I'm going one step better and cover my roof with aluminum foil.It will act like a cheap mirror reflecting solar radiation out into the atmosphere!But whether it's painted white or coated with mirror, would not most of the electromagnetic radiation just go into our atmosphere heating it?What a dumb idea if you ask me!
Exogrid;) It depends on what you want to build, and what you're expecting on a frameAluminium is a great material overall, but CF and Ti are probably better for XC While I don't like CF for bikes personally, I think it's getting better and better, and we're seeing more variety in bikes build from carbon fiberTitanium will last a long time, and, in my personal opinion, nothing beats the look of it on a bike, it is flexier than CF, Al or steelso it depends on what you want it forIf you want it for a XC hardtail, then it's probably a good option because the material will flex a littleThere are some very good steel alloys that are lightweight and make for a great hardtailExogrid is something from Titus (well, Vyatec, but as far as I know, only Titus offers it)You take a Ti tube, laser cut it to make it thiner, and put a carbon fiber mesh insideMaybe overkill? But people that have them swear by them.
This question opens a can of wormsMostly made up of opinion and conjectureAnd that is OK since it is a personal fit kind of thingI personally like a steel carbon combo-Titanium is comfortable but being a sprinter it feels like it flexes a little too much for me, real or imagined, who knows-Aluminum is stiff light and responsive and after 60 miles i just want off as the ride is a little harsh for me-Carbon fiber is stiff, light, and absorbs vibration, but even the treks, calfee's etc handle a little funny to me-Steel is all of these in some form or another depending on the type, tube size and quality of buildIt can also be very light, though not quite as light as carbon or aluminumSo of all materials and combos of most, the steel/carbon combo (steel front triangle/carbon rear triangle with a carbon fork gives the best: feel, weight, responsiveness, vibration dampening, geometry flexibility, handling, etc of allOnce again to me.
They are all different, and will make a different frame with each materialSteel is old-school and has been almost forgottenBut Reynolds has a new stainless tubeset that has a very good strength-to-weight ratio and is gaining popularityIt would make a very nice ride, and rust would not be an issueAluminum is the material for sprinters and people that like abuseSure, it's light, but it does have a fatigue life due to its stiffnessConversely, every fraction of a watt you put into the pedals goes into forward momentumCarbon fiber is becoming the wonder-material lately, as more manufacturers are learning how to exploit its properties to the fullestCarbon absorbs vibrations, making it comfortable, and the tubes/joints can be laid up to give the exact qualities desiredIt is lightweight, but has become a buzzword for the industryUnlike other materials, not all carbon is the sameSince each tube is created from different materials, weaves, resins, designs and curing techniques, there are many more opportunities to have vastly different carbon fiber piecesConversely, 3/2.5 titanium is all about the same, 6000 series aluminum is all about the same, etcTitanium is my favoriteCompliant ride, corrosion-proof, easy to buff out scratches, light weight, superior fatigue life, and easy to repairDifficult to work with, but far from rare; titanium is the eighth most abundant element on the planet, and most is used for paintBuy titanium if you want a custom frame and never plan on buying another one.
Aluminum is the lightest steel utilized in bicycle framesCarbon fiber isn't even a steelthat's plasticPlastic fibers whose real power is set by making use of the glue (resin) that retains it mutuallyCarbon is physically powerful regardless of the undeniable fact that that's no longer a steelthat's the main primary fabric because of the fact there's an more desirable earnings margin with carbon fiber framesThere for that's a significant money maker for the bicycle industryby making use of the way, the lightest motorcycles accessible are somewhat made up of titanium- meaning that there are some titanium motorcycle frames that are insanely easyregardless of the undeniable fact that, aluminum frames often, are the ligthest.
what a great idea, I will immediately remove my tin foil hat and make a roof from it and paint my head white insteadpure genius.
