I can appreciate that some materials are lighter than others and some have more flex than others, but overall, how do different frame materials affect handling of the bike?
Assuming the same geometry and design. What are the main handling characteristics of each of the below common frame materials?
There is a plethora of alloy and carbon bikes which contradict a lot of the above. Certainly with early alloy framed bikes a lot of what has been written above was true - fat tubes, straight gauge, non-profiled. This is where alloy got its harsh ride reputation from. And cheap alloy frames probably still bear this unfortunate hallmark and reputation.
If you look at the other end of the spectrum with the likes of Canyon's Ultimate SLX AL or Cannondale's CAAD12 - you will see careful design can produce a frame which is both compliant and light. The Canyon frame weighs in from 1kg - lighter than a lot of carbon frames. It has a stiff bottom bracket and the over-sized head tube ensures handling is tight. The stays are pencil thin for compliance - and I can confirm it rides great. I would have no hesitation riding it on distance rides.
On the other hand - if you look at a Cervelo S5 aero bike - that has one of the firmest rides I have ever experienced. Harsher than an old Scott Foil. And these bikes are carbon. Supposedly "Soft, You can feel the Flexing".
Then you look at the Genesis Volare in Reynolds 953 steel. You'd instantly think sublime ride - but the frame had to be revised because it was too harsh. And this coming from feedback from the race team.
My point being - material choice alone - does not dictate handling of a bike.
Addressing handling (response, drive and control) and weight separately:
Handling
Weight Placed in order lightest to heaviest
In summary, the material science of bicycle frames is focused on strength and weight. Stronger and lighter is the goal.
Carbon fiber will continue to advance and out perform any metal. Older generation carbon fiber frames do flex more than some riders are comfortable with. I've spoken with enough guys that give a recommendation for carbon, just not the first generation due to flexing in the tail end and between the neck and the front fork.
I have done thousands of km's on both alloy and carbon. Alloy is heavier, not as responsive or rigid, but it is cheaper. A lot cheaper. Most you'd pay for an alloy road bike would be $2-3k.
Carbon is totally different, Lighter, more responsive, stiffer, yet absorbs more vibrations from the road, so actually feels more forgiving, and smoother. Plus, because you lose less energy from it being absorbed by the frame when your trying to peddle hard/sprint, effectively, more of your energy ends up going through the cranks, and making you accelerate much faster.
Don't know about the other two materials. But hope this helps :)
Frame materials can severely effect the handling of a bike.. Even different steel materials can. For example when you steer quickly on a bike, that steering force is transmitted through the frame which then acts like a spring and you can feel it. Softer materials will 'give' making for a slower steering response. Not only that but a lot of pedaling force can be lost/absorbed by a flexing frame.
Materials like aluminium and carbon are far stiffer and this can be felt both in quicker & sharper steering and also when sprinting on the bike. The frame will flex much less which transmits more power though the drive train to the rear wheel, as opposed to that potential effort and energy being absorbed & lost through a springy frame material.
