A young boy performs a wheelie on his mountain bike (Photo : Reuters)
In the biking community a long debate has been going on with regards to what is the greener frame that is available in the marker today. Bike experts on the cycling world have given their outputs on the subject and according to Umbra, Grist's bike expert there are 4 major frame choices in the market today which are steel, aluminum and carbon fiber and another on the rise which is a bit on the high end, titanium.
The first one is Aluminum, this light bike is a bit cheaper than the rest of the group and it is very recyclable when the frame finally calls it quit. However, based on study by a bike manufacturer, Specialized, they have uncovered that there is a particular aluminum frame that requires a lot more energy to produce that results to more carbon emissions in compared to the carbon fiber model.
On the other hand, Carbon fiber bikes are preferred most by professionals and some weekend warriors, who can afford them, because of its weight and tough performance. It is basically made of carbon graphite that is coated with epoxy resins. However, based on the study because of carbon is a composite, it is very hard and tough to recycle.
Another expert in the cycling community stated that Steel bikes are very durable but heavy, Big Shark stated that although steel frame are heavier, on the flip side, it is also very recyclable and old and rusted steel frame bikes can be recycled again and again to make a brand new one.
Lastly, titanium, it is very light, in fact lighter than carbon but tougher than the steel frame counterparts, however, the price might kill you. Also since titanium is very hard and tough it only means that it is harder to recycle.
Weighing the options above, the final verdict would be all off them, so long as they will be used and not kept inside a garage on in a room.
