Long Live Aluminum Frames..................!

[prototoast]

I've had 3; aluminum frames. My best (caad 9) was meh and my worst (caad 10) scared me off from aluminum forever more. Maybe something boutique like a Rock Lobster would change my mind.

[Peter B]

CAAD9, Tsunami and Bedford. I'm in the likes AL camp.

[primov8]

Last month, I built up my new N+1, a State Bicycle Co. 7005 Undefeated. Of all the bikes I've had, this has been the biggest surprise. This was an intentional budget build; Centaur 11 and a Calima wheelset but it definitely doesn't ride like one. It rides lighter than what it actually weights, amazing handling and just a very smooth ride overall. I would've never expected this from an aluminum frame. I've been so impressed with this SBC build that I ordered their 6061 Black Label all-road frameset as my first all-road/gravel build.

[rustychisel]

Perhaps the take home message is that cheap frames ride cheap; well built frames justify themselves. This bike is now almost 20 years old. Scandium Aluminium.

[Miller76]

Two aluminum rides getting the most time in rotation at the moment, the Pegoretti Love 3 and my gravel Mason Bokeh


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[Mattre]

Originally Posted by primov8

Last month, I built up my new N+1, a State Bicycle Co. 7005 Undefeated. Of all the bikes I've had, this has been the biggest surprise. This was an intentional budget build; Centaur 11 and a Calima wheelset but it definitely doesn't ride like one. It rides lighter than what it actually weights, amazing handling and just a very smooth ride overall. I would've never expected this from an aluminum frame. I've been so impressed with this SBC build that I ordered their 6061 Black Label all-road frameset as my first all-road/gravel build.

I'm seriously considering that SBC Allroad. Let us know what you think of it. This Allez Sprint is easily one of the best riding bikes I've been on.

[thirdgenbird]

The mason bokah would be on my short list if I had to replace my main ride.

[beartrapper]

My biggest gripe about aluminum are the lazy welds on production bikes.

[coffeecherrypie]

Originally Posted by R3awak3n

Its true. All the lower end models of bikes are alum.

That said, plenty of nice higher end stuff still out there. Rock lobster for example. I love it because its not precious like some carbon/steel and ti bikes. People buy em and ride the crap out of them.

Agree, if I were to go custom Rock Lobster would be high on the list.

[FlashUNC]

Gaulzetti, Rock Lobster, Pegoretti (if you can find one.)

Can't go wrong with any choice really.

[JimmyTango]

Low Bicycles are absolutely amazing... and now with the “Low Key” line he is offering they are pretty hard to beat at any budget.

https://www.lowbicycles.com/

[martl]

Originally Posted by rustychisel

Perhaps the take home message is that cheap frames ride cheap; well built frames justify themselves. This bike is now almost 20 years old. Scandium Aluminium.

Lovely bike!

I gave my Scandium Scott a fresh coat of paint recently. A lovely ride... Only I trust old Scandium only so far, that stuff is *very* tricky to weld.. I take it easy on it.

[Ralph]

What makes anyone think "hi end" aluminum frames are better than low end? Such as the CAADs or others? Isn't that part of them problem? Perception? And fact many aluminum bikes come with low end parts?

I wouldn't swap my CAAD 10 for a Peg. I think lots more engineering went into the CAAD...even if it is cheap to buy.

[soulspinner]

Originally Posted by jtbadge

Also loving my aluminum Rock Lobster. Main bike for the last 4 years or so. Fast, light, comfortable.

Like this rig...

[rustychisel]

Originally Posted by Ralph

What makes anyone think "hi end" aluminum frames are better than low end? Such as the CAADs or others? Isn't that part of them problem? Perception? And fact many aluminum bikes come with low end parts?

I wouldn't swap my CAAD 10 for a Peg. I think lots more engineering went into the CAAD...even if it is cheap to buy.

Errrrr, riding them, to answer your question. I would not consider a CAAD 10 low end. Emphatically.