Aluminium vs Steel - Which is best for bikepacking?

Bikepacking Q&A EP:26
In this video I answer a follow up question from mtb vs gravel and Touring bike vs Gravel Bike series. Aluminum or steel? Which is best?

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:33 - The Aluminium Bike?
02:57 - The Touring Bike?
06:10 - Which is best for bikepacking?
06:48 - Summary and Q&A Reminder

#bikepacking #gravelbike #touringbike

[Cycling]

Let me know which material you think is best for bikepacking bikes in the comments below 👇 🙏

[geoffdillon]

And the “lasting a lifetime” point you mentioned at the end is another plus of steel bikes. They have a timeless elegance, whereas an in-vogue aluminium frame shape now may start to look a bit dated in 5-10 years.

[moza]

I have been cycling since I was in 1st grade of junior high school until now, my first bicycle was an iron polygon and I still use it now, my bicycle has been going strong for 10 years without any damage.😊

[Kattbirb]

I know this is likely to sound annoyingly pandering, but I think it's both.
The reason being that you can set up an aluminum bike for Autumn and Winter riding as it's more resistant to the elements and the lighter weight can offset additions like mudguards (or "Fenders" as we call them here in North America). The perceived harshness is easily offset from both thicker tire choices for muckier rides and that the rides are understandably kept shorter when the weather is less comfortable.
That leaves a steel bike free to be upgraded into the best bike it can be for the longer, more adventurous Summer rides.

[danalbert]

Both, true! I own 3 aluminum and 3 steel. My carbon fiber hangs on the wall for display only. Bike riding has been my religion for 50 years.

[DemiGod..]

Had aluminium, steel and titanium frames on road bikes. Alumium gives a harsh ride, titanium and steel much nicer.

With redshift pro elastomer suspension an aluminium frame becomes as comfortable as a titanium or steel frmae without supsension.

The ICE recumbent trikes I have are made from a combination of steel and aluminium.

[awhite]

The quality of the steel makes a big difference too. Higher grade Reynolds or Columbus tubing will ride better and be stronger for a lighter weight.

[sailingaeolus]

After a couple of days of pedaling, whatever is the lightest is the one I want. I had a steel bike - a Surly Ogre. Oh boy that was a heavy bike. Sold it and ride my aluminum Gary Fisher Tassajara.

[jduarte]

I wanted to ask you about the Mason Macro and Mason Raw bikes, what is your opinion and if there are better options?

[nacnud]

Steel for when weight isn’t the issue, titanium for when it is. Aluminium for the n+1

[donnydread]

Steel is sexy. And at the end of the day, all that really matters is having a sexy bike.

[samueljlarson]

I rode the entire length of the state of California on a cannonade aluminum road bike, then I remembered steel existed. Haven't looked back since!

[lizchilderley]

Thank you for not sitting on the fence! So, helpful. I'm weighing up the pros and cons of the Sonder Broken Road in Titanium V's Steel. Do you have a 'non-fence' view on this choice (assuming money not an issue and both bikes specified the same)?

[garyboyle]

Aero frames only really work it you can get into the aero tuck and are a one trick pony.

[goodeggnoggs]

this advice was maybe relavant 20-25 years ago....surely one could order a new frame and have it delivered within 10 days globally?

[gungfuriceboy]

can you Rust Proof or rust check your steel frame before 'plugging Up them 'holes'?...

[thisorthat]

I ride both. I use both for bikepacking/touring. Then again, I am not riding around the world. 😃

[ebin]

Problem with steel is the rust. Especially in coastal areas where we have to ride through roads that get flooded with tides.

[michaelcafaro]

Steel day in and day out. Even aluminum pizza pans suck.

[PedroSilva-dmbo]

Why does everyone parrot the myth that aluminium is harsher than steel to ride? It's factually false, aluminium has better dampening properties than steel and titanium.