As a leading global manufacturer of advanced aluminum alloys, HXM Aluminum works with global bicycle brands to provide high-performance, reliable and cost-effective materials for mountain bike, road bike and e-bike frames. We understand how your engineering team strikes the critical balance between strength, weight, manufacturability and cost.
This technical guide outlines the specifications of our primary alloys 6061, 7005 and 7075 to help your engineering and procurement teams select the best material for your next production run.
Technical Comparison: Aluminum Alloys for Bike Frame Production
Choosing the right alloy is a fundamental decision in frame design and manufacturing. Below is a direct comparison of the most commonly used alloys in the industry, focusing on the characteristics most relevant to manufacturers.
| Feature | 6061-T6 Aluminum | 7005-T6 Aluminum | 7075-T6 Aluminum |
| Primary Application | Cost-effective, All-purpose Frames | Mid-to-High End, Performance Frames | Premium CNC’d Parts (Links, Rockers) |
| Tensile Strength | ~310 MPa | ~350 MPa | ~570 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ~276 MPa | ~290 MPa | ~503 MPa |
| Weldability | Excellent: Robust, forgiving welding process. | Good: Requires precise control and post-weld aging. | Poor/Not Recommended: Prone to cracking. |
| Formability | Excellent: Ideal for complex tube shapes via hydroforming. | Good: Suitable for butting and moderate shaping. | Fair: Best for machining, not forming. |
| Corrosion Resistance | Very Good | Good | Fair |
| Heat Treatment | Required after welding to achieve T6 temper. | Natural aging achieves T6 temper without a full solution heat treat after welding. | Not applicable for welded structures. |
| Relative Cost | $ (Most Cost-Effective) | | |
| HXM Supply Forms | Tubing, Sheets, Custom Profiles | Tubing, Custom Profiles | Sheets, Plates, Bars |
Why Partner with HXM Aluminum for Your Bike Frame Materials?
We are more than just a material supplier; we are a manufacturing partner dedicated to your success. Bicycle manufacturers choose HXM for:
Stable & Scalable Supply Chain
With an annual production capacity of 200,000 tons, we guarantee a stable and uninterrupted supply of high-quality aluminum for your production lines, ensuring you meet market demand promptly.
Custom Extrusion & Tubing Services
Bring your most innovative frame designs to life. We provide custom aluminum extrusion services, manufacturing complex profiles, butted tubes, and hydroforming-ready tubing precisely to your CAD specifications.
Stringent Quality Control & Certification
Quality is non-negotiable. Our production process is ISO 9001 certified, and every shipment is accompanied by a full Material Test Certificate (MTC), providing complete traceability and assurance that the material meets your exact engineering standards.
Expert Technical Support & Consultation
Our team of material engineers is available to work directly with your R&D department. We can assist in selecting the optimal alloy, advising on heat treatment protocols, and even co-developing materials for specific performance or cost targets.
Q1：Which Aluminum Alloy Has Higher Density, 7005 or 6061?
Specifically, there is no which one is better this comparison method Only applied in different environments can be compared.
Q2: 7005 Aluminum Alloy Can Be Welded With Iron?
Hot work welding can not, the elements are different.
Aluminum alloy 7005 and 6061 which density is high (mountain bike frame aluminum alloy 60617005X9 which is better).
Q3: Which Is the Best Mountain Bike Frame Aluminum Alloy 6061/7005?
Generally speaking, the strength of 7005 aluminum alloy is better than 6061. The heat treatment state of the two is the same, and artificial aging is performed after T6 solid solution heat treatment. However, the processing difficulty of 7005 is higher than that of 6061, welding is more difficult, and the corrosion resistance is a little worse. Generally, the price is higher. In addition, it depends on the processing strength of the processing manufacturer.
If the processing strength of the processing manufacturer is not good, the 7005 frame made by the 6061 is easier to break, because the stress corrosion resistance of 7005 is a little worse. For example, his aluminum alloy frame only has 6011 and 6061. ALUXX’s process is 6061, ALUXX SL is 6011, and ALUXX SLR is 6011 after grain refinement. ALUXX SLR is the best, so don’t be superstitious about the 7005 series of aluminum alloys. The key lies in the processing technology.
Q4: Which Is Better, 6061 Aluminum Alloy or 7005 Aluminum Alloy?
The performance difference between the two: is corrosion resistance is 6061 good, and strength is 7075 good. Fatigue strength 7075 is good. But both are not adapted to mountain bike frame, the 6061 performance is not suitable; the 7075 performance and other requirements are up to standard, but there is no need because the unit price is expensive. In short, do mountain bike frame should choose 7003! Performance is more for mountain bike frame requirements.
FAQ for Bicycle Manufacturers
Here are answers to common questions from our partners in the bicycle industry.
What is your Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for custom aluminum tubing?
Our MOQ for custom profiles typically starts at 1000 kg per profile, but this can vary based on the complexity of the design. We recommend contacting our sales team with your drawings for a precise quotation.
What are your typical lead times for production orders?
Standard orders from existing inventory can be shipped within 7-10 days. For new custom extrusion orders, the lead time is typically 4-6 weeks after die creation and approval. We work diligently to meet your production schedules.
Can you provide material test certificates (MTCs) with shipments?
Absolutely. Every batch we ship is accompanied by a detailed Material Test Certificate (MTC) that outlines its chemical composition, mechanical properties (tensile strength, yield strength, elongation), and heat treatment status, ensuring full compliance and traceability.
Do you offer value-added services like cutting or pre-forming?
Yes, we offer a range of value-added services, including precision cutting to length, deburring, and even CNC machining for components like dropouts or suspension linkages. Let us know your requirements to streamline your production process.
How do you handle international shipping and logistics?
We have extensive experience exporting to major manufacturing hubs across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. We can handle all logistics, including packaging, customs documentation, and delivery to your port of choice (FOB, CIF) or directly to your facility (DDP).
Mr. Huang
Chief Materials Engineer of HXM Aluminum, has 15 years of experience in aluminum application in the bicycle industry.
