6000 vs. 7000

[mtbnick]

differences? advantages/disadvantages? from what i think 6000 series aluminum is lighter not as stiff 7000 maybe a bit heavier but stiffer and stronger. this i just my own personal theory and could very likely be completely wrong.

[C.P.]

The numbers designate presence of non-aluminum metals in the alloy. 6000 is generally preferred for its light weight and ductility. 7000 is popular because it is easier to weld and therefore cheaper to manufacture. 6000 is also a good choice for corrosion resistance.

From a consumer point of view, It's likely you won't be able to tell the difference between a 6000 and 7000 frame by riding it etc. Manufacturing/Design are more interested in the properties for the reasons listed above.
It is likely that you'll hear folks say that 6000 rides better then 7000, but that's subjective.

[AA]

The numbers designate presence of non-aluminum metals in the alloy. 6000 is generally preferred for its light weight and ductility. ............

It is likely that you'll hear folks say that 6000 rides better then 7000, but that's subjective.




Ductility = ability to deflect and not have the molecuar structure of the material change (or have less of an effect). 6000 is more ductile than 7000 however as C.P. stated it is probably difficult to detect in how a bike rides. I work for a company that produces welded aluminum structures. We use 6000 series because our product has to flex slightly millions of times over it's life cycle (20 years) and the 7000 fails at all our tests. Based on this half-assed comparison of welded structures you could assume that the 6000 is better suited for bicycles.

[C.P.]

Also take note: (from one of the leaders in Aluminum bikes) Early cannondale's were made from 7000 aluminum, now all their bikes are made from 6000. I think you'll find most good bikes on the market today are 6000 series.

For all the bicycle metal knowledge you could ever want visit the Klein web site. Granted the info may be biased but you can further your comparison to include 9000 series. Besides Titanium it is the only frame material that caries a lifetime warrantee.
And they paint them soooo pretty too.

bill

[nhiker]

For all the bicycle metal knowledge you could ever want visit the Klein web site. Granted the info may be biased but you can further your comparison to include 9000 series. Besides Titanium it is the only frame material that caries a lifetime warrantee.
And they paint them soooo pretty too.

bill


Hey Bill, Don't all Fishers, Kliens and Treks carry a lifetime warrentee?

I dont know about now but when i researched before buying last year the Kl(EI)n was the only one with a written lifetime warrantee.


;) somthing to do with the heat treating ::)

[nhiker]

KL-EI-N "oops" ;D

A riding comrade of mine just swapped his cracked 2 yr old fuel frame for a new one. He said that he also had a lifetime warrantee. ???
I stand corrected...but good info.

You learn som(e)thing new everyday ;D

[mtbnick]

yes, most frames now are made of 6000 but kona for instance using mostly 7000

Due to the merger of Trek with Klein and Fisher there has been some sharing of technologies. Check with your friend and see if his new frame is made of the 9000 series aluminum. Trek is using it in some of their frames along with carbon fiber. Tapped lightly with the fingernails on the largest tube it should sound like an empty soda can. I know I can deflect the down tube on my bike with only hand squeezing.

[nhiker]

Bill, I just spoke with Naults in Nashua and they say that Not only Klein but Fisher and Trek both have full lifetime frame warrantees and have had for some time. He did say that he thought Klein had it first and because of how light their frames are it was a big deal in the industry at first but that all 3 manufactures have it now.

Harry

My dear nhiker,

As is usuall we are saying the same thing but in different ways. A quick review of the Trek and Fisher web sites revealed the use of 9000 series aluminum in all the lifetime warrantee frames.
in review:
justbill- only 9000 series aluminum, as used in a Klein, comes with a lifetime warrantee
nhiker- Trek, and Fisher aluminum bikes carry a lifetime warantee also

Conclusion- All Klein, and some Trek, Gary Fisher bikes made with 9000 series aluminum carry a lifetime warrantee.

peace be with you
bill

[nhiker]

No offense intended or recieved..Mr. Bill!
Just curious about the status of the warrantee on couple of old cromo frame Treks! ???

And bill said:
"peace be with you
bill"

And also with you!
harry

[Sky Pilot]

i think the tone of this thread is really nice. :)

i would add that it seems that trek offers the same warranty on non-9000 bikes. same for gf.

and they are all limited: they don't cover
"damage or failure due to accident, misuse, or neglect, or modification of the frame, fork, or components."

but i suppose in practice companies are wise enough to be generous to their customers. maybe moreso for customers of $1000+ bikes than to <$500 bikes.

may all our frames be stronger than we need them to be.

Well thats what i get for using superlatives
It happens every time.
there, i did it again

[nhiker]

Well thats what i get for using superlatives
It happens every time.
there, i did it again


I took a superlaxitive once :o, Don't worry Bill you will feel better in a couple of days!

[Sky Pilot]

Well thats what i get


just being precise...i fear it's more of a curse than a gift. :-\

plus, your avatar is the BESTEST. ;D