Bicycle Mechanics - What's the difference?

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spinner5339
03-15-04, 04:55 PM
What's the difference between a high tensile steel 1020 and a cro moly frame? I have 2 frames of these, the cromoly frame has a chain stay length of 41.5cm and the High tensile steel frame 43cm.
The cromoly frame is not lugged whereas the 1020 is.

Which one is a better frame?

Jonny B
03-15-04, 06:40 PM
4130 is a stronger, lighter steel than 1020 (for a tube of given dimentions). If the frames were identical, I'd say the 4130 one is better, in terms of strength-to-weight ratio. Since the frames are different, it's impossible to say which is best. Some people like lugged steel, some don't. Longer chainstays will give you a more stable ride. Pick the one that fits you best and you like the look and feel of. But the 4130 one is probably stronger and lighter (not that it really matters, unless you're going to race one of them).
sch
03-15-04, 10:52 PM
I doubt the weight of a cubic foot of 4130 differs
significantly from the weight of a cubic foot of 1020
but the tubing made from these alloys for a given
strength as a tube will be lighter in 4130 than 1020,
as Jonny B says. The choice will be mostly esthetic: lugs versus welded steel. There may be some minor
handling differences but the bikes would have to be ridden a bit to distinguish them, if it is possible. Steve