I imagine like most things folks have a variety of reasons for their material preferences. Some folks might choose aluminum for environmental reasons - production and recycling related - though with geometry stabilizing and more and more access to carbon repair maybe that would be less of a concern - assuming folks repair their frames rather than the typical warranty process of cut-it-up and here's your new one. I personally question the heavy focus on small individual actions in solving our environmental issues. That's not to say I don't live small and walk and ride a bike for as many trips as are feasible but choosing a carbon or aluminum frame, I don't know.
I have a people vs. processes thing. Whether it's made in Taiwan or Colorado (or Victoria, or Utah), I enjoy seeing the skill and craft of an individual that goes into a welded metal frame. It adds value to me. GG made some beautiful yet obviously hand-built aluminum frames, worthy of a raw finish.
Feb. 3, 2023, 11:11 a.m. - Andrew Major
I imagine like most things folks have a variety of reasons for their material preferences. Some folks might choose aluminum for environmental reasons - production and recycling related - though with geometry stabilizing and more and more access to carbon repair maybe that would be less of a concern - assuming folks repair their frames rather than the typical warranty process of cut-it-up and here's your new one. I personally question the heavy focus on small individual actions in solving our environmental issues. That's not to say I don't live small and walk and ride a bike for as many trips as are feasible but choosing a carbon or aluminum frame, I don't know. I have a people vs. processes thing. Whether it's made in Taiwan or Colorado (or Victoria, or Utah), I enjoy seeing the skill and craft of an individual that goes into a welded metal frame. It adds value to me. GG made some beautiful yet obviously hand-built aluminum frames, worthy of a raw finish.