now i use alu, it's ligt, stiff and no problem for my 50 kgs weight, so what?

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: October 9, 2004
tojo-mojo a cross-country rider from berkeley, ca writes:

Ti: very nice ride but pricey. If it breaks, ya gotta find someone who can weld ti.
Aluminum: if we're talkin' hardtail frame material, never. Ok for full-suspension.
Carbon-fiber: Kinda of a cool idea but I don't think they've got it just right yet. Still too flexy for my tastes.
Steel: Supple, inexpensive to mend, can be build fairly light -- and won't break the bank.

Steel baby, steel.

WINNER: Steel

Date: October 7, 2004
Kevin a cross-country rider from Duluth, MN writes:

Steel,

Build it, ride it, fix it. The best blend of price, reliability, durability, and flexibility. I'm biased, as I own a classic steel hardtail. When insects have inherited the planet, they'll probably be riding my Grove.

WINNER: Steel

Date: September 29, 2004
Rojah a cross-country rider from Philadelphia, PA writes:

Carbon Firber almost cost me my life. It just snapped one day while I was riding down a (non-mountain) hill and my face went into the the handle bars, I broke my helmet, lost a tooth, had a bunch of stitches on my face, can't breath out of my nose, seperated my shoulder, ...ect. Needless to say I am not a fan of Carbon Fiber (It would have been nice to have something bends before breaking). I just bought a Ti bike and am waiting to heal before I ride which makes me a fan of ti.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: September 26, 2004
Rob 68 a weekend warrior from St. Louis writes:

winner:aluminum-light,stiff,inexpensive

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: September 22, 2004
Dork a cross-country rider from Alabama writes:

Aluminum because after you break your frame you can recycle it and make cans! woohoo!!

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: September 12, 2004
boundconcubine a weekend warrior from Portland,Maine writes:

Like my bike too clear it's own path when i fall off.....

WINNER: Steel

Date: August 23, 2004
Mark a weekend warrior from Hobart, Tasmania writes:

I vote steel. Why? because of the durability, cost effectiveness and I much prefer the ride of a good quality steel hardtail frame.
Aluminium frames always feel too harsh initially, and later in life just become "dull" in feel. Thats if they haven't already snapped, which most would have. Sure they can be light, and yeah, stiffness is good, but the lack of consistency and durability kind of blows for me.
CF is an unknown quantity. Ti? too much money, and you may as well buy a good steel bike, since its just as strong and rides about the same.

My experience with steel? I have a fairly lightweight steel XC frame, Tange Prestige tubing, not a gusset in sight, which hails from 1994. It still perfect structurally, the paint sucks, but there are no cracks, no headtube ovalisation, and so on. And it still has that whippy, alive feel a steel frame should have. It has some interesting oval chainstays and is nearly as stiff under power as most Al frames. Heres the clincher. I bought it as a do anything bike about 8 years ago, I was the third owner. It has two seasons of DH racing under its belt (not to mention countless hours of extreme trail riding, NS stuff, trials (!) and general play riding) , its had all sorts of forks from a 50mm Tioga/showa air fork (c. 1994), to 4 and 5" SC Bombers, and even 6" tripleclamp forks. Its had V brakes. Its survived some of the most extreme trails and even urban riding most people could think of. And you know what? its perfect. Rides as good as new. In the meantime I snapped 3 different aluminium frames and came back to it every time..
Before you say it, I'm neither slow, nor light, I ride hard, but I do know how to ride properly.
I'm about to rebuild it as my XC/trail bike, 10 years from its birth...and I can't wait to turn it back out on the trails again.

Quality Steel is the Hands down winner for me.

WINNER: Steel

Date: August 23, 2004
Gilla from bellevue, NE writes:

steel wins hands down people always go back to the basics it works so don't f@#k with it.

WINNER: Steel

Date: August 12, 2004
Isaiah Nielsen a weekend warrior writes:

i think most skinniest will is better

WINNER: Steel

Date: August 5, 2004
matt jensen a weekend warrior from wisconsin writes:

get some aluminum...cheap relitivly strong and guess wut NO RUSTYNESS

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: July 29, 2004
Walter Hart a downhiller from victorville,CA writes:

I'd be afraid of taking a carbon fiber or titianium frame downhill. titainium is iffy, but only if it is heavy gauge metal. steel and aluminum are great for downhill because they are thicker and can be mixed into almost any alloy.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: July 29, 2004
The most reasonable guy around a cross-country rider from Marietta, GA, USA writes:

Carbon // Titanium obviously these are the quality choices,
light, very strong and durable. Maybe not cheap but hey, this cost isn't what I based my decision eh... Aluminum/Steel has its place for me -i.e. beer cans and cars.

So for me Carbon's the winner cause thats what I have. and obviously I don't make mistackes..aaarrrggggghhhhhh.

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: July 29, 2004
Billy Bogangels a cross-country rider from Burlington writes:

If I had the money I'd probably get a trek Carbon frame maybe off ebay
but I like my aluminum frame, It's light enugh to pop up and over technical stuff like a dingo mounting a bango, also you don't have to be as pissed about dents scaratches or theft should any of that happen to you Aluminum frame. My advise is if you want a nice bike but your working on a budget start with a nice aluminum frame maybe a airborne or somthing and use the money you saved to fit it with decent components

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: July 19, 2004
Jonathan a weekend warrior from mi writes:

What about bamboo? - www.bme.szm.sk. - amazing bike frame

WINNER:

Date: July 13, 2004
Brent a weekend warrior from OBSTofna@hotmail.com writes:

they all depend om what your going to do

WINNER: Tie

Date: July 12, 2004
Jim a cross-country rider from Manitoba writes:

Old-school like Earl the Pearl...

WINNER: Steel

Date: July 12, 2004
john a weekend warrior from minnesota writes:

I like titanium because my friend had those glasses that you could bend around your finger and they would snap back into shape. Those things were CRAZY, man.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: July 2, 2004
Woody a weekend warrior from Nu Yawk writes:

LAME! LAME! LAME! All this talk about metal, and burned plastic. I use a dental floss reinforced hickory frame. "WHAT!?" You may exclaim, but allow me to educate you: What is the most common material used for buidling, even to this day? WOOD! Thats right Sparky, good old wood. SO here's what yours trully has done: I have aquired some good old hickory logs, which I whitled down to somewhat round dowels. Now these I glued into some nice blocks of ironwood. And VOILA! I have a nice wood frame. Yeah some parts are still metal, like the chain and bottom bracket ball bearings, and other bits and pieces, but almost 90 percent of the bike is wood!
If I ever break the fram, then all I need is a bit glue, and some (this here is where I explain the dental floss part) dental floss to wrap around the break to hold the thing together until it dries. Try that with your fancy shmancy metal or carbon fiber.
SO I vote for wood! (Dang, wood is not one of the choices....)

WINNER:

Date: July 1, 2004
Reginaldo Banze a cross-country rider from Mozambique writes:

I boutht an alumium trek6000 two years ago and from then i became the king of all-bike-style.A less than five kgs,it took me no more than twelve minutes to reach my school twelve kms away.who is still doubtful about its resistence brightness and lightness?There can't be any kind of metal so valius than aluminum so that can make beter bikes.I was one of those days riding speedly trhough a narrow way in the middle of the bush and i sudenly saw a huge snake stood in my front,i braked and put infront-wheel up and once i was turned behind riding back home.And this wasn't the the only time i recognised the aluminum lightness.Once i got chased by the police by having denied its orders to park my bike, i got down and carried it up it, entered the bush and ran forever.Aluminum is the king.

WINNER:

Date: June 28, 2004
2Kong a cross-country rider from NC writes:

Tit is the best

WINNER: Titanium

Date: June 21, 2004
Turtle a cross-country rider from Charlotte, NC writes:

I bought a 4130 steel frame in 1985 - still works fine. I have broken two aluminum frames in less than six rides - I don't do anything - just ride along. The last one, a full suspension GT, broke riding up a hill. The bottom bracket just came appart. I guess I pressed down on the peddle too hard (I am 6'4" 265lbs). I never jump, and rarely even hop over anything. I can't afford titanium or carbon (come on - I bought a whole car for $1500 - can't see spending $3000 on a bike on my salary). My verdict - aluminum - too weak, brittle, Titanium and Carbon - too much $, steel - just right.

