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Real materials difference (AL vs steel)


Clerictgm mk2

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In frames and forks.

Ozonys and other second-rate companies are just copying the Inspired move to steel.

But if we compare the best AL frame and the best steel frame.

What would be the difference?

I assume that steel is

1) better for spins(180/360/+++) in terms of reliability.

2) feels not so hard, has a little bit of springiness.

3) can be re-welded without re-heat treatment.

4) looks more elegant

...
???

And why steel frames so rare nowadays in bikes industry? In pure trials there are absolutely no serial steel frames.

Edited by Clerictgm mk2
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Weight is a common factor for riders,

In terms of Inspired you just have the options of what you prefer ahead of you with the best quality you can buy Console/foreplay Arcade/skye so that is just down to what you personally want to ride or like the feel to, especially when the frames cost around the same price anyway (Console frame kit or Foreplay frame and forks).

In terms of such as Ozonys I would say their steel frames are going to be a lot weaker than their Aluminium frames after seeing a styl and a King of Dunce at Radfest this year no doubt one is stronger than the other...

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In a frame that's as stout as a "street trials frame" the difference really isn't as noticeable.

As for durability, if your a standard rider I doubt you will notice any difference between the 2 materials. Both have there traits

Alloy just snaps/cracks

Steel bends

Steels frames tend to dent a lot easier, mainly because they use a lot thinner material and when hit just dents.

Just an example, the inspired (alloy)down tubes are thick, I've landed on mine a few times hard and you just have a little mark in the paint. Similar impact on my arcade and I have the slightest little dent.

As a normal rider I would highly doubt you could tell the difference, maybe if you rode each frame back to back every day and closely payed attention to how the frame feels then you would.

Maybe people need to ride there bikes more and not worry so much about the material, both are suitable for the style of riding. Focus more time on riding and learning new tricks and lines instead of being fixated on what it's made from.

For what it's worth I'm fairly confident that the alloy VS steel is plaster all over the internet, perhaps a quick google will supply you with the answers your looking for.

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The argument has been done to death. Downhillers probably are have touched more into the subject.

Material, welding and design are all big factors when quality is variable on these factors.

If you want different, go custom.

Imho i think parts need more addressing than frames.

That's about it.

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