The all-metal trend no longer dominates the road bike scene, as seen in the Taipei show back in 2015. While there were plenty of carbon fiber and steel road bikes that caught our eye, none left a lasting impression—especially when it came to aluminum frames.
Today, many brands still use handmade steel frames as their signature, but they’ve evolved significantly. They now offer various designs, advanced welding techniques, and custom paint jobs that elevate the steel frame from just a functional piece to a work of art.
Carbon fiber has become more affordable, allowing even mid-tier manufacturers to produce cost-effective models. This means that entry-level riders can now consider carbon fiber bikes as part of their options. Meanwhile, metal frames—particularly aluminum—are on the decline, though not without merit.
Bridgestone, known for its racing heritage, has also entered the road bike market with its Neo-Cot technology. But beyond that, steel frames have largely shifted from performance-oriented models to collectible or nostalgic pieces. Titanium may gain some traction, but it’s often too expensive and cold to be practical for most riders.
In the consumer-grade road bike market, where carbon fiber dominates, aluminum is slowly being pushed to the sidelines. It lacks the performance, aesthetics, and long-term value of both carbon and steel. Even entry-level aluminum frames are expected to disappear soon.
Some steel bikes, however, focus on practicality rather than collectibility. They feature budget-friendly components, fenders, and accessories, making them ideal for city commuting and long rides. These bikes prioritize balance between style, function, and affordability.
Aluminum, on the other hand, is often associated with stiffness, weight, and limited design flexibility. While it was once a popular choice, its advantages are fading fast.
Take SlideAway, a relatively new brand from Taiwan. Though not a legend like European giants, it focuses on unique designs, intricate painting, and high-quality craftsmanship. Their frames showcase detailed lugs and multi-layered finishes, which take time and effort to achieve.
Cinelli, once a major player in road bikes, now focuses on street-style bikes and urban culture. Despite stepping back from the road bike market, it still holds a strong presence in the world of "dead flying" (a term used for urban biking).
GIOS, another historic name, has faded into the background. Its quiet marketing and limited releases make it more of a nostalgic memory than a current contender.
For budget-conscious riders looking for performance, the choice between aluminum and carbon can be tricky. Aluminum is cheaper, but carbon offers better comfort and performance at similar price points.
Niche brands like banana bikes often use chromoly steel, prioritizing durability over cost.
Currently, aluminum still holds a place in the lower end of the market, like the Giant OCR 3500 or Merida Ride 903. But as carbon fiber becomes more accessible, even entry-level bikes are starting to shift toward carbon. At higher levels, carbon offers better weight, rigidity, and comfort, making aluminum less appealing.
If aluminum doesn’t adapt or improve, it might soon be phased out entirely. The future seems to belong to carbon fiber, leaving only the most dedicated riders to appreciate the charm of metal frames.
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