Anyone who claims one frame material is better than the others is misleading you

Your tyres and the amount of seatpost sticking out the top of the frame will have more influence, argues our Undercover Mechanic

A customer makes a purchase in a bike shop
(Image credit: Getty Images)

If I had a pound for every time I’ve been asked “What’s the best frame material for a bike?” I’d be able to afford most of a Rocket coffee machine.

The truth of the matter is, this is not a straightforward question. The answer depends very much on what the rider is going to use the bike for, where they’re going to ride it, how are they going to ride it, how long they want to keep it and what their budget is.

undercover mechanic
Undercover Mechanic

Cycling Weekly's Undercover Mechanic will be publishing his thoughts on the state of the industry once a month. He's been working with bikes for over two decades, offering servicing on models from some of cycling's best (and worst) marques. You'll find him at all major trade shows and events, just don't expect him to make himself known.

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