**How long does an aluminium frame lasts in a touring bike?** ------------------------------------------------------------ [Removed extra questions to be clear.] ---------- Background ---------- So far I preferred aluminium vs. steel for many reasons, but if steel lasts significantly longer, for my next touring bike I will go for steel. My [Cannondale Badboy 2004][1] has a crack in the alu-frame. I was surprised by this, I thought my bike will last 20+ years easily. The workshop they said this is a high quality, strong frame, but after 10 years alu frames can get tired. Especially if I use my bike both in winter and summer, as the heat change wear alu faster. They say it can be welded, which will cost significantly less vs. a new frame (if it is available), but I should be prepared for other cracks to appear. The workshop contracts a welder specialized in bike frame welding and repair. I also found a scientific research article on this topic. If someone has access to ScienceDirect ([Cicero et al. (2011): *Analysis of the cracking causes in an aluminium alloy bike frame][2]*), I'd be interested in the conclusions. I'm interested in touring bikes, not road bikes, city bikes, etc. I'm happy to update/clarify my question if needed, make a comment. ---------- Topics I have researched: ------------------------- 2. http://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/3498/maintenance-on-an-aluminium-frame 3. http://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/8802/which-type-of-frame-is-better-for-a-touring-bike-steel-or-aluminium 4. http://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/11160/is-it-possible-to-repair-a-dent-on-an-aluminium-frame 5. http://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/19085/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-between-an-aluminium-and-carbon-frame 6. http://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/4900/is-torque-relevant-for-steel-aluminium-where-do-i-find-torque-specs 7. http://bicycles.stackexchange.com/questions/718/non-steel-frames-and-longevity/ 8. http://forums.mtbr.com/frame-building/aluminum-welding-cracked-frame-134600.html 9. http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/repairing-a-cracked-frame **Crack in the alu frame near the rear axe** (the bike is upside down): ![Crack near the rear axe][3] [1]: http://web.archive.org/web/20070815183720/http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/04/ce/model-4FSFF.html [2]: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1350630710001317 [3]: https://i.sstatic.net/F66wb.jpg