Aluminum Bicycles

What is an aluminum bike suitable for?

There are no limits for an aluminum bike. The stiffness and durability of the material provide endless potential for epic cycling adventures and everyday life. There’s little wonder that aluminum has been the mainstay material of bike frames for many years. From racing to office commuting, from Alpine adventures to backpacking rides, aluminum makes for an ideal bike frame. Its inherent sturdiness provides a direct, responsive feel which offers both comfort and confidence.

Why are aluminum frames so popular?

Aluminum bikes are widespread and available across all price ranges. Manufacturers favor aluminum for its lightweight, durable properties and easy machinability. With high-quality surface treatment, an aluminum frame will stand up to the worst adverse weather conditions; rain, snow, ice, mud, or even a sandstorm. A well maintained aluminum framed bike will keep on delivering performance and enjoyment for years. They’ll even endure stone chips and minor dents without giving up. With wheels in 29, 27.5 or 28 inch sizes, aluminum bikes are made for all types of surface from smooth asphalt to rocky trails.

Caring for an aluminum bicycle frame is easy. Off the shelf bike cleaning products are all that is needed to return the hardest ridden bikes to a flawless finish.

Manufacture and properties of an aluminum frame

The frame of an aluminum bike is constructed from several tubes welded together. Different alloy blends of material influence the properties of the tubes. Large tube diameters and thin wall thicknesses combine stiffness with low weight. Conification of the tubes, where different wall thicknesses are used depending on the level of load, allow for frames that are both light and strong. That is why aluminum is one of the most popular materials for bicycle frames.

Which Canyon bikes are made of aluminum?

Canyon offers bikes with aluminum frames in every category, however, for city bike and touring bike segments, aluminum is widespread across our range. The material lends itself perfectly. Not to say that aluminum is only suitable for such bikes, you’ll find widespread aluminum use across Canyon’s bikes including on e-mountain bikes, trail bikes, cross-country mountain bikes and dirt bikes. The high strength, low weight properties of aluminum makes it a great material for all.

Which material is right for me: aluminum or carbon?

Carbon bikes and aluminum bikes replaced steel frames at the end of the 20th century. Steel was the typical material in bicycle construction for a long time, and still has a cult following. But steel frames are heavier than their aluminum and carbon counterparts and susceptible to rust.

Both aluminum and carbon have become indispensable in modern biking manufacture. These materials have been optimized over decades to build sturdier, stronger and faster bikes. When it comes to choosing between an aluminum or carbon frame, the deciding factors are usually based on weight, price, and aesthetics.

Properties of aluminum frames

• Very light
• Characteristic welds
• Torsionally stiff
• Insensitive to stone chips
• Lower manufacturing costs
• Used aluminum frames are recyclable

Properties of carbon frames

• High-tech material
• Even lighter than aluminum
• Complex manufacturing
• Comfortable
• Direct power transmission
• Smooth, clean lines without visible welds
• Discarded carbon frames are hazardous waste

If you use your bike mainly for everyday use, you will likely choose an aluminum frame. A lower price point combined with excellent durability make them an ideal choice.

If you use your bike almost exclusively for performance, a carbon frame is likely to be a better choice. They are even lighter and optimized for performance. A carbon framed bike will bring out the best in your ability.

Buy an aluminum bike online

Buying a bike online from Canyon has many advantages. Your bike comes directly from us to you – there is no middleman, meaning better value. We also guarantee fast and competent support from our customer service department. Our bikes arrive at your home, almost ready to ride. Everything you need to complete the minimal amount of setup is included. We also find the perfect bike for your individual body measurements using Canyon's Perfect Positioning System (PPS). Our bikes adapt to your anatomy, not the other way around. With the perfect bike fit, you’ll feel unstoppable.