Aluminum or steel bike frame cost more???...which one cost the most usually???
Must add my 2 cents... Steel is not common at all anymore. Far less than 10% around my area, Michigan. I think that is true anywhere in the US anyway. I see far more full carbon than steel with alum being the easily the most common. Steel is a little heavier and compliant than alum. Any material can make a stiff frame if designed and built well. Steel by it's nature dampens vibration more than alum. I agree with mr g, it's an image to be projected. Steel = old school. I don't know why so much posing goes on in the road bike world. To actually answer the question: Both can be very costly. If we're talking about quality road frames, Alum would usually be cheaper. I would say it's a matter of production quantities. There are tons of alum frames out there and only a hand full of steel. Quality steel is a niche market now.
From a material standpoint, an aluminum tube bicycle is more expensive to produce. The raw materials are more expensive and the material is more difficult to weld. It started with steel, aluminum took off in the 90's, and now carbon fiber is becoming more popular. The progression has equated to lighter frames with greater comfort, but at increased costs. The increased comfort has come from tube shape factors (oval, etc.) and the strategic placement of carbon fiber in the seat stays. The material properties of steel and aluminum are highly dependent on composition, i.e. alloying elements added. If a steel frame costs more it's because the specialty manufacturer is either using an exotic alloy (Cr, Mo, V) or just gouging on the fact that there are fewer steel frame producers. Generally steel frames have better dampening properties but at a weight penalty compared to aluminum. Since steel has a higher yield strength and higher fatigue life at a given stress level so it can get away with ever thinner tube cross sections. Personally I want a bike made of Beryllium, I wonder if there is a Be-Li alloy out there (I'd have to check the valence, but not motivated right now). That would have a good strength to weight ratio, it would just have to be coated.
Good quality steel frames are almost always more expensive than aluminum. There are a couple of reasons for this... 1) Aluminum is always welded. This takes much less effort and time than a fine brazed steel unit; 2) High quality steel tubing is very expensive compared to aluminum due to the thin walls and sometimes exotic alloying materials; 3) Aluminum is one of the most common elements on the planet. Common steel alloys have harder-to-obtain elements such as molybdneum, manganese, and other rare metals. 4) Although many aluminums require post weld processing it takes little or no labor to complete it while a high quality steel frame responds beautifully to hand work. 5) A good steel frame is simply harder to find nowadays. I know that this goes beyond the scope of your question, but keep in mind that regardless of the aluminum alloy it all weighs the same; regardless of the steel alloy it all weighs the same. The difference in weight comes from modifying the metal mixture, enabling a stronger metal and making of ever-thinner tubes. Kojman47 (below) is WAAY off in his interpretation of materials. There are steel frames that rival the weight and strength of titanium which is often 1/2 the weight of aluminum. There is no such thing as cromolly. The correct name (if I may) is Chrome Molybdneum, abbreviated as CrMo, often called Chrome Moly. Cromoly or cromolly or cromo doesn't give proper respect to the alloy OR to the frame. CrMo (cromolly in Kojmans eyes) is steel.
With climbs like this involved its just not practical. Granted, If I was touring, I would consider steel but it's a very different sort of riding (horses for courses eh?) and I would have to really go out of my way to find a steel frame. With time trials, the bikes do need to be stiff, strong and light(although more consideration is given to aerodynamics on a TT bike)Time in the saddle is irrelevent to a competitor who will often risk a right arm to win. But can I let you into an even bigger secret? The world of 'roadies' is one of snobbery, people with steel bikes are looked at as 'stalwarts of the old school' and it's akin to turning up at a race event with pedal straps,argyle socks and a rucksack full of luncheon meat sandwiches. Now do you understand where I'm coming from? My writing style is abrasive (people say I talk that way too!) and no offence to you was intended but you did mock the other guy. EDIT2: It seems some wires were crossed somewhere then? Hard to believe but I get carried away verbally too!! The best bet is to let it lie! To be honest with you, I have never ridden climbs this bad before, over this distance (106 miles)- I'm told It's a tough one and I am determined to complete before two certain riders(workmates!) - it's a matter of honour, you understand! Happy riding mate. .
