5 Things You Need To Know About Magnesium Bikes

We’ve all heard of carbon fibre, steel and alloy frames. Titanium is a popular option too. But what about magnesium? Ex-pro cycli- *ahem* chemist Ollie takes us through all the reasons why you might want to consider a magnesium frame for your next bike.

0:00 - Intro
0:27 - Disclaimer
0:44 - It's lightweight!
3:22 - It's environmentally friendly!
4:13 - It's durable!
6:33 - It's cheap! Sort of...
8:01 - It's easier to work with!
10:40 - Wrap up!

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Have you ever used a Magnesium frame? How did you find it? Would you like to try one out? Let us know in the comments 💬

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[sheridan]

I knew if I kept my 20 year old magnesium alloy bike long enough it would come back into fashion!

[Hambini]

Good description of Young's modulus in there. I'm not saying it was correct but it was entertaining.

[daveanolik]

LOVE deeper dives into the materials & chemistry of our cycling lives. Strong believer that this specific educational path leads directly to environmental impact awareness. Keep ‘em coming!

[VIEultimate]

Ollie nerding out a bit in this video just makes me happy somehow.

[JanHolgerOlof]

Aw yeah. More videos with Ollie taking us to downtown Nerdville. I love it! I really enjoy the videos that dive deeper into scientific aspects and Dr. Ollie Bridgewood is clearly not only super qualified to do so but also funny enough to make it entertaining. Keep 'em coming please! :)

[jaisejohnson]

I like how this channel is slowly turning into a chemistry channel....😅
Thanks to Dr Oliver Bridgewood...😅😅😅

[joearnold]

Love my Vaast A1. Was not my 1st choice but in 2020 1st choices were not an option. So I didn't get the bike I wanted but I'm so glad I didn't.

[brydgeo]

I was an active photographer and back then majority of the dslr body is made from magnesium alloy. Tough and lightweight. Was thinking before why not use this same metal on bikes and just learned today that magnesium bikes existed before. Interesting. Thanks GCN!

[Mtzronn]

I love my VAAST! And I put it through the paces, riding on technical MTB trails.

[larrysavage]

FYI, Had a customer bring a magnesium frame in that he had bent the rear triangle on, while backing up in his garage on a rear rack, at first I thought it would be like Aluminum, unable to cold set, Leonard Zinn of VeloNews told me it can be done just like a steel frame. With a little effort it we realigned it. (Paketa bike)

[grindsman]

American Classic used to produce magnesium bike rims, among the lightest rims ever produced. The corrosion issue didn't suit rim brakes but, disc brake rims avoid that issue. I hope someone starts producing magnesium rims again soon.
A low section, magnesium clincher rim weighed 290 grams, that's 100-200 grams lighter than the average alloy rim.

[ZenEndurance]

We have 2 Vaast magnesium frames and the are AWESOME. I’ve had/got every frame type and never had anything ride so smooth. It’s otherworldly. Incredible material for gravel bikes where you ride surfaces with lots of chatter.

[jamesvance]

You’re the best Ollie. I’m gonna try to fit this into one of my chemistry classes. I think my students will really enjoy it

[johngarethwilliams]

Being a Chemistry teacher, I LOVE THIS VIDEO, I am so going to use it in my lessons, I love IT

[neindanke]

Thank you for always putting the fact in relation to other materials like alloy steel titanium and carbon.

[bengt_axle]

Would love to see Vaast put together a Mg alloy prototype bike that includes a frame, but also Mg rims, hubs, seat post and collar, handlebar, stem, fork, cranks and « fenders » as Ollie calls them. Then, have him ride this for 1000 km on all sorts of terrain like hill climbs, gravel, TT, in rain, snow and shine. Finally, do a follow up video on the bike. Curious to know if such a bike will be a Vaast improvement over existing bikes.

[Darsithis]

Ollie is seriously the funniest and cutest presenter GCN has. I always love his videos

[RandomAnvil]

One of the most informative, interesting, and fun videos I've watched in a while.

[hockysa]

Blowtorch the magnesium frame. For science.

[CarsandBikes]

2 of my gravel bike builds are early 2000s Magnesium hardtail frames. Just love the ride quality