Aluminum Bicycle Frames vs Carbon Bicycle Frames
Carbon Fiber bicycle frames pros: light, stiff, good vibration damping. The high stiffness to weight ratio of carbon allows for a wider variety of frame designs and can be used to produce more aerodynamic frames. Carbon frames are best suited for racing bicycles.
Carbon Fiber bicycle frame cons: expensive. In a crash a carbon frame may "snap" destroying the frame.
Aluminum bicycle frame pros: inexpensive, more likely to survive a crash than a carbon frame. Aluminum frames are best suited for beginners' bicycles and the kinds of biking (such as Mountain or BMX) where crashes are expected.
Aluminum bicycle frame cons: heavier than carbon, little vibration damping. The lower strength to weight ratio of aluminum places more stringent constraints on possible frame geometries which may require compromises to aerodynamics.
Other frame materials to consider: Steel, Titanium.