WINNER: Steel

Date: June 21, 2004
Bubba a weekend warrior from Tampa writes:

Light

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: June 17, 2004
Clas a weekend warrior writes:

Steel is bang for the bucks, but titanium is king. I don't like the soft and crappy aluminum.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: June 14, 2004
sam a downhiller from helena writes:

steel all the way for a HT. more forgiving and strong as shit and if it does break its a bit more predictable(unlike aluminum)

WINNER: Steel

Date: June 6, 2004
bikecop a cross-country rider from sc writes:

good experience with steel, fatigue cracks with aluminum, Ti is too expensive, and carbon is a joke.

WINNER: Steel

Date: June 1, 2004
a cross-country rider writes:

ofcourse carbon fiber cause it is very light and flexy.

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: May 30, 2004
writes:

If you're buying a new frame every couple of years, take your pick, most any material will last that long. I've been on my Al FS 3 years now and the frame seems to be holding up, but I know that it will get a crack one of these days, regardless of how lightly I treat it, that's the nature of Aluminum, no fatigue limit, ie cannot be designed for infinite life (tho it can last quite some time if designed with thick walls, but not any bikes I've seen are). I like Steel, the only problem is rust, and the solution is simple, keep paint on it. For a true fatigue story look into the first commercial jet airliner, the DeHavilland Comet, it had to undergo massive design changes because the square windows on the thing were causing it to fall out of the sky. (metal fatigue cracks starting at the window edges) Steel, doesn't have this problem.

WINNER: Steel

Date: May 23, 2004
Andy a cross-country rider from Falls Church, VA writes:

I'm currently riding a 7 year old steel Kona an 04 aluminium Trek Liquid. It's hard to compare weight since the Kona is front suspension and the Trek is full and built for a much harder ride. My concern with the aluminium is fatigue. After six years of (ab)use I now mostly use the Kona for road riding, and I still expect to be using the same frame in another 6 years (probably pulling kids around by then) - I'm not so sure about the Trek. Apart from anything else we seem to have lost the ability to make paint that sticks to frames and resists wear (lost patches on the first ride). I love my Trek - great fun to ride, but the winner has to be steel.

WINNER: Steel

Date: May 22, 2004
Give it to a a weekend warrior from Behind writes:

Wasn't that witty? Best material is so obvious... Ticarbeelinum

WINNER:

Date: May 20, 2004
Lee a cross-country rider writes:

steel is good and you cant kill em but I prefer aluminum for a good bike.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: May 5, 2004
hunter a downhiller from Danville writes:

Steel...best ever for djing.

WINNER: Steel

Date: May 1, 2004
Ben a weekend warrior writes:

More solid/rigid

WINNER: Steel

Date: April 29, 2004
ta mere a racer from Boise writes:

Ti gets all the hype and it also has the stats to back it up, but as long as you have the cash and you know it's comming from a manufacturer that knows what they're doing carbon fiber is the best material out there. However for my own racing rig right now I've got to opt for aluminum- real light, stiff/efficent and cheap too.

--if it were an option I'd deffinently go Beryllium(mostly used in nuclear reactors), it's been attempted a couple times as a bike material, the first one never made it to production because of a proposed price tag of something like $25,000 and someone else alloyed it with aluminum but it never made it anywhere.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: April 24, 2004
greg a downhiller from santa cruz writes:

there all good

WINNER: Tie

Date: April 24, 2004
greg a downhiller from santa cruz writes:

there all good

WINNER: Tie

Date: April 22, 2004
Brian DeHaan a downhiller from San Deigo writes:

Everyone one knows titanium alloys and carbon fiber are better materials, but the question is do the costs outway the benefits.
Probably not unless you race.

WINNER: Tie

Date: April 18, 2004
Brandon from Lenoir NC writes:

Some of these posts are dumb as hell. Titanium is almost as strong as gold. LOL, mixed with copper.......... Ti on its own is worthless, but allways used in allow form can be hard and strong with relatively low mass.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: April 15, 2004
Hayden a cross-country rider from Australia writes:

It all critically depends on the nature of your mountain bike riding. Do you crash? Do you ride on rocky terrain? Then rule out carbon fibre. When flying down hill that loud clanging noise is what you hear when rocks fly up and hit the metal of your tubes (if they're of the metallic variety). They will GOUGE the carbon fibre creating 'stress centres' that spread across the tube like a virus until sudden catastrophic failure. Carbon fibre is super strong but brittle. Read the reviews of the 9.8/9.9 across the years. That turned me off buying such a bike this year, even though I was so tempted to. Aluminimum? No fatigue threshold. Fatigue begins after the first pedal stroke. For me, sudden catastrophic failure in aluminium was not an issue. Hairline cracks that got progressively worse in the headtube and the bottom bracket were. Now full circle back to steel for me after 8 years on aluminium. Fatigue is not an issue for steel and ti. Steel and ti possess the same properties in terms of relatively more supple ride characteristics and fatigue life. Even though ti is the ultimate material, I consider it a tie between steel and ti cos of steel's affordability. Jamis Dragon here I come!

WINNER: Tie

Date: April 15, 2004
hector tan a downhiller from singapore writes:

titanium is a very strong substance if added with copper and titanium is almost as strong as gold. but pure titumium won't be that strong alone without copper.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: April 9, 2004
Sam a racer from SC writes:

How can anyone take some of these opinions seriously? First, of all there is the guy who points out that aluminum is lighter than ti because it has a lower number on the periodic table. What a dufus. Density is a product of the cryatalline lattice structure. It's not only how much the atoms weigh, but how closely they are packed together.
Next is the guy whose opinion must be taken seriously because he is a "metalurgist", but he can't even spell his alledged occupation correctly.
Then there's the guy who has apparently endorsed steel because that's what his car is made of "with a little aluminum thrown in". Well if he drove his car into my home at 55mph it would severly damage my home, but it would destroy his car. Does that prove that bike frames should be made of bricks?
Look, the fact is that titanium is king. Why is it so expensive? Because it is so hard and strong there aren't many manufacturing tools out there that can handle it. I like steel second, but I live near the coast and I get tired of cleaning off rust spots on a daily basis due to the salt. Carbon fiber looks and feels awesome to ride, but it isn't for big guys, which I am (although I suspect that if the horror stories I've heard are true most of these were due to second tier brands like Giant). Aluminum is pure crap. It's use in frame builing is rampant because it is just about the cheapest material builders can get their hands on. It is a near worthless material with one redeeming quality and that is that it's so damned light. Compared to the other metals it is not strong, has a low ductility, low fracture toughness (which leads to crack propagation and eventually catastrophic failure), and a low hardness. It can only compete with the other materials because you can use a shitload of it to build things. Using terms like "finest alloys available" when describing aluminum frames are a farce. That's like polishing a turd, it just doesn't work. There will always be anectdotal stories about steel, carbon fiber, and even titanium frames failing but the fact is that any of these materials are a safer prospect than aluminum.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: March 22, 2004
Richard a cross-country rider from Pajacuaran Mexico writes:

I've tested both steel and alum, steel in full susp for hard riding and alum in hardtail for roads.
Each doing its job well, alum too noisi but half the weigh of the steel. I wonder the alum ends for 3 or 4 years.

WINNER: Steel

Date: March 15, 2004
writes:

Carbon Fiber has been good for me for the last 6 years, can't say the same about alum.My GT RTS Team cracked.

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: March 15, 2004
big nob a downhiller from Great Britain writes:

its good for me dat this suckes i dont really give a shit but i thought id vote eny way

WINNER: Titanium

Date: March 15, 2004
big nob a downhiller from Great Britain writes:

its good for me dat this suckes i dont really give a shit but i thought id vote eny way

WINNER: Titanium

Date: March 14, 2004
Boyet Kalbuhok a weekend warrior from Philippines writes:

I'll choose titanium if I have the money, now that I don't have any. I'll chose steel!

WINNER: Steel

Date: March 11, 2004
Eddie a cross-country rider from CA writes:

I built my own frame - out of nivacrom steel. More forgiving in construction and on the trail while maintaining perfect strength and stiffness.

WINNER: Steel

Date: March 7, 2004
**************** a weekend warrior from **************** writes:

A big heavy hunk of steel helps me keep my bike on the trail.

WINNER: Steel

Date: March 7, 2004
TimT a weekend warrior from New Orleans writes:

When you get into the high end stuff it all feels the same.

WINNER: Tie

Date: March 4, 2004
Achie a cross-country rider from Southern Cali. writes:

STEEL IS REAL BABYYYYYY

WINNER: Steel

Date: March 3, 2004
Michael chasse from Ville de Qu�bec writes:

I always rode bicycles with a blend of hi-ten and cromoly frames and never broke any of them. Du to the popularity of the alu I bought an alu bike(with no suspension) and broke the frame two months later.Alu is maybe stronger than steel but i think steel probably dont have to be as strong because it acting as a spring.

