Carbon fiber and aluminum road bikes: which is better?

Dozens of questions are present when an athlete wants to buy a new road companion. In relation to the material of manufacture, the most frequent is the following: carbon fiber vs. aluminum road bike, which is better? At AURUM, we always defend that there are no better or worse products, but cyclists with different needs. Do you want to know why? Keep reading!

Carbon fiber road bikes

All high-performance bikes available from AURUM are made from carbon fiber. It is a synthetic material, made using the best technology at the service of sport, offering a unique combination of lightness and strength.

Thanks to its low weight, carbon bikes allow for higher speeds. Moreover, the bikes that use this material are designed as a single piece, providing exceptional stiffness and durability.

At AURUM, materials are at the service of quality, comfort and top performance. It means that we always choose the most cutting-edge options as a result of a process of research and innovation based on experience. Moreover, the expertise of Alberto Contador and Ivan Basso are present in every model so that you can learn from best practices in the sector.

Aluminum road bikes

Aluminium for bicycles is a material that was used much more in the past, as it is not the lightest material. However, for those who are looking for a quality and very economical bicycle, aluminium can be a good choice.

However, the impact resistance is also lower than with other materials. Weight is a handicap in this type of bicycles, as they are not light, so they are much less aerodynamic than other bicycles.

In short, aluminium is not the best material if you are looking for a fast and aerodynamic bike.

Differences and similarities between carbon bikes and aluminum bikes

Here are the main differences between carbon bikes and aluminium bikes, with reference to their weight, price and stiffness.

Durability

As a general rule, carbon bikes tend to last longer, since the material is also stronger. However, everything depends on each cyclist, and on the maintenance of the product.

On the other hand, aluminum bikes are more affordable and can be an excellent option for cyclists seeking a good value for money.

Weight

As mentioned above, the lightness of carbon is directly reflected in the overall weight of the bike. The same is true for aluminium, which is a heavier material. Therefore, aluminium and carbon bikes are quite different in terms of weight, which can be crucial when choosing a good road bike.

Price

Price is a determining factor when choosing between aluminium and carbon bikes. Aluminium bikes are more affordable, due to their characteristics. However, carbon is a higher priced material, and carbon bikes offer higher performance for riders looking to maximise their performance.

Stiffness

In terms of stiffness, carbon undoubtedly wins the battle. In terms of stiffness and, therefore, power transfer, aluminium is a pretty good material; however, this stiffness means that it transmits more vibrations and shocks from the ground, which can be uncomfortable on long rides.

Carbon, on the other hand, is a very versatile material, as a carabobo bike can be made in such a way that the stiffness is different in different parts of the frame. In this way, balanced efficiency and comfort are achieved.

Is an aluminum bike better than a carbon bike?

Definitely not.

When choosing an aluminum or a carbon road bike, many aspects must be taken into account. First of all, there is not such a definition of ‘better’, since users are quite diverse. It is a general truth that carbon bikes are lighter than aluminum bicycles, for example, but what if an expert is looking for a heavy product to train strength and muscle development?

Our best recommendation is to make a list with all your essential requirements. After that, classify them: when it comes to a road bike, the weight of aluminum vs. carbon is important to you? Or is it just a complement? Look for your musts, and select them in our configurator! In case of doubt, ask the professionals working at AURUM to get their advice.

Moreover, the essense of AURUM is to let the cyclist to choose the specifications of the bikes. You will have the best personalized bike for you.

Does a carbon road bike make a difference?

Statistics do not lie. If we analyze the bunches of the best high-level races, most of the professional cyclists use a carbon road bike. They are also the main option among teams for their sportsmen and sportswomen. However, a perfect product means nothing if hard training does not exist. An expert knows how to make the most out of each bicycle, so even an aluminum bike would stand in his or her hands.

Moreover, take into account that each terrain has its demands. Many professionals have diverse road bikes, and they are used in different situations. A big part of this sport is related to analysis and responsiveness, so you may learn to identify which is your current situation to make the most of it. If you have the opportunity, give yourself the chance to try both carbon fiber vs. aluminum road bikes. That is the only way to discover what works for you.

The frame of carbon bicycles: essential

In general, carbon fiber bikes tend to create a more uniform and responsive whole. This means that its components are fully integrated. The difference between a good carbon frame vs. aluminum frame comes into play, as this is the centerpiece of any bicycle. Since it is the largest piece, it must be light, strong and comfortable. At AURUM, we are committed to the complete customization of all our bikes, so you can choose the carbon fiber frame that best suits you according to your height.