Carbon, aluminum, or steel frame for a first gravel bike? (5’3”, 58kg rider, ₱120k budget)
Hi everyone,
Planning to buy my first gravel bike and medyo torn ako kung anong frame material yung pinaka-swak for my use case: carbon, aluminum, or steel.
Here are my details:
Height: 5’3”
Weight: 58 kg
Budget: around ₱120k
Mostly leisure riding
Around 80% road / 20% gravel
Occasional light bikepacking lang, hindi naman heavy load
Hindi naman ako magra-race. Gusto ko lang ng bike na comfortable, fun gamitin sa long rides, reliable, and versatile enough for weekend adventures.
Honestly, leaning ako towards steel kasi gustong-gusto ko talaga yung classic look and overall vibe niya. Parang mas may “soul” compared to other frame materials. Pero iniisip ko rin if magiging issue ba yung extra weight kapag sumasama na ako sa group rides. Baka kasi ako yung laging nahuhuli or mas hirap sumabay compared sa mga naka-carbon or aluminum bikes.
Based sa mga nababasa ko:
Carbon = lighter and more comfortable, pero expensive
Aluminum = practical and best value
Steel = comfortable and durable, pero heavier
For my use case, okay lang ba mag-steel as a first gravel bike? Or mas practical talaga mag-aluminum/carbon considering na 80% road riding ako?
Would love to hear your experiences and recommendations, especially from smaller riders din.
Thanks!