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I currently have a fairly heavy steel frame on my commuter, and I'm weighing up the options on swapping it for an aluminium frame and carbon forks. I'd lose around 1.5kg, which is amazing, but I'm a poor student so longevity is a factor. How long do people think it will last? I'm doing around 100 miles a week, all on road. I'm looking at the Planet X London Road, and I can't afford a carbon frame.
if you're just going to commute on it, Forever.
My road bike is now 12 years old. So forever (touch wood) is likely.
But aluminium dents easier, I prefer my steel commute because it can be leant agaisnt railings without worrying about it, and it shrugs off things like cable rub, bags, straps etc, whereas aluminum wears away surprisingly quickly. Having said that I did manage to dent to top tube dropping it on the bike stand!
How long do aluminium frames last?
I'm a poor student so longevity is a factor
Longer than you'll be a poor student.
Might lighter wheels be cheaper than a new frame?
After things like bamboo and other kinds of wood, steel has the smallest carbon footprint, then it goes alu and then carbon fibre, and then titanium.
According to Cycling Plus.
If it's not hilly terrain you're riding I'd go for lighter wheels, otherwise you'll definitely notice the reduction in weight.
My 1992 Klein Fervour is still used and shows no sign of failing.
Mind you, given the nature of alu breakages being more of the 'snap' than 'bend' variety, who knows?
1998 M2. still fine, only slight bubbles of oxidisation round bottle boss mounts and on frame generally.
Marin aluminium frame now used as fully rigid town bike and winter night ride hacker. Was my only mountain bike for about 4 years. Its been well abused and is fine still.