WINNER: Steel

Date: March 2, 2004
Paulitto a racer writes:

I've had 'em all before...steel, aluminum, carbon fiber and ti. And all but the ti frame that I have now, have broken.

Enough said I think.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: March 1, 2004
Hairy Sally a weekend warrior from Austria writes:

...What about chromium molybdenum steel?...Great stuff.

WINNER:

Date: February 9, 2004
mitchel carveth a downhiller from WA E.wenatchee writes:

I chose Titanium because it is the littest and strongest metal aoloy that you can buy.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: February 8, 2004
writes:

at least it wont break on you

WINNER: Steel

Date: February 3, 2004
Hockers a cross-country rider from GB, WI writes:

50 pound commuter is steel, but it will break me before i break it, what about graphite frames? or plastic, or kevlar, hell its gotta strong is stops bullets

WINNER: Steel

Date: January 31, 2004
Jared a weekend warrior from Auburn, NY, USA writes:

I've only ridden Cromoly (I think it's like steel)and Aluminum frame bicycles. Both bikes have served their purpose well. Since I'm not a professional rider, and ride only for exercise and fun, I enjoy the reduced weight of the Aluminum frame bike.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: January 17, 2004
xavier a weekend warrior from ny writes:

what do y'all think of adamantium? it is supposed to be an indestructable metal created by a secret government faction. hey, if it works for Wolverine then its good enough for me.

WINNER: Tie

Date: January 7, 2004
MUJAHID MAUTHOOR a cross-country rider from MAURITIUS writes:

ALUMINIUM

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: January 6, 2004
Naitch a weekend warrior from Montreal Canada writes:

If you're the type of guy who been driving the same volvo or benz for 23 years and hasn't gotten bored yet, get a Ti frame. Its the only frame you'll ever need cause it's sorta plateau'd in terms of inovative changes. Alum frames are constantly changing to make them stronger and lighter and are more for the kind of guy who buys a (cheaper)new car every 2-3 years. Hell if I had the dogh, I'd buy a new Ti every 3 years

WINNER: Titanium

Date: December 17, 2003
Andy a cross-country rider from Fort Collins, CO writes:

Aluminum is abusively stiff and wears out quick. Carbon fiber is way too dead feeling, can't be welded and sometimes gives the feeling like your riding on wood. It lasts forever but if you break it, it's done. Steel feels great, is easily repairable, has a pretty good fatigue factor but is heavy and prone to rust (unless it's the old Columbus METAX stainless tubing which was superior - but, unfortunately impossible to cut). Titanium offers the best feel - road or trail, has the highest strength to weight ratio, is repairable, bonds well with other materials and lasts forever. The only downside is the expense but that is negated by the cost of ownership over the years - you'll have it for as long as you live and it will hold up. Titanium is far and away the superior material for bicycle frames.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: December 10, 2003
jeff frutchey a racer from waverly ny writes:

results dont lie

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: November 19, 2003
Wskrbskt a cross-country rider from Dallas writes:

I rode them all. I loose too much feel of the trail with carbon and sold my Trek 9.9. Now I ride Ti for responsiveness.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: November 17, 2003
Been there, done that a cross-country rider from Ohio writes:

Let's just boil it down and rephrase the question to read, "What can the rich afford vs. the poor? Rich? Carbon-fiber and Ti. Poor? Steel and Aluminum."

WINNER:

Date: November 10, 2003
Adam Smith a cross-country rider from smithy@ubocc.org writes:

This is a ridicuous question! Geometry is as important -- maybe more important -- than material. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, and therefore there are a thousand different designs that use each material to its best advantage. Since every rider has different needs, there is no one right material!

That said, the most versatile material is carbon fiber -- not because it can make a stronger frame per gram, but because infinite geometry options are available. A properly designed carbon bike is strong where it needs to be, light where it needs to be, compliant where it needs to be... you get the idea. Metals used to make frams are basically tubes that are formed and welded -- simple, light, and strong, but not very impressive in terms of ride quality. A 1930 cruiser feels about the same as a modern steel bike. Carbon fiber isn't cheap, but a company that knows what to do with it can make highly perfected geometries that are practically impossible from metal. In the Milan bike expo this year, every manufacturer's display was dripping with carbon fiber goodies. Of course, the damping qualities of carbon fiber are irrelevant as soon as you start adding suspensions to the bike design... so continue to debate this subject amongst yourselves. I'm going riding!

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: November 9, 2003
Rick a cross-country rider from Phoenix AZ writes:

Scandium is the way

WINNER:

Date: November 1, 2003
Jamal a racer from People's Democratic Republic of Canada writes:

Titanium? As far as metal goes, it's tops. It can be built light (but then again, Cannondales and specialized M4's are lighter) and has great ride properties. However, you might need to refinance your house to afford a frame made out of one. Steel has all of the above properties, but it's way way cheaper and easier to fix if it busts. However, even stuff like Reynolds 853 is a bit heavy for racing. Aluminium isn't as forgiving, but it's lighter than either of the above. As far as aluminium goes, I find the best to be Cannondale or Specialized; they seem to have their shit down, especially cannondale. Carbon? Let's just say I love my Trek 9.8.. it absolutely owns. People say that carbon feels 'dead', but I love the ride quality that a solid carbon hardtail provides. The only downside is that there is this percieved notion that a carbon frame is in some way fragile. Let's just say I have never heard of anyone busting a 9.8 - ever. However, Specializeds and Cannondales blow every ride. I have busted a Cannondale CAAD5 frame, and many of my friends have screwed up an assortment of Oryxes, Specializeds and Devincis. Carbon should be replaced after about five years or so though; it's not as eternal as steel or ti.

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: October 30, 2003
Whatcom County Magila Gorrila a downhiller from WA will kill you writes:

Carbon- if you're that much of a whining XCing weight saver with enough money to replace the bike every year because the fibers loosen and become weak from real riding, go ahead. I feel better now that I've got that off my chest. Sorry XCer's, but you've got to admit that you guys look very gay( in an upright top heavy way) when you have to ride through choppy root sections of the races you compete in. I could laugh all day about that..............in fact I think I will.
Steel- no comprimise, no 'in around. sickness. Brooklyn Machine Works. Any steel Kona frame.thats right, any. If your reading this and you give a about steel, you know.
Ti(3%Aluminum,2.5%Vandium)-Now here's one material that holds a special place in my heart. You must understand, I worked under the table for a "top shelf" bike company using one inch wide Scotch-Brite strips to hand polish these bad boys. A labor of love it was. And after using an super steady hand to place the decals on.........to shorten this love story, they were my babies. Oh and I got a chance to ride one too. It almost made the experience of climbing a steap hill fun. The ride had a certain "spring" quality that is unrivaled by ANY ing frame material. Maybe the steel that comes from the meteorites that fall to Earth or something, I don't know.
Aluminum- The five inch out of bound/urban asualt bike I own and built by hand is made from this wonderfull substance. The downhill bike I ride weighs in at just over 50 pounds(by a few pounds). Oh, and I'm not bitching because having a northwest slick, dimley lit, sloppy trail murderer with hydralic disk brakes gives me, well a fatty. you might now what I'm talking about. Anyway, if this frame was made of steel I'd need help lifting it off me during one of my finer moments. A Titanium frame would end up costing me about $6000 or more if anyone made them for DH. And to be honest, I just think that carbon DH frames look gay in a monocoque kind of way.
In closing I'd like suggest you go outside and get some. Ride a ing bike and find out for yourself, because who the do I think I am talking all this jive turkey shit.
And if you own a grip shifter, your friends and family laugh behind your back. Sorry to break it to ya.

WINNER:

Date: October 15, 2003
Dung Hole a downhiller from California writes:

I'm a downhilling gravity slave (a loser), so I like cheap heavy steel bikes from WalMart!

WINNER: Steel

Date: October 13, 2003
TiCoyote a cross-country rider from Philly, DC, Norwich writes:

Ti. Oh my God Ti. I've ridden Cromoly, (which is heavy but has a good feel), Aluminum (which can be good, but mine was a cheap piece of junk), and now I ride an Airborne, which is so nice it should be unholy. Say it with me: Titanium. Titanium. Titanium!

WINNER: Titanium

Date: October 10, 2003
Martha Stewart a racer from Mass. writes:

i like a nice paper mache bike- you can decorate it nicely, with all sorts of personal touches. it's a good thing.

