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Chromoly vs Aluminum


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flag officialdannymac
Posted: Apr 9, 2017 at 15:24 Quote
I have been looking at a Chromoly hardtail. I know chromoly is smoother, with more damping. Is chromoly stronger then aluminum? Should I invest in a chromoly hardtail if it's stronger, or just go with the aluminum hardtail? I ride enduro and hit lots of techy trails.
flag cmcrawfo
Posted: Apr 9, 2017 at 15:31 Quote
Design and construction are more important than material choice.

What frames are you looking at?
flag Dougdirt
Posted: Apr 9, 2017 at 16:54 Quote
Can't go wrong with a Chromag hardtail.
flag officialdannymac
Posted: Apr 9, 2017 at 18:40 Quote
cmcrawfo wrote:
Design and construction are more important than material choice.

What frames are you looking at?

I'm looking at the commencal meta ht am. I don't know if paying extra for chromoly frame will be worth it.
flag tricyclerider
FL
Posted: Apr 12, 2017 at 9:23 Quote
I believe that there is a bit more flex built into a chromoly frame which makes for a slightly less harsh ride. if I were to get a new hardtail fun bike I would go for chromoly for that reason alone.
flag yoltwice
Posted: Apr 13, 2017 at 13:21 Quote
I am sorry to break this to you guys but steel pipes are much stiffer than alu. They don't have damping or flex built in just because it's a steel pipe.

What makes an aluminium frame stiffer is the diameter of the pipes not the material. If an alu frame was made with same diameter as a steel bike it would be very flexy.

Lots of alu frames use flex in the rear to provide some level of comfort, look at cannondale save technology.

What matters is the design and use of pipes that are shaped to allow a bit of compliance in the right places.

I know for a fact that the commencal meta am crmo is stiff and with very little compliance, despite what their marketing will have you believe.

Also the geometry is horrible, it's just extremely short.

It is very good looking though and kinda fun . Smile
flag mb49
Posted: Apr 16, 2017 at 0:43 Quote
Hi mate. Steel hardtails are in, have been for years for those who know.,(Steel is real) like previous comments some flex more than others , depending on how they're​ designed ,the type of steel tube used and how made. Personally i've a few bikes ,my favourite hardtail being my steel On One 456evo11, it's 2 years old, and wasn't cutting edge technology then ,but at one point it was, it's a hardcore variant, and is still relevant compared to new tech bikes on trails. It can be a harsh bugger in certain conditions,but so much fun to ride. I'd say put steel hardtail mtb frames in search engine, see what comes up ,and just read the reviews. Their are some really nice steel frames out their, hardcore and trail frames plenty of choice and good deals also.just got to look around. Personally i like hardcore variants, and you can't beat a good build. Personally​ i'm not going to be building another hardtail any time soon, but if i had to it would have to be steel, would have a tapered sterrer,160mm up front,(Lyriks or Ohlins) probably still have xt785 brakes , be 650b with 142x12mm axle, with 2.35/2.30 tyres (MagicMary/HighRoller2) as plenty big enough, would still be 2x10,or11, Shimano probably, have a dropper. (Would be a proper hardcore hardtail). I've also got a Codeine 650b Softail, which is a very good bike that i can't really knock. but wouldn't mind a steel Softail ,as some really nice kit being made at moment, but a bit pricey. Hope this helps
flag jase111171
Posted: Apr 16, 2017 at 0:56 Quote
My new on One Deedar,is far stiffer on the rear than the Dartmoor Hornet it replaced,was quite surprised by this,as the Hornet is one of the stiffest hardtails around,so the reviews say.
flag mb49
Posted: Apr 16, 2017 at 1:22 Quote
jase111171 wrote:
My new on One Deedar,is far stiffer on the rear than the Dartmoor Hornet it replaced,was quite surprised by this,as the Hornet is one of the stiffest hardtails around,so the reviews say.
. HaHa On One certainly know how to make a steel frame stiff and unforgiving HaHa, but luckily they know how to make a really good riding, climbing, descending bike also.just a shame a lot of their new frames/bikes are only 1x compatible. A fair few bike manufacturers have realised that consumers want the choice of 1x or 2x , so even though they fit 1x they leave mounting points for front mechs.
flag markg1150
Posted: Apr 16, 2017 at 1:24 Quote
its a hartail there is no real give and lugging around a extra 1.5 kg for what.
soften the tires and wheel build if you want some comfort. slap some carbon bars on for some dampening. hey presto just saved youself alot of energy.
flag jase111171
Posted: Apr 16, 2017 at 1:45 Quote
mb49 wrote:
jase111171 wrote:
My new on One Deedar,is far stiffer on the rear than the Dartmoor Hornet it replaced,was quite surprised by this,as the Hornet is one of the stiffest hardtails around,so the reviews say.
. HaHa On One certainly know how to make a steel frame stiff and unforgiving HaHa, but luckily they know how to make a really good riding, climbing, descending bike also.just a shame a lot of their new frames/bikes are only 1x compatible. A fair few bike manufacturers have realised that consumers want the choice of 1x or 2x , so even though they fit 1x they leave mounting points for front mechs.
yeh,the Deedars a fun bike to ride,but the Hornet is a great option for the price aswell.a lot of great choice around now for all budgets
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