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ASK RBA: ASK RC: THE FEEL OF STEEL
Richard Cunningham
December 14, 2009
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I've read all of your comments regarding carbon vs. steel and I have a question about steel frames. I know that higher end steel tubing produces a lighter bike, but can the average rider tell the difference in ride quality between 4130 chromoly, and say Reynolds 631 tubing? What about ride quality between Reynolds 853 and 953 or any other level of tubing within a line or by different manufacturers? You were right about carbon ride quality, the difference between high end and lower grade carbon, if manufactured properly is not noticeable. I tried several bikes from $3000 to $12,000. What I noticed of course was a difference in weight, not so much in the ride quality.
– Bill
You can notice the ride quality between a frame made from average butted chromoly tube and the latest stainless steel derivatives, but that feel comes from its oversized diameters and better manufacturing processes that allow for a thinner-wall tube architecture. To discern the ride quality between equal thickness and diameter steel alloy tubes would be like wine tasting after the third bottle. However, geometry, the builder’s technique, and tube selection would make more of a difference than the type of tubing used in that situation.
Contact Richard Cunningham for questions or comments, or just to talk bikes at: askRC@roadbikeaction.com
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