WINNER: Tie

Date: October 6, 2003
jenny craig a racer writes:

Steel is real

WINNER: Steel

Date: October 5, 2003
fiona a cross-country rider from northern ireland writes:

what about plastic?????? it`s strong, light etc prefer steel

WINNER:

Date: September 26, 2003
massive bollocks a cross-country rider from land of the giants writes:

My bollocks became massive from riding aluminium bikes-- i was very pleased when some maggot stole my 6 month old bike--if it had been steel he wouldn't have bothered. if you're worried about weight take a big crap before you ride, get lobotomised, get circumsised or better yet all three.

WINNER:

Date: September 25, 2003
matt a downhiller from lynn, mass writes:

well carbon almost always has a weight limit so that usually rules me out as a 6'2" 220lb rider Ti is wicked expensive and steel is too in heavy aluminum is the best hands down and yah aluminum does creek but its better than lugging a steel frame upstairs or up hill

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: September 20, 2003
Stanley a weekend warrior from oklahoma writes:

Carbon fiber! Light, strong, but very expensive... Look at this guy, he made his carbon MTB frame at home - www.bme.szm.sk.

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: September 18, 2003
Bernie a downhiller from bernardmartin37@yahoo.com writes:

Steel - the toughest among them all but is Heavy!
Aluminum - lite & tough enough esp. when double butted with reasonable price!
Carbon Fiber - Good for oval use only I guess, not recommended for heavy riders, I experienced breaking carbon frames & forks, with normal use only ( my poor dollars, gone with the wind )hard but brittle type , disposable!
Titanium - Light and Tough! - but has an ABNORMAL PRICE!!!

The Winna for me....Aluminyo

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: September 8, 2003
Evan a cross-country rider writes:

Ti is obviously the best metal out of them all...the bikes I ride are all aluminum though, cheaper...if I ever win the lottery I'll have all Ti rides. I love my Litespeed Unicoi though..Ti great but my Al hardtail is where it's at.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: September 7, 2003
Chas Sample a weekend warrior from Green Bay, WI writes:

I feel more comfortable on a steel frame, steel has the durable and affordable, aluminum and carbon fiber are not durable and ti is too expensive. The downside is that steel corrodes.

WINNER: Steel

Date: September 4, 2003
Rich a cross-country rider from Steamboat Springs,Co writes:

Being fortunate to have a quiver of bikes in all 4 of these materials ,I can state that there is no clear winner. I find that each bike has its material choice optimized for each design perameter.
For a subjective personal consideration , Ti is absolutely majical in its electric , lively and exciting feel. Al for ultra light and suspension frame members is a leading choice. I could go on and on. New steel is riding like Ti but really affordable by comparison. Carbon fiber application is what is taking weight to new lows in road bikes and mtn applications are on the rise now.
Enjoy what you ride and like now, just be sure replace it when its time.

WINNER: Tie

Date: September 3, 2003
bob smith a downhiller from havasu county arizona writes:

light and strong do i need to say anymore

WINNER: Titanium

Date: August 21, 2003
Dave a downhiller from USA writes:

Steel is the stiffest of all the materials, it is light if properly made and my downhill bike does not sound like a terible orchestra like the Konas, Foes, Turners, Yetis and Intenses that my friends own. They spend most of the time figuring out what's making noise while I get to ride

WINNER: Steel

Date: August 19, 2003
Martin a weekend warrior from England writes:

Titanium - if you can afford it there really is no other choice. The only time I'd be tempted to go back to and alu hardtail is if I was going to ride a time trial or XC race less tahn 2 hours. Here the benefit of the weight and stifness could prove an advantage, but I doubt most of us here would notice in our lap times! For all day riding or evening blasts, Ti wins ands down. A good combination of light weight, stifness in the right places, and comfort.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: August 17, 2003
Carlos a cross-country rider from Santa Cruz, CA writes:

Aluminum rules. Most nice bikes are made of aluminum so there are more choices. The strength to weight ratio of aluminum is unmatched by other bike materials. And bike builders are more creative with aluminum. How many monocoque frames are made out of steel or titanium?

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: August 6, 2003
Boz a racer from Mississippi writes:

Alright aluminum fans, go ride an aluminum road bike for 100 miles and tell me how awesome aluminum is (weight isn't everything).....carbon fiber breaks into nice little pieces that will stab the $hit out of you...steel rides great but rusts......Ti rides good and lasts for ever it seems....If ya can deal with the price Ti is it - if not steel is it, just learn how to push the weight and take care of your frame

WINNER: Titanium

Date: July 31, 2003
Bob a cross-country rider from Florida, USA writes:

Everyone here is spiting out various marketing hype. It really depends on what kind of riding you do. If it's downhill then get steel it will take a beating and weight doesn't matter to much. For XC I choose Aluminum for weight. I've had Steel and Aluminum bikes. The only one that has failed was the Steel. Evidently there was a small hidden paint chip that allowed it to rust. It snapped like a twig on a small little bump in the road(I went flying). My aluminum went almost 5 years with no problems what so ever and I was HARD on it(220 LBS + riding down flights of stairs and landing quite a few insane jumps). I eventually sold the aluminum so I could buy a newer aluminum bike.

There are 3 factors: Weight, Strength, and Stiffness. Aluminum is 3 times stronger than Steel by weight. So you can make a bike as strong as steel out of less aluminum. Aluminum is very stiff(hard) and the stiffer something is the more brittle it is(Stength does not equal stiffness). A bike maker could use Steel and make a frame stiffer than aluminum. Most bike steel is somewhat soft so that it will bend instead of break. The way I see it is that they both can break; one from rust and one from stiffness. Alot of it depends on the thickness and shape of the tubing. No matter which one you get try to get a brand that offers a good warrenty on the frame. I beleive Gary Fisher has a Lifetime warrenty. The fact is that if you are a serious rider you are most likely going to want a new bike before you break your frame.

Also from what I've noticed the whole hardtail Steel vs Aluminum stiffness thing is a obsurd. Steel is hard...It's STEEL!!! If your riding a hard tail there will be bumps no matter what. Steel's absorbsion of shock is negligable.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: July 28, 2003
tommi bass a weekend warrior from u.k writes:

I've been riding steel bikes for...all my life(35 years old)it is a great predictable ride nice and flexy. But alas my 99 gt tequesta has bitten the dust (mashed up rear drop outs) I'm going to get a custom built 7005 xc frame for fifty quid..bring it on! I'll punish that for a couple of years then I'll go back to riding a mans bike ie STEEL!

WINNER: Steel

Date: July 26, 2003
writes:

Wow...some of the logic on here is hilarious. One guy wrote "steel is too flexy", that is idiotic. There are a few logical posts on here, but most of you people need to do some research before you speak. When did rust on steel become a factor with choosing frame material, you guys ever heard of primer and paint? The fact of the matter is that every frame material has its place. Aluminum is good for beginners because they dont have to spend 2 months mortgage on a bike. As far as $3000 aluminum racing bikes, that is insane. Try ti or steel. Steel is a good all around material. It can be a bit heavier than aluminum, but steel tends to bend instead of break in half. Titanium is also a good frame material. Some say its too flexy, but I suppose that would depend on your weight. I weigh about 190 and I love my ti frame. Ti also doesnt snap catastrophically like aluminum. Todays carbon fiber has improved much over the older frames of the 90s, but I still believe carbon fiber is a weak frame material. If you are over 160 pounds and are riding a carbon fiber frame, you have got balls. Its a tie, steel and titanium.

WINNER: Tie

Date: July 23, 2003
DRAGOS DINCA a cross-country rider from madison wi USA writes:

easton taper double butted

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: July 20, 2003
SABER a weekend warrior from IRAN / TEHRAN writes:

Steel is heavy and needs to look after or it will rust .
Carbon fibre is very fragile .
Titanium is very good too but its fragility is a little more than Aluminium and its density is a little higher than Aluminium (ATOMIC NUMBER- Al=13 \ Ti=21).
Aluminium is strong light and doesnt rust .
All the industries use it these days .

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: July 20, 2003
DBMTB a cross-country rider from ENgland writes:

Steel wins hands down. It will bend before it snaps. It will absorb a lot of shocks, even without suspension yet can be stiffer than other materials. My steel frame has been tested by a number of aluminium-riding friends who have all admitted that the rear end is stiffer than their machines.

Ti too flexy. Alu too stiff at the front and brittle in the long run. Carbon Fibre does nasty things when it snaps.

