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The modern technology of mountain bikes requires lightweight yet strong metal alloys to provide both performance and safety. Of course the use of a given material must be cost effective as well. Magnesium fits the bill on all counts. For large quantity applications like bicycle components, die life is another important consideration, and the bicycle industry has embraced magnesium not only for benefits just explained, but also for increased die life compared to aluminum alloys. Die life, that is the number of parts produced from a die before the die becomes worn beyond serviceability, is another advantage of magnesium. On average, a die used for magnesium die casting will last about three times longer than the same die being used for aluminum die casting. This is attributed to the aggressive nature of the aluminum alloy in attacking the tool steel, whereas magnesium in fact repels itself against contact with tool steel. The use of magnesium for shock housings has become a standard in the bicycle industry. Magnesium shock housings have the strength to absorb the pressures created inside the shock as the bike traverses rugged terrain. They are light, strong, and thanks to the die casting process, cost effective.