Materials

A custom frame can last a lifetime, and the return on your investment will be invaluable

• Bicycle frames are made from aluminum, carbon fiber, stainless steel, steel, titanium, and wood

• Each material offers advantages and disadvantages as far as weight, durability, responsiveness, handling, and feel

• Consider the following before choosing a material: 

  • Your riding style: recreation, racing, off-road, etc.

  • What you want out of your bike: speed, comfort, durability, etc.

  • Feel of the bike; try riding bikes made out of the different materials

  • Your body dimensions: weight, height, etc.

An experienced frame builder can help you determine the best material and components for your needs.

Part application and the material/alloy we use are inherently tied together. We carefully consider the following:

Strength:

• Can the material withstand the forces that will be put on it?

Durability:

• Does the part need to bend or break with impact to help prevent damage to the frame itself (i.e., hangers/inserts)?
• Is it considered a “replaceable” part or does it need to last indefinitely?

Corrosion Resistance:

• If rust were to develop would it affect the functionality of the part?
• We are often asked why we do not offer our adjustable dropouts in steel. The short answer is that the surfaces need to be clear of paint and free from rust for the parts to function correctly.

Demand:

• Can the market support a part made out of a particular material?

Aluminum

• Strength: Dependent on alloy, poor relative to other materials
• Durability: Relatively “soft” material, used to make parts that are replaceable like our hangers and inserts
• Corrosion Resistance: Excellent
• Demand: High
• Pros: Light, inexpensive
• Cons: Dents and scratches easily

Stainless Steel

• Strength: Excellent
• Durability: Excellent
• Corrosion Resistance: Excellent
• Demand: Low
• Pros: Strength, durability, will not corrode
• Cons: Heavy, expensive 

Steel

• Strength: Excellent
• Durability: Excellent
• Corrosion Resistance: Poor
• Demand: High
• Pros: Strength, durability, relatively cheap and easy to work with
• Cons: Heavy, subject to corrosion 

Titanium

• Strength: Excellent
• Durability: Excellent, known for its springy and responsive feel
• Corrosion Resistance: Excellent
• Demand: Medium
• Pros: Light, responsive, durable
• Cons: Expensive, difficult to work with

Important Information

1) Properly clean and prep the material

• Dirt and contaminates can cause failure
• Stainless steel builds an oxide on the surface that prevents corrosion when exposed to oxygen, mechanically remove this prior to welding or brazing

2) Design your interface well; solid joint design is vital

Titanium

• 6/4, 3/2.5, and CP titanium are compatible and can be welded together
• TIG weld only

Steel

• Can be welded with stainless steel
• TIG weld or brass, bronze, or silver braze

Stainless Steel

• Can be welded with steel

• TIG weld only

1) Tools should always be sharp and in good condition

2) If possible, do not use the same cutting tools for steel and titanium, steel can take the fine edge off a cutting tool

3) Use a lubricant

• Canola oil works well for titanium but leaves a sticky residue behind; clean the frame with detergent and water immediately after use