WINNER: Steel

Date: July 14, 2003
mothra from nashvegas writes:

I ride a cannondale that is so stiff i can feel my kidneys smacking into each other. I grew up on steel bikes but cant really remember particular riding characteristics because i probably didnt give a shit because i was having too much FUN. My opinion is that ti and cf frames only exist because there are rich people stupid enough to buy them. they dont seem to make any sense to me. My car is not made out of titanium or CF. its made out of steel (and some aluminum thrown in for good measure). yeah yeah, its got an engine. but i get tired of hearing 150 pound guys talking about how they can smoke people on their 17 lb bikes. who gives a shit?! what ever happened to exercise? i weigh 185 and squat 495. i WISH my bike was heavier. i mean, where does it end? instead of always trying to get the absolute lightest bike, why not just NOT RIDE or maybe have a bike thats made out of cotton or something. it sure would soak up the bumps. the winner is: cast iron...or maybe lead.

WINNER:

Date: July 13, 2003
Eric a racer from Beijing writes:

If you are racer and not too heavy, you will see how great is carbon fiber, also if you use hardtail (much better for XC, believe me!) It add some flex. The flex won't affect your speed. And in theory it doesn't matter at all. (please ask enginnering if you can) Although some people believe Ti is better because of more rigid. Ti is heavier than Aluminum. Also talking about raw materials price, it is equal to steel and easy to break. Carbon Fiber is the best if you can affort it, also to take care of it.
Aluminum also excellent for normal rider, it is cheaper and tough.
Steel is too heavy unless you want to have your bike for 20 years.
i.e. Carbon Fiber then Aluminum. I will not recommend Ti and Steel.

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: July 12, 2003
ng a cross-country rider from sd writes:

I have fond that all of the different metals can provide a similar ride feel. My personal preference is steel for its ability to provide a forgiving ride and great longevity at a reasonable price. The other materials can have a great ride but typicaly cost much more to achieve it.

WINNER: Steel

Date: July 4, 2003
who shot ya? a cross-country rider from elm city writes:

Aluminum definitely is your best bang for buck. Carbon fiber is to fragile. Titanium is great if your last name is gates, and steel.....yeah yeah ridgid this, soft that, it's in steel unless your riding with Barney Rubble, loose the weight.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: June 29, 2003
Mark Gittano a cross-country rider from N.Y,USA writes:

HERE IT IS, I AM A METALURGIST SO I WOULD SAY I AM QUALIFIED TO SPEAK ABOUT THE PROPERTIES OF DIFFERENT METALS. STEEL IS THE ULTIMATE FRAME MATERIAL OF CHOICE.HERE ARE THE REASONS, STEEL HAS GREAT FATIGUE LIFE, STEEL CAN NOW BE MADE ABOUT AS LIGHT AS TITANIUM (THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT GRADES OF STEEL JUST AS THERE ARE MANY GRADES OF TITANIUM)STEEL IS EASY TO REPAIR, WITH AN ALUMINUM FRAME YOU JUST SCRAP IT AND BUY ANOTHER ONE, TITANIUM IS EXPENSIVE AND HARD TO WELD. STEEL COMPLIMENTS BIG RIDERS VERY WELL IF YOU ARE A BIG GUY DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT CARBON FIBER! MOST OF YOUR BIG BIKE MANUFACTURES USE ALUMINUM FOR ONE REASON TO SAVE MONEY! ALUMINUM DOES NOT WEAR OUT THEIR MACHINERY,CUTTING, FABRICATING ETC. AS FAST AS STEEL,AND IT IS CHEAPER TO PURCHASE.MANY OF YOUR PREMIER SMALL QUALITY BUILDERS STILL ONLY USE STEEL.THE INDUSTRY TRADED QUALITY FOR QUANTITY.ANOTHER MINUS FOR ALUMINUM YOU NEED EITHER A SHOCK OR A CARBON FIBER FORK TO RIDE OR ITS TOO HARSH WITH STEEL THERE NOTHING BETTER THAN A STEEL FRAME COMPLIMENTED BY A STEEL FORK.IF I AM ROAD RACING OR MOUNTAIN BIKING I RIDE STEEL.

WINNER: Steel

Date: June 21, 2003
John a weekend warrior from Concord MA writes:

Steel rusts and is heavy so it's just out. Aluminum is better but doesn't hold it's own vs Ti or Carbon. The real question shuld be Ti or Carbon... I have Carbon now and love it, nothing against Ti but I can't see myself changing in the near future, it just won't let you down.

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: June 20, 2003
Pluck Yew! a cross-country rider from Berkeley writes:

"Steel is real" real durable and sweet riding
n aluminum bike is only about half a # lighter than steel. if you're a sponcered pro xc racer then you don't need to pay your own $ to replace the bikes to ride em long enough to break them aluminum. steel's the best for a fast race and lasting ride for the "privateer"

WINNER: Steel

Date: June 19, 2003
Trailrat a weekend warrior from MI writes:

I like paper over plastic, paper burns cleaner than plastic and can be made from scrap trees from the rain forest.

WINNER:

Date: June 18, 2003
Joe a racer from USA writes:

STEEL!
Why? How many old steel frames do you see still out there compared to the older carbon fiber and aluminum frames? Titanium is still out of reach cost wise for most of us.Aluminum does have a limited life.I pay that much money for a bike,I'd like to pass it down to the next generation.Still have my grandfather's 1920 era steel track bike.
Good thing you don't have to choose bamboo for frame choice.
STEEL:Strength,durability,easy to repair.Develope a crack and you can still make it home,just slowly of course.Old school sweetness.Can handle big riders.Rust? They have rust proofing sprays you know.
ALUMINUM is my second choice.Lightweight but stiff.Expensive to repair just the cracks...if you can find someone willing to fix it.
Repainting price not included.Frame can snap suddenly,which isn't cool when you're showing off in front of the Betties at the Classic.
TITANIUM 3rd choice.Really lightweight and trick but too flexy for big riders.$$$$
CARBON FIBER-----Skip. $$$$$$ Seeing a beautiful carbon frame snap and shred...bummer :( Yeah,I've ridden them all.

WINNER: Steel

Date: June 15, 2003
Mervyn a cross-country rider from Malta writes:

I agree with all those who say that steel is real!! Unfortunately, it corrodes BUT if cared for properly such as lubricating the interior of the frame, corrosion is kept at a minimum. I really hate aluminium and carbon fibre. Carbon fibre, in my opinion goes well on racers where the frame does not get that much stress but aluminium - which it never started being used on bike frames. I think that manufacturers are using aluminium so that the bike's frame will have a short life (on books, its life is between 3 and 5 years (depending on usage obviously!!) therefore one will get a new bike soon after. The other material would probably be titanium. But anyway, for a reasonable price, steel is always the best option. I do own a steel bike (Hi-Ten/Cro-Moly) and I am not disappointed - cheaper and more real and a good bike doesn't weigh too much heavy, considering its reliability. I think aluminium is a waste of money as you are buying a disposable frame.

WINNER: Steel

Date: June 11, 2003
fat chance ti a racer writes:

soaks bumps like a fs bike and is light- look for a used merlin and you could find one for a grand or so

WINNER: Titanium

Date: June 6, 2003
john a weekend warrior from Greenville SC writes:

well i like my stuff big and hard! and well what i like in bet i also like on the trail. i vote for A big big stiff Al.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: June 5, 2003
Wade a cross-country rider from USA writes:

Let me see...my muscled up 210 pound frame + 25/26 pound 853 hardtail steel XC bike = 236 pounds. At a pound or two less, Aluminum beats the you know what out of my 43 year old bones at a weight savings of < 0.5% of bike + body. And it is 1/4 as strong. No thanks...


WINNER: Steel

Date: June 1, 2003
Pete a cross-country rider from Australia writes:

I have magnesium........... light and tight

WINNER: Tie

Date: May 31, 2003
pesimist a cross-country rider from USA writes:

It's a waste of time for a person to compare one type of metal to another. Every bike geometry is going to be different which will have a different effect on the feel of the bike. I've had two different aluminum frames which feel nothing alike. One was stiff while the other is flexy, so who cares what metal it is made of? Buy what you can afford!

WINNER: Tie

Date: May 28, 2003
P-Money a racer from SF writes:

It's just bad ass

WINNER: Steel

Date: May 28, 2003
Dingo from Durango writes:

See how they're all listed in asending order. That's a big hint.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: May 26, 2003
Tojo a cross-country rider from Nippon writes:

I used to think steel. But then I saw this this web page. Its a stress endurance test and you'll be suprised at the winners (Cannondale Alu, Trek OCLV) vs. the losers (bunch of steel euro bikes). Theyre road bikes, but I think the results can be easily trasferred to the world of MTB.

