Although most road bikes have carbon forks, frame materials differ (mostly based on price). Bike frames are typically made of aluminum at less than $1500; between $1500 and $2200 the frames begin to show some carbon, particularly in the chainstays and seatstays; over $2000 buys a full carbon frame. Not all carbon is alike, however – precision engineering and specific shaping of the tubing affects stiffness and comfort. Steel and titanium bikes are more of a niche these days – high-end “ti” bikes give a supple, smooth ride; steel is heavier, but loved by purists for its lively ride.Aluminum once had a reputation for being a harsh ride, but frame engineering has come a long way and the shaping of the tubes has made a noticeably good difference. Carbon, too, used to be scoffed at as having a “wooden” or “dead” ride. Again, tube manipulation has changed all that for the better. While carbon will never have the “spring” of an alloy frame, it does deaden road vibration, resulting in less rider fatigue on long rides. Even steel, titanium and aluminum bikes all come with carbon forks to deaden the “road buzz” that would otherwise be directly transferred to the rider’s hands.
