I mean, besides the light weight and other graces of Aluminium and Carbon, Steel frames are absolutely out-dated and they have nothing to do these days... or it is still possible to enjoy a nice ride on our heavy old pals?
Plenty of racers are still winning races on steel bikes. Not at the pro level, but that has more to do with the fact that carbon bikes generate more profit for sponsors, than any other factor. Steel bikes are more durable than alu or carbon. The super-light bikes being sold today in carbon tend to break more often and only last a few years on average before needing replacement. A steel bike will last for decades and can shrug off things like minor crashes, scratches dings and dents that would render a carbon frame unsafe. Then there's the mechanical aspect. Carbon frames and parts require a torque wrench and special compounds to prevent accidental crushing from over-tightening. Many home mechanics end up ruining thier bikes because of simple user error. Alu frames are not so bad in this regard; these days I think alu bikes are the price/performance leaders in road bike frames.
Ah, I took a nice 40mi spin on my steel road bike today. Maybe it's not as fast as my other rides...I don't know, I'm too busy enjoying the ride. Steel is timeless.
Steel is still real, light, and stainless these days! Reynolds 953 stainless steel proves that. Look up Independent Fabrication, link below and the quote from their website. Reynolds 953 is a martinsitic age-hardenable stainless steel. This super metal has an ultimate yield strength of 2000 MPa verses 1400 MPa for Reynolds 853 and 800 MPa for 4130 chrome-moly steel. 3Al-2.5V titanium has ultimate yield strength of 900 MPa. When you take in account the densities of steel and titanium, you find that the strength to weight ratio of 953 is 256 verses 3-2.5 Ti at 200. Yes, your read that correctly. A better strength to weight ratio than titanium. And with all of steel's famed ride quality too.
Au contraire; many great bikes are still steelies. Today's steel is much lighter than 10 yrs ago.