WINNER: Tie

Date: May 22, 2003
Dolemite a weekend warrior from Princeton, NJ writes:

How can it not be alumnium? Light, cheap, stiff, love that foil stuff!

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: May 19, 2003
Sam from Philadelphia, PA writes:

The winner Scandium. The wieght and feel of a steel/aluminum/titanium

WINNER: Tie

Date: May 11, 2003
Alex Deich a downhiller from al@ebold.com writes:

All are good. The Ti frames are stiffer and lighter but weaker and more expensive. The carbon frames are light, but expensive. The steel is flexy and heavy but is cheap. Aluminun is good overall. It is cheap, kind-of light, stiff, and strong.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: May 11, 2003
Jordan Pryce Lewis a cross-country rider from Taunton,Somerset, UK writes:

Gotta love the CARBON FIBER!!!It just doesn't get better!

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: May 7, 2003
fsc a cross-country rider from Oregon writes:

How many of you not picking aluminum or steel over carbon fiber have ridden a quality carbon fiber frame? I have aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber frames and the carbon fiber frame is magical. Light,tough as nails, and it really does absorb vibration. If you think carbon fiber frames are not durable, look at previous reviewes of Trek hardtail and STP softtail Carbon frames. Tough stuff!

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: May 5, 2003
Rich a cross-country rider from San Diego, CA writes:

My MTBs have mostly been Al. HOWEVER, I do ride Ti on the road and it's smoother than I ever thought it could be--it's not hype (I too bought mine cheap, but mine's a Litespeed). I'd love to see how Ti rides in dirt.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: April 30, 2003
dave a racer from Canada writes:

I ride scandium on my race bike, and aluminum on my freeride bike and my road bike is aluminum with carbon inserts and fork. So I say aluminum works good for freeride or DH stuff, but on a rigid bike like a roadie made out of aluminum you need the shock absorbtion of carbon, but otherwise Ti is too pricey for what you get. It all depends on what riding you do, I dont think an all carbon MTB is all that smart either.

WINNER: Tie

Date: April 29, 2003
Felix a weekend warrior from Singapore writes:

Ti is ex!
Carbon breaks!
Alu feels dead!
Steel will rust!

Buy a Ti if you are rich, Alu if you are a sprinter, Steel if you love nice lugs and a Carbon bike if you are fearless.

WINNER: Tie

Date: April 25, 2003
jw a cross-country rider from san francisco writes:

Designable differential stiffness in various directions plus the ability to absorb small vibrations and studder bumps makes up for limitations in the current generation of shocks and forks.

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: April 20, 2003
bbqpope a weekend warrior from wisconsin writes:

how about cast iron? That would look cool, but seriously I ride aluminum, I'd try steel again though. If waht people say about it is true, I'd build up a hardtail. I really don't need a f/s, Why do people get f/s and then ride to the laundromat. blah.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: April 17, 2003
Erik Carlson a cross-country rider from USA writes:

-Steel is real, but also can rust break and be fixed but it just isn't the best.
Carbon fiber can't be used for an all use bike/commuter.
Aluminum is common and too thin and dentable.
Titanium is expensive but who cares if it will last a lifetime. Ti is the best because it is strong, sweet and doesn't need paint. If you have the money or if your poor find a way to get a Ti and it will never let you down. I found a Merlin for cheap b/c a rich dude needed space in his house.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: March 9, 2003
BangZoom a cross-country rider from sunny So Cal writes:

For my off-road rigs,(full suspension), aluminum is king. Stiff and light and those fat tubes look burly. If I was ever going to buy another hardtail, though, steel would be it. For my road bikes, steel all the way. Rides almost as good as ti, and way cheaper with a slight weight penalty. Plus I like color (paint) better than polished
metal, and I can go through 2 or 3 frames for the same price.
I've gotta go with a tie: steel and aluminum, it just depends.

WINNER: Tie

Date: March 3, 2003
michailovic a racer from eindhoven, rockcity writes:

ranking:
1)steel
2)titanium
3254564)wood
9849465643)aluminum/carbon fiber(tie)

WINNER: Steel

Date: March 2, 2003
Lewis a weekend warrior from Quebec City writes:

even aluminium is flexy compare to carbon

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: February 24, 2003
bighitfsr from Australia writes:

Titanium wins by a small margin its lighter than Aluminium when built into a complete frame and has better ride quality than steel.
I disagree that carbon fibre has a short life.
My carbon fibre XC hardtail has been going strong for 5 years or more its been hucked of 6ft to flat drops ... etc.
My riding buddies put their Aluminum hardtails through the same abuse and both of there bikes were cracked or buckled with 2 years of purchase.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: January 15, 2003
Bruce Dance a cross-country rider from damp, delightful Blighty writes:

Aluminium is cheap and good for FS designs. Too 'dead/stiff' in most hardtail designs, not properly durable in the others.
Carbon is light but does not last, plus it feels 'dead', too.
Steel can be great, really responsive, but all weather use generally causes corrosion from the inside. Busted frames can be fixed easily, but are usually then consigned to hack bike use- can you really trust them again?
Titanium can feel as good as steel, but should outlast it. Unbelievably, if you like the ride it gives, Ti is just about worth the money new, but it is an absolute bargain used.
There's a bigger difference in ride feel and durability etc between builders than there is between materials..... but it's Ti for me in the end.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: January 15, 2003
Bruce Dance a cross-country rider from damp, delightful Blighty writes:

Aluminium is cheap and good for FS designs. Too 'dead/stiff' in most hardtail designs, not properly durable in the others.
Carbon is light but does not last, plus it feels 'dead', too.
Steel can be great, really responsive, but all weather use generally causes corrosion from the inside. Busted frames can be fixed easily, but are usually then consigned to hack bike use- can you really trust them again?
Titanium can feel as good as steel, but should outlast it. Unbelievably, if you like the ride it gives, Ti is just about worth the money new, but it is an absolute bargain used.
There's a bigger difference in ride feel and durability etc between builders than there is between materials..... but it's Ti for me in the end.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: January 14, 2003
Tim a racer from UK writes:

Aluminium for my race bike
Steel for my Trail bike,

Both hardtails
Ti istoo expensive for the benefits

Carbon fibre is a silly material for an offroad bike. Anyone seen any Carbn fibre rally cars lately??

Tie between Steel and Aluminium. Horses for course they say

WINNER: Tie

Date: January 14, 2003
MARK B. a weekend warrior from FORT WAYNE, IN writes:

They all have their applications; steel is THE choice if you're riding road or a hardtail, likewise with titanium. Ti will give you a lifetime of service under those riding conditions. Carbon's performance is unmatched in the industry, but it has a limited lifespan, so the price, in most cases, is unjustified. Aluminum is a sweetheart -- economy, versatility -- but you need the right alloy for your needs. 7005 is good, but Santa Cruz did it right with the Blur --6069 frame, tough as hell and long-lasting. Ibis did the stays of the Ripley in 6069, and they were tested at over one million reps of flexing without failure. So, choose your riding preferences, and get the material that best supports it. It may not be the metal du jour, but you will get a better experience. Screw fashion and "style" -- style is what looks good and works for you, not a semi-annual drool-fest set up by a bunch of fags to justify their twittering.

WINNER: Tie

Date: January 11, 2003
Will a downhiller from Oregon writes:

Aluminum: Too stiff and too trendy for a hardtail, pretty much perfect for a DH bike.
Ti: Too pricey. Makes me bitter that my brother has 2 ti bikes.
Carbon: I tend to scratch and dent my bikes. Carbon no worky with this.
Steel: Rides nice, OK weight (3.9 lbs for my custom frame) doesn't flinch at dents and is unique and inexpensive, won't rust if treated right and has stainless BB shell and dropouts. Sounds like a winner.

WINNER: Steel

Date: January 11, 2003
Luke a downhiller from London UK writes:

Need the Strength

WINNER: Steel

Date: January 10, 2003
X-Factor a cross-country rider writes:

Aluminums rulez. Light and DON'T RUST, unlike steel.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: January 9, 2003
Thunder Chunky a cross-country rider from ThunderChunky6000@hotmail.com writes:

Since when was Carbon Fibre a metal?


