We will leave this question for the scientists to debate. What you need to decide is which one is best for you.

Each material has specific characteristics and outstanding bikes are built out of all of them. So what really matters is finding a bicycle that fits, rides and handles the way you like and one that suits your needs and budget. What the frame material is should almost be an afterthought.

Still, the buzz about steel, aluminum, carbon and titanium may leave you wondering if it is not worth it to go after one or the other. To help, we list the features of the different frame materials below. You will see that they are strikingly similar in some ways and that they are all ideal for use in bicycles. This means that you will not go wrong regardless of what material you pick. (If you narrow your new-bike choices down to two different models and can not decide, test ride both and pick the one that feels best!)

Steel: Classic look, lively ride, durable and easily repaired, fairly lightweight, affordable, can rust if abused.

Aluminum: Modern look, lively ride, durable, corrosion resistant, lightweight, affordable.

Carbon: High-tech look, lively ride, durable, corrosion free, lightweight, usually a little more expensive than steel and aluminum.

Titanium: Various looks (depending on finish), lively ride, durable, corrosion free, lightweight, usually the most expensive material.