When it comes to choosing a new mountain bike, there are many materials to choose from, especially the bike frame. But two materials that are always being compared are aluminum and carbon. In this article, we will try to compare carbon vs aluminum MTB and the advantages they bring to the mountain bike user.
| Features | Carbon MTB | Aluminum MTB |
| Durability | Durable with Dampening Effect | Durable and Stiff |
| Feel and Comfort | More Comfortable | Less Comfortable |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Rust Resistance | Ability to Resist Rust | Susceptible to Rust |
| Price | Expensive | Affordable |
Contents
Carbon Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes with carbon fiber bike frames are one of the top choices among professional cyclists and experienced bikers. And it is understandable because of the various benefits it brings to the biker.
First, these bikes are one of the lightest that you can use on the road. Carbon frames are very popular among professional cyclists because it allows them to maximize their speed during the race without dragging any additional weight.
When the bike is light, the speed can also be maximized. These two factors go hand in hand especially when it comes to bike racing. And it’s very comfortable too. Many bikers can prove that carbon fiber mountain bikes offer a unique degree of comfort when on the road.
But, with all the benefits of a carbon mountain bike, its price is something that not everyone can afford. Since it is a high-quality bike, the price is expensive but worth it. Also, carbon frame parts and accessories are difficult to find when it gets damaged, creating a small problem for the owner.
Aluminum Mountain Bike
I always believe that aluminum mountain bikes are the perfect choice for new bikers who are just starting to learn. First, a mountain bike with aluminum offers durability and strength which can withstand any damage coming from accidents on the road. Newbies can take advantage of this feature while learning skills on the road without damaging the bike.
This type of mountain bike is also one of the most affordable in the market. Again, the pricing is perfect for bikers who are just starting to learn and enjoy biking. Parts are also accessible in case there are parts that need to be replaced because of issues.
However, aluminum mountain bikes are heavy which can be a problem to bikers who like to ride with lighter bikes. The weight can also be a problem when it comes to the comfort it brings on the road. The comfortability is different when the bike is heavier. The weight can also make the speed slower which is the reason not many cyclists who are into racing use aluminum-made bike frames.
The Difference Between a Carbon and Aluminum Mountain Bike
Carbon and Aluminum mountain bikes can be compared in terms of the features it provides. Please see the list below:
Durability
There are some people that I know who have been saying that carbon fiber being expensive is not worth it because they are very fragile., I beg to disagree because carbon fiber is in fact stronger per pound compared to aluminum.
Aluminum is also durable but comes with a lot of stiffness. The issue with being still is that it is susceptible to stress fracturing. With this property, aluminum MTB will just absorb everytime there is an impact. With carbon fiber, there is this damping effect that absorbs the abuse but springs back into place.
Also, please note that when carbon fiber is made well, they can be tougher than steel. This statement contradicts the notion that carbon fibers are brittle and cannot stand heavy impacts. In addition, whatever you choose, whether its carbon MTB or Aluminum MTB, you will still need to protect it from damage when on the road because they are not damage-proof.
Feel and Comfort
In my experience riding both carbon MTB and aluminum MTB, the carbon is much superior in terms of feel and comfort. There are two reasons behind it: damping effect and stiffness. With the stiffness of aluminum, any movement on the trail or in the flat road can be felt more by the biker in the hands and at the back.
On the other hand, the damping effect of the carbon lowers the movement and any harshness on the trail or in the road. This damping effect also means more comfort on the part of the biker resulting in a smoother ride.
Weight
As I mentioned earlier, weight is an obvious feature that can differentiate carbon and aluminum mountain bikes. Mountain bikes with aluminum bike frames tend to be heavier in weight compared to their aluminum counterparts.
The weight of the bike is very important as it influences a particular rider in choosing a particular bike. Professional cyclists and experienced bikers always prefer light bikes such as aluminum MTB as it has a direct effect on the speed of the bike. Light bikes are also easy to maneuver and stable during the climb which is an excellent advantage.
With its heavy weight, aluminum MTB should be perfect for bikers who are just starting with their biking experience. The weight will teach them how to use bikes in that particular weight. Learning how to use a heavier bike will make an easy adjustment once they proceed in upgrading to a much lighter bike.
Rust Resistance
Carbon fiber has the ability to resist water and rust. This feature is one of the properties that makes carbon fiber an excellent material for a bike frame. On the other hand, aluminum is a form of metal that is susceptible to rust. It cannot be seen immediately but overtime you see the rust forming on the surface especially if the bike frame is not properly maintained.
Pricing
The price of both aluminum and carbon MTB is different. One is expensive and one is affordable. Aluminum MTB is affordable with a low pricing that is perfect for beginners. For carbon MTB, the price is higher and expensive but provides so many benefits to bikers, especially racers and experienced cyclists.
Conclusion
Comparing carbon vs aluminum MTB will give you an overview of your bike’s preference in the future. However, it is difficult to say which is the best between the two. It all depends on your preference, resources, and needs on the ride.