The Winner; Scandium

WINNER: Tie

Date: January 8, 2003
Little Bear a cross-country rider writes:

I wish to be of service to those looking to buy a new frame or bike & who're undecided on what to buy. I can understand the reasons why bikes are made from all the different materials mentioned. After considereing the merits of them ALL (though I've only ridden steel & alu) it comes down to a tie between steel & alu. Tie-break : steel wins because it's more durable than alu. I think though that a good steel is dearer than a good alu frame. But to me durability is more important than price.

WINNER: Steel

Date: January 5, 2003
cornelius pasqualiz a weekend warrior from Notttingham writes:

carbon fiber ay. that would be nice. expensive but nice.
Aluminums the man for me

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: January 5, 2003
cornelius pasqualiz writes:

carbon fiber ay. that would be nice. expensive but nice.
Aluminums the man for me

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: January 5, 2003
cody goddard a downhiller from canada,Ont writes:

not sure!

WINNER: Titanium

Date: January 4, 2003
vagabond writes:

I look at this strictly from a touring point of view. If I crash (and I have) on a tour and bent the frame, I can always repair steel by simply hammering it (which I did - it's a long story...)

WINNER: Steel

Date: December 26, 2002
? a weekend warrior from frankland writes:

GO THE TITANIUM!!!! WOO HOO!! its strong, but light

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: December 13, 2002
counting a cross-country rider from real world writes:

here's a tally, done by MS word.

437 riders wisely chosen steel
365 chose aluminum. they are either full suspension riders or weight weenies or racers or cheapies or they are just dumb.
262 rich kids chose titanium
164 techno-weenies chose carbon fiber
136 undecisive guys chose to vote for tie
61 apparently didn't find any option good enough

WINNER:

Date: December 12, 2002
wannes a cross-country rider from belgium writes:

Alu is stiff, sheep, light...
Steel is stiff, heavy, sheep...
Titanium is stiff, expensive, light...
Carbon is stiff, expensive, very light...

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: December 10, 2002
crooswijk a cross-country rider from Rotterdamn' writes:

Steel ... forgiving ride and will last forever.Aluminium is good for Cola cans.

WINNER: Steel

Date: December 5, 2002
Steven schleuning a cross-country rider from elizabeth il usa writes:

titanium - is good but has flex
carbon - good but not good for the heavy weights
aluminuim - very good cheap light weight
steel - ick hell no

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: November 25, 2002
The Jesus a weekend warrior from AZ writes:

Carbon! Because it shatters when you throw your bike down a cliff after a swift faceplant. Yeah!

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: November 24, 2002
Kevin Ziegler a cross-country rider writes:

I'm going to have to say Aluminum!

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: November 24, 2002
Kevin Ziegler a cross-country rider writes:

I'm going to have to say Aluminum!

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: November 22, 2002
bobo a downhiller from bartertown writes:

This question is presented wrong. Steel for a hard tail and aluminum for a full suspension is the way to go.

WINNER: Steel

Date: November 22, 2002
Andy a cross-country rider from Wisconsin writes:

Steel cause it lasts forever and it looks cool. Gunnars are the best.

WINNER: Steel

Date: November 13, 2002
Ras a downhiller from Denmark writes:

Everything always goes back to basix - so will fram material. I own a Brooklyn Machine Works frame, and it�s the best riding fram I�ve ever had. Steel beats them all...

WINNER: Steel

Date: November 9, 2002
a downhiller writes:

havent tried any others

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: November 8, 2002
Glen a cross-country rider from Surrey, UK writes:

is real

WINNER: Steel

Date: November 8, 2002
Glen a cross-country rider from Surrey, UK writes:

is real

WINNER: Steel

Date: November 6, 2002
Hemal vadher a downhiller from Bristol england writes:

jumping

WINNER: Titanium

Date: November 3, 2002
peppaman a weekend warrior from cologne, germany writes:

steel: sexy welds/brazings, lasts a lifetime, lets you feel the trail, understatemant, no hype, just ride it!

WINNER: Steel

Date: November 1, 2002
Vic a cross-country rider from Westwood NJ writes:

Nothing lasts forever including mountain bike technology. Mountain bikes are disposable after about five years if you are riding them hard. Why pretend they are a life-long investment? Aluminum does well and is inexpensive. After five years you'll want a new bike anyway to catch up with the latest gear.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: October 26, 2002
rapontsik a cross-country rider from Estonia writes:

carbon is not so strong, titanium is expensiv, steel is old model

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: October 26, 2002
Philipp a cross-country rider from Colorado writes:

Aluminum frames are thick and light. They are also cool lookin`.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: October 26, 2002
lewis a downhiller from wales writes:

steel

WINNER: Steel

Date: October 26, 2002
writes:

steel is best i have had two alu frames which have fraied at the lower cup. steel is easily fixed if it was to break. steel is far cheaper. only if it did nt rust.

WINNER: Steel

Date: October 22, 2002
hollowsteed a racer from bronx,ny writes:

6/4 TI IS MY MAIN BEAST, TANASI THAT IS. ALIVE, INDESTRUCTIBLE AND CONFIDENCE BUILDER. MUST BE THE LIFETIME WARRANTY ? ONE HAS TO HAVE A HARDTAIL, IF NOT 6/4 THERE'S ALWAYS A 3/2. I USED A FAT TI FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS AND NEVER LOOK BACK TIL I FOUND THE 6/4. I MUST ADMIT, I HAVE SOME OF THE BEST OF WHAT THE HARDTAIL WORLD CAN OFFER.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: October 22, 2002
Jonny a weekend warrior from calgary canada writes:

steel lets see it has some flex and dose not break

WINNER:

Date: October 20, 2002
Neil a weekend warrior from What else...canda writes:

I think that the heavy frames go alright for down hill and trials but for an all around trail i like aluminum or carbon fiber.

WINNER: Tie

Date: October 17, 2002
EDOUBLE a cross-country rider from NEWYORK writes:

AL=BEERCAN , UNOBTAINIUM=NUFF SAID , CARBON FIBER=LIFE SPAN SHORT LIKE LEPRECHAUNS SO STEEL THE REAL DEAL THE 1 WITH MASS APPEAL THE ONE WITH UNPARALLELED FEEL REINS SUPREME!. ESPECIALLY FOR US BIG DOGS (6FT 2IN 240LBS OF UNCUT FUNK!!!!!!!!!!!)

WINNER:

Date: October 16, 2002
rob black a cross-country rider from New York, NY writes:

I've ridden all 4. Steel is forgiving, aluminum is amazingly light but very rough and stiff, carbon is sweet but you can't really trust it if you ride hard. Ti is friggen amazing. It's forgiving like steel, but more so. It can be *almost* as light as aluminum, but alot smoother. It is a sweet ride like carbon with a different feeling. It really combines many of the strengths of the other three all in one package. It also never rusts, can last a lifetime of beating the crap out of it, and you can clean it with steel wool.
Bottom line, if you can afford it, buy it! If you can't afford it, save up till you can afford it!

WINNER: Titanium

Date: October 13, 2002
Brian Heifner a racer from Milwaukee, WI writes:

Fly Ti. Carbon fiber makes me nervous, I own one, I cringe every time I lay the bike the down. Aluminum is a bit on the stiff side for me, especially when rocks and roots are involved. Steel, I really haven't ridden except for my the ancient Cro-Mo bike I had, and that was a while ago. As for Ti, well I am in love. For those that ride Ti, they know what I am talking about. For everyone else, just go and take a serious ride on one, then you will know. Mean while I will be flying down the trails on my Airborne Lancaster enjoying every minute of the ride. Fly Ti.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: October 10, 2002
A. Dick a cross-country rider from New Jersey writes:

If you say anything other than Ti, its because you can't afford it.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: October 9, 2002
tit a downhiller from Russia writes:

Titanium Is The Best Material!!! Expansive,But It Works GOOOOD!Russian Dual Slalom & Trial Frames Are The Best In Tension.But Thet Is Only For Hurd Tail Frames,Full Sospension Is Sucks!! Nobody Can Make A Coool Frame.My E Mail Titbiker@Rambler.RU, & Steel Is Good Tooo!!! I Like It Too

WINNER: Titanium

Date: October 9, 2002
witchdoctor a weekend warrior from bloomington il writes:

probably a tie between steel and titanium. ti is best, but the cost makes the weight of steel livable. aluminum and carbon just try to compete with the strengths of the other two with less weight and they dont last as long.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: October 9, 2002
rebecca locke a weekend warrior from england writes:

most things are made from aluminum so the best metal to use is actually aluminum

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: October 8, 2002
Zach a cross-country rider from PA writes:

i am cheap so carbon fiber and TI out. steel last longer and will never snap,but steel is getting harder to find in big companies. So my current bike is Aluminum. either one works well.

