Deciding between hi-tensile and chromoly fixed gear bikes?

Introduction to Fixed Gear Bikes

Fixed gear bikes are outfitted with a single fixed cog. The cog on a fixed gear bike is fixed to the wheel, which means when the bike is pedaled, the cog moves the wheel, and the wheel moves in the direction the cyclist pedals. Therefore, the bike moves in the direction in which it is pedaled, forward or backward. These bikes are ideal for urban environments, where the roads are flat and paved. They are also good for active people who use their bikes as their sole form of transportation.

Loco Cycles now offers two styles of metal for our fixed gear bike lines, Chromoly and our new line of Hi-Tensile steel frames. Our Hi-Tensile steel bikes are built tough, just like our Chromoly bikes you know and love, but at a more affordable cost. Both types of metals are designed for daily use and will hold strong for many years.

Hi-Tensile Steel

Both Chromoly and Hi-Tensile are alloys of steel. Hi-Tensile steel is an alloy made with carbon, which gives it a strong resistance to being pulled apart, making it resistant to bending and breaking. It is a very durable and tough material made for day-to-day use. Hi-Tensile steel is the most common material for bike frames as it is easily manufactured, but it is a good option for people who want to ride a bike daily without breaking the bank. Hi-Tensile is not as strong as chromoly, but is a cost efficient alternative. 

Chromoly

Chromoly is essentially Hi-Tensile steel's bigger, more advanced brother. Chromoly steel is light, strong, and has some flexibility while maintaining its form. It is an alloy of steel made with chromium and molybdenum, which makes this steel lighter, more durable and "premium" than Hi-Tensile steel. Generally bikes made from this material are better for people who are using their bikes in tougher applications. Chromoly steel is more expensive to manufacture, therefore chromoly bikes are more expensive; however, these bikes are lightweight, extremely durable, and last a lifetime.

Feel more comfortable deciding which one to go with now? We also offer lifetime warranty on all our fixie frames. So take your pick!