Convincing a female friend to buy an aluminium bicycle

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    Aluminium Bicycle
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the merits of aluminium versus steel bicycles, specifically in the context of convincing a female friend to choose an aluminium model. Participants explore various aspects of bicycle frame materials, including weight, performance, and personal preferences, while also considering the friend's stated preferences for aesthetics over technical specifications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that aluminium allows for lighter structural members while maintaining stiffness through wider diameter tubes, seeking graphical representation of this concept.
  • Another participant proposes that personal preference may lead the friend to prefer the feel of a steel frame, citing their own experience with different bike types.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes that sometimes high-tech options do not outperform traditional models when personal comfort is considered.
  • One participant humorously suggests that the friend should simply buy the blue bike with a basket, implying that performance may not be a priority for her.
  • Another comment raises the idea of custom-made carbon fiber frames as a more expensive alternative, questioning the appeal of aluminium bikes.
  • One participant shares their experience with a 'bike to work' scheme, indicating a preference for aluminium due to budget constraints.
  • A couple of posts jokingly suggest that the steel model might make the friend "look fat," reflecting a humorous take on aesthetics versus performance.
  • Another participant defends steel frames, arguing that they provide a smoother ride and emphasizing the importance of quality over material type when purchasing a bike.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions, with no clear consensus on the superiority of aluminium versus steel bicycles. Some advocate for the benefits of aluminium, while others defend steel frames based on personal experiences and preferences.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the subjective nature of bicycle preferences, highlighting that comfort and personal taste may outweigh technical specifications in the decision-making process.

bill nye scienceguy!
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So one of my friends is buying a bicycle and I'm trying to convince her to plump for an aluminium model over some ridiculous 'retro' steel thing.

I want to illustrate how aluminium allows for lighter structural members even taking into account the wider diameter tubes that ensure similar stiffness.

I'm not sure how to display it graphically though, any ideas?


(ps I'm just doing this for fun. She's already gone on record as saying 'this is getting too technical. i just want a blue one with a basket' :p)
 
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Get her to ride both, then apologise when she prefers the feel of a steel frame.
 
brewnog said:
Get her to ride both, then apologise when she prefers the feel of a steel frame.
Yep! Sometimes high-tech has little advantage over old-school when personal preferences are factored in. My wife and I bought nice alloy-framed mountain bikes about 15 years ago, and I think she really would like to have her old English-style 3-speed back for use on back roads. The only time she rides trails anymore is when she goes with her sister, and they ride a really flat rail-bed from Embden to Bingham and back. No need for 18 speeds, ultra-light frame and big knobby tires for that. Plus, the straight-up seating on her old bike was easier on her back.
 
Just buy the blue one with a basket.

Women don't care about performance or technical criteria. We went to buy my missus a new Beetle, the only thing she was actually adamant about was getting a flower in the little vase on the dash when she picked it up.
 
Why get a boring alumimun framed bike, when you can pay at least 10 times as much for a custom-made-to-measure carbon fiber frame? :smile:
 
My company ran a 'bike to work' scheme last year, I spent a small fortune on a bike but couldn't afford the steel version to had to go aluminium instead.
 
Tell her the steel model makes her look fat.
 
jack action said:
Tell her the steel model makes her look fat.
:smile:
 
bill nye scienceguy! said:
So one of my friends is buying a bicycle and I'm trying to convince her to plump for an aluminium model over some ridiculous 'retro' steel thing.
Why?

I want to illustrate how aluminium allows for lighter structural members even taking into account the wider diameter tubes that ensure similar stiffness.
So what?

I'm not sure how to display it graphically though, any ideas?
What is you motive for wanting her to get an aluminum one?


(ps I'm just doing this for fun. She's already gone on record as saying 'this is getting too technical. i just want a blue one with a basket' :p)
It sounds to me like she's already made up her mind.
 
  • #10
Nothing wrong with a solid steel framed bike. They might be a bit heavier, but its actually a smoother ride compared to aluminum. Regardless, a decently built steel bike will beat the heck out of a walmart aluminum bike any day. So if anything make sure she gets a decent bike for her money at a reputable bike shop. I used to be a mechanic in a shop. Trust me, there's a huge difference in quality between the two.