So what is alloy?

In the cycling world, "alloy" gets thrown around as a generic term for aluminum. 7005 is a high strength aluminum alloy often reffered to as "aircraft aluminum" (more BS). 6061 is also common.

xxamr_corpxx said:

Is it steel or aluminium? The word "alloy" doesn't really describe much.

Also, what is "7005 Alloy"?

Usually when manufacturers say "alloy", they are referring to aluminum, but in actuality, all of the metal (steel, aluminum, titanium) used in bicycles are mixtures by which other elements are added to the primary element to improve it for its intended use. 7005 is a high grade aluminum alloy tubing made by Easton.

See this article for more info.

eastonbike.comR&D 01%20Al%20Alloys.pdfOpen ↗

John M said:

Usually when manufacturers say "alloy", they are referring to aluminum, but in actuality, all of the metal (steel, aluminum, titanium) used in bicycles are mixtures by which other elements are added to the primary element to improve it for its intended use.

exactly! The misuse of "alloy" kinda bugs me coz it can sometimes lead to confusion.

From an online dictionary:

1. A homogeneous mixture or solid solution of two or more metals, the atoms of one replacing or occupying interstitial positions between the atoms of the other: Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper.
2. A mixture; an amalgam:
3. The relative degree of mixture with a base metal; fineness.
4. Something added that lowers value or purity.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/alloy

Many of us would've read of 531 steel being an "alloy of manganese and molybdenum"; causing some to think that it's aluminium 🙂