What Frame Material Is Best For E Bikes? | Carbon vs Aluminium

Should you buy a carbon E Mountain Bike or an aluminium bike? There are advantages and disadvantages to each, here's Steve to help explain the differences ⚡️

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[jumbleross]

I’m a big chap and cracked many aluminium frames, always at the welds cos I like to thrown the bike round the corners, so went to Carbon as there are no welds and it’s torsion strength is better. As long as you get added protection for the down tube and get a brand who knows what they are doing with carbon I think it’s better than aluminium for ebikes as when you add a motor and battery to the mix I think the welds in aluminium would be put under too much torsional stress.

[ebayfield]

I prefer a threaded bottom bracket, saving money. Therefore, being a heavier rider too, my choice is aluminium frame.

[IPM]

I prefer aluminium, because of better heat conduction and dissipation. Electric motors and batteries can run pretty hot.

[MerlinMan]

Carbon’s great on an XC analogue rig as it keeps the weight down, on an emtb that isn’t really relevant. Personally I feel alloy is the best material for emtb so long as the suspension is sorted.

[barrycarney]

Accidental damage while transporting it is a big difference. A Carbon frame could be structurally bad if damaged with a dent like hit in a critical place where as aluminum will just dent and not be compromised most likely . So is more durable in a crash on the rocks when it lands.

[thim]

I'm getting a levo comp aluminum, also getting a stumpjumper aluminum. I have a carbon stumpy now and I think carbon feels better, but i have cracked 3 carbon bikes and for piece of mind i want bikes that lasts through crashes.

[iannorris]

Carbon looks sexier, for sure, & if buying new from a reputable company with a good frame guarantee then that would be my preference.
However, if I'm buying 2nd hand then I prefer to go for alloy as I don't get that frame guarantee, which then makes buying carbon new difficult because I'm sure a vast majority of buyers are of the same mind !

[vincef]

@ Lucas brings up a good point. Has ANY bike company developed a TITANIUM e-mtb yet???

[scrutch]

rocky mountain didnt got the memo with good looking alloy frames . rough welding spots, no smoothing but still asking for a a70 almost 9 k

[MrStubbs]

I am currently torn with some Orbea Options: Orbea Wild 2023 is still not available and probably also a bit too sporty for all mountain -> and as orbea is currently giving some good price reductions on the older 2022 wild, I am currently thinking about the option that suites my budget, which is the first all carbon Orbea Wild....now...thats carbon...should I do it or go even one lower, get worse components as well and comparably not the same discount?
I dont know.

[FireTwo]

Carbon for the clean non welds for me so smooth!

[EuropaWill]

You say that aluminum alloy is more likely to bend and deform, but everything I understood suggested that aluminum frames crack and not bend/deform under stress relative to steel.

[canichextrem]

you haven´t answerd the I don´t see de point of this video.

[sitchad]

We went with Specialized Levo's, one Comp Carbon and one Turbo Expert. For my wife and I the weight did make a difference because we ride to and from home to the trails without any motor assist as a little bit of extra cardio. And when you are climbing grades even in a paved bike lane a little lighter is a help when you are talking about a 46lbs bike.

[alireza]

But what about steel frame or enduro ebike frame witch1 is best for heavy weight rider?

[BlackCountryLad]

Please can we have a review of the Great British Orange brand - May be a factory visit and tech talk with development guys.

[Pienimusta]

There was great episode on podcasts about this

[mfren]

It’s definitely cost then personal preference. Steel, aluminum, carbon fibre, titanium. And then there’s graphene The technology is getting better every year. Methods and materials are getting better every year. I think it comes down to cost first, then personal preference. The next innovations will be on accessories. Wheels, spokes, brakes, seats, bars, posts, wireless, shoes, clothing, helmets, etc. There’s some weight saving to be had in these areas and those will also be personal preference and cost too. The variety is going to be endless. (Said everyone 25 yrs ago).

[cornelianery]

Can u make a video on titanium & carbon e bikes 🚴

[garypostell]

Carbon cracks is there a lifetime warranty?