Are dropouts made of aluminium?

Gabbo

Even though I have a carbon fibre bike, I now have a feeling that the drop outs are made of aluminium? Is this correct? My chain dropped and managed to damage the drop out. I initially freaked out as I was convinced there had been damage to the carbon but on closer inspection, some form of metal is exposed. This would make sense however, as I'm sure that area is often subject to damage.

Can anyone confirm this with me?

sungod

depends on the frame, but most carbon frames/forks have metal dropouts, sometimes painted, sometimes not

TheEnglishman

Given the pressure and load cycling on them I'd have thought they'd be steel or steel alloy

desweller

They are often made of aluminium, yes.

TheEnglishman; steel is an alloy.

speshsteve

most are metal however increasingly the top end frames are carbon to save weight e.g.

cannondale super six evo
new 2013 canyon slx
felt f1

etc etc

rozzer32

Depends on the frame.

My Scott Addict uses full carbon dropouts on the frame and fork.