toughest frame material

Philip Davis

Ok, another of those boring alu vs steel vs ti vs carbon questions.....

But what I'm specifically looking for is information on which material is most resistent to knocks, bangs, scrapes, etc. I'm looking to put together a bike (somewhere between cyclesportif and audax) specifically for travelling with - it'll be exposed frequently to the not so gentle hands of baggage handlers, train guards and even myself (I'm terribly clumsy, always dropping my bikes against things).

I'm going custom (I need it as i want S&S coupling), but I'm wondering what material would be most resistent to knocks without weighing too much? I'm assuming plain guage ti would be best for scratches and some knocks. How does it compare to steel? How do various types of steel compare? I know high end steels are harder than lower end ones, but as the tubing tends to be thinner is this likely to make them more vulnerable?

geoff_ss

I've never had any trouble with butted 531/653 frames travelling unenclosed (perhaps that's not allowed these days?) and steel is always repairable by your local friendly frame builder if the worst should happen.

Geoff

blackhands

I thought that S&S Couplings were only available for steel as they are stainless steel.

Personally I'd go for a steel frame as it can be bent back into shape, rebrazed or welded - ie easily repaired to get you home. Is 531 ST still available (its a slightly heavier gauge for touring rather than general riding.

andyp

Titanium without a doubt. It doesn't need to be painted so you'll never chip the paint, it resists scratching and is robust enough that things like the rear mech hanger don't suffer damage at the hands of baggage handlers.

I've had a Ti De Rosa for the past 9 years and it's been on many trips with me around Europe and, after a good wash and polish, it comes up as good as new everytime. It's also lighter than an equivalent sized steel frame.