curious to see what folks say. Asked similar question to Framed people. Sexier groovy frame versus old school straight tubes for more money (assuming similar spec)? Extra appreciable value? Old School less expensive and easier to come by? Opted for old school since sexier hydro indicated an even longer wait.

 

Well Im assuming aluminum and hydroform aluminum take on similar shapes, so not about look. Interested in the actual weight, strength, or other differences in thes two key points

 

Hydroforming gives a little bit more flexibility with shaping the structural components of the bike. Theoretically, it allows frame builders to engineer stiffness and flexibility into the frame where they want it and remove weight where it's not needed. It's a ride quality thing.

 

From wikipedia:
Hydroforming is a cost-effective way of shaping ductile metals such as aluminum, brass, low alloy steels, stainless steel into lightweight, structurally stiff and strong pieces.

So it seems to me that hydroformed frame tubes can be stiffer / stronger / lighter, but in the end, it is cheaper to manufacture them. That is why bike companies use it.

 

Ok interesting. So on the bikes direct website, some bikes are specifically listed as "hydroform AL frames" where others are not. Ironically, they are the less expensive ones too (hydroform).

Stiffer/stronger/lighter and cheaper? Then why would I possibly want a non-hydroform frame if I can avoid it? Seems like a no-brainer

 

I read an article on this not long ago. Due to the manufacturing process that they use for hydroforming they have to make it thicker than they can use in tubes, so it doesn't save any weight. That said, I saw something Niner published lately where they say they came up with some kind of improved process that allowed them to use less metal in hydroforming so it was actually lighter. The new alloy RIP9 and JET9s use the newer type of hydroforming.

 

Seems like value to manufacturer is "better" stand over height and ability to size smaller bikes to larger wheels. Bit different when oval used shape were employed to strengthen. Straightest line from seat to head or down tube is old school. Certainly more material or longer pipe w/hydroforming. Certainly easier to create bends, but how does it change flex or ride characteristics? Bend on doe tube effectively shorten straight section to stiffen? Or does bend allow what would have been old school straight tube to absorb better? Earlier post said process was cheaper for manufacturer(?) but price is higher?

 

Hydroforming lets you make shapes that you can't make with regular tubing.
It might start with tubing, but hydroforming can turn that round top tube into a square where it meets the bottom bracket, for example.

Here's some illustrations.

 

If you have a beard I'd go for the regular tubed version.

 

Now that's funny.

 

^^He's crazy, if you have a beard you have to buy the steel one.