WINNER: Steel

Date: October 7, 2002
mr. X a cross-country rider writes:

it absorbs the shock and is light

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: October 7, 2002
Chris Kauth a cross-country rider from California writes:

I have owned steel, aluminum and carbon fiber. Ridden Titanium and a short ride on scandium. I believe it depends on what kind of rider you are. For me, steel is the best for MOST rides. Go ride, see what works for you. Everyone just voted for whichever bike they own anyway so get off this forum and go ride.

WINNER: Tie

Date: October 6, 2002
Damian a weekend warrior from UK writes:

Pleasure before Pain Thankyou

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: October 3, 2002
dewitt a racer from NC writes:

Ridden everything: nothing soaks up the bumps like Ti

WINNER: Titanium

Date: October 1, 2002
timmy a racer from michigan writes:

becuse steel is the reel deal to be riding. and if you dont have steel you you will peel.

WINNER: Steel

Date: September 28, 2002
1speed a cross-country rider from colorado writes:

Keep it STEEL! a well built steel frame handles like a dream. Ti rips too but $. Aluminum just does not do it for me (reasons should be obvious) carbon-maybe for a road bike fork.

WINNER: Steel

Date: September 28, 2002
pa mtn bkr a cross-country rider from Harrisburg, Pa writes:

Steel may be real,carbon stiff,aluminum light, but ti rocks!! It's
plush on the rough, light and plenty stiff and rigid in the right ways if it's built right. I run a totally rigid ride and it rules the trail. Light, flickable and climbs very well. Durable too!

WINNER: Titanium

Date: September 25, 2002
ADUB a weekend warrior from CAN writes:

Carbon Fibre? F@#K that.
Titanium? Do I look like I'm a freaken 145lb cross country junkie concerned about every pound.

Aluminum? Not until I drop well under my current 6'4" 210lbs frame.
Steel? We have a winner.

WINNER: Steel

Date: September 21, 2002
adam a racer from saugus writes:

It is the lightest and sable to boot

WINNER: Carbon Fiber

Date: September 20, 2002
JC a weekend warrior writes:

Aluminum costs the second least, more affordable than titanium or carbon fiber. Aluminum frames are also light enough for a weakling like me to do the basic tricks on a bike and is a decent frame for most terrane.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: September 18, 2002
zion rasta a cross-country rider from Wilmington, NC writes:

Steel is Real!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WINNER: Steel

Date: September 17, 2002
nicola vezzaro a racer from italy writes:

titanium is the best material to build bicycle frames; it's light, handsome, indestructible.....

WINNER: Titanium

Date: September 13, 2002
Turtle a cross-country rider from Rochester writes:

I'd have to say Aluminum is the best choice for an ATB because as far as I'm concerned anyone who rides off road should be on a full suspension bike. Hard tails can't hold a candle to bikes like the Gary Fisher Sugar, of the Giant NRS if your still holding out for maximum efficiency. So in the context of full-suspensison, Aluminum is the best material for all the linkages and pivots that are on a FS frame. Anyone who still rides a hardtial should go to Mt. Tam feel "classic" or something, and anyone who writes a review about a FS ATB should not talk about how well it rides on the street either. That's for raod"ie" bike review.

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: September 13, 2002
a cross-country rider writes:

Loved my alu trek, but am waiting for the weekend to try out my new ti bike...

WINNER: Tie

Date: September 10, 2002
Jason a cross-country rider from Maryland writes:

I ride a Trek 990 hardtail. I'm 260 lbs. Can't stop the steel. Frame weighs 27lbs with fork. I've gone through every component multiple times, same frame. They can build a steel frame light if they want too. If Trek would build the 990 frame again I would get it in a heartbeat although I may never need it.

WINNER: Steel

Date: September 5, 2002
MtnBaker a cross-country rider from Youdaho writes:

I have 4 bikes - 3 are steel and one I wish was steel. When I have enough money to replace the frame on the 4th one, it will be steel. Aluminum? OK for beer cans, I guess. Carbon? Go shave your legs, roadie. Titanium? Have you ever heard a frame go "Crrrrrack!"? Steel is real.

WINNER: Steel

Date: September 3, 2002
Shawn a racer from Seattle, WA writes:

I own three and have ridden the fourth variety (OCLV). I'd love for this to be an easy decision, but I have to admit that they all seem to have their place. So many bikes, so little time...

My assessments:

Aluminum has got to be the best for a full-suspension ride. The frame will only flex where the builder intends for it to flex. And its lightweight. If the pivots are designed properly and the welds are good, the material could last forever. What more could you ask for? But an aluminum hardtail is masochism!

My first true mountain bike had a rigid steel frame & fork. Perfect combination of low price to lure me into the sport and a smooth enough ride to keep me coming back for more! A steel Ritchey softtail I was able to check out recently was very impressive (but just a bit heavy).

A friend's Carbon Fiber bike is incredibly light -- if you want to race full-suspension, look no further. However, I've had some very expensive destructive experiences with other carbon fiber sporting goods, so I know all about the potential for disaster. And nothing can convince me that OCLV breakage wouldn't eventually catch up to me in this sport. That doesn't keep me from using a CF riser bar, though!

The bike I now spend the most time on is Titanium. The frame is incredibly durable -- I push it harder and harder and its condition remains brand-new. Yes, it can be a little laterally noodley, especially in my large frame size, but the more graceful a rider you are, the less you fight the frame. The bike sort-of *teaches* you to be a more efficient rider. ("Circular pedalling, not push-push...") "Finesse" is not the way you always want to ride, but right now I enjoy going FAST on this bike.

The winner? BERYLLIUM!! A-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I didn't want to choose a winner, but one point really forces my hand: on my titanium bike, I just never seem to wear out. I finish epic rides that have spanked me before, and now, if it wasn't for my empty Camelbak, I often feel confident I could go do another "lap". Anything that keeps me on the bike more and a smile on my face deserves the decision.

WINNER: Titanium

Date: August 28, 2002
Konacopia a weekend warrior from L.A., California writes:

Well this is one of those choices where it comes down to rider application and how much money you want to spend. I personally have only ridden aluminum but that's because of it's lightweight and stiffness. It doesn't rust like steel. Don't get me wrong though, steel is extremely strong and has a longer fatigue life, granted that you keep it dry inside and out. About 99% of BMX bikes are steel for a reason but they use larger tubes therefore throwing out the "steel suspension" theory. BMX's are just built to be burly and at 35-40lbs. for the majority of them, this is strictly for strength. Since this is about Mtn Bikes, steel is a realistic application and probably the best for front suspension only bikes. A properly designed aluminum frame will net the same results although the fatigue life isn't comparable to steel but I will trade that in for weight savings anyday, especially when going up a hill. So there you have, each material has its own characteristics and is really up to the rider what they are looking for in a bike. As far as Titanium and Carbon fiber go, these are for road weenies and have no place in real mountain bike designs.

WINNER: Tie

Date: August 28, 2002
Andy a weekend warrior from Windsor Canada writes:

I owned 2 Carbon bikes , both I broke while climbing I went back to Alum and thats where I stay

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: August 21, 2002
Brian a racer from New York writes:

Carbon Fiber and aluminum tie because if you don't weigh much then they are strong enough for you without adding weight.

WINNER: Tie

Date: August 19, 2002
brett biker a weekend warrior from canada writes:

aluminum is light and very strong for FR

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: August 19, 2002
Mike a cross-country rider from Virginia writes:

Ridden AL frames for years, finally swtched over to an IF Deluxe, my ass thanks me daily for doing that! Steel has an incredibly long faitgue life as compared to AL, yes, you may save a few ounces with AL, but trust me, it ain't worth it!

WINNER: Steel

Date: August 18, 2002
dual from slalom writes:

so i work at this shop. this guy comes in buys a carbon trek mtb 9.8 elite, carbon suspension,handlebars, seatpost, xtr everything. and guess what, he is this rich ass pussy who only rides paved geezer trails. doesent this guy know that he needs some wieght to get more momentum

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: August 18, 2002
reactor from clam-bake writes:

carbon is for rich s and so is Ti

WINNER: Aluminum

Date: August 9, 2002
Kyoshi a cross-country rider from Long Beach, NY writes:

First of all, lets just forget carbon fiber. This is a sport to have fun, not to re-mortgage your crib. In the past, there have been tons of over-flex problems with many titanium rides. Lets face it, saving weight is great, but not if your wheel