Aluminum, titanium and carbon-fiber frames are fashionable, and generally lighter than steel frames. But if you are on a bicycle tour to a remote area, the ability of any small-town welder to perform an ugly but functional repair on a steel frame could allow you to continue. You may be able to straighten a bent frame yourself. Read about it here.
![John Schubert speaks up for steel](http://cdn-0.sheldonbrown.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/DSCF0157lugsteel.jpg)
John Schubert speaks up for steel