Framebuilders - The Feel of Steel

I'm starting to put some good mileage on my first homebuilt steel frame. My other road bike is an aluminum Trek and I'm noticing some interesting ride quality differences. One of the most striking differences is the feel at speeds. Essentially, my new steel frame "feels" slower than my aluminum frame. The data on my cyclocomputer refutes that, but my mind keeps saying "you're going too slow" (even when I'm comfortably cruising at +17mph average, which for me is pretty quick). This is not necessarily good or bad, just different. I think it's a little like trying to describe different wines.

A couple of theories:

- My steel frame could be less stiff than my old aluminum frame, producing a smoother, less jarring ride. Maybe my mind thinks jarring is fast.

- My new frame has definite touring geometry (73* HT & ST, long CS, bigger tires, etc.) and my old frame is more of a sport geometry. This is somewhat related to the first point above.

The counter observation is that the ride is super smooth and very comfortable, which was the goal to begin with.

Anyone have similar experience?

Please please please post some pictures of the build process. I am working on building my own frame soon but starting with simpler projects first. (adding brazons to an old frame and convert it to 130 with short reach brakes.)

Ummm...start here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/399311-How-to-build-a-lugged-steel-frame-with-pics)?

To the OP: I think it's all your imagination.

Now, to go with the "it's all your imagination" thing, one thing I do without realizing is when I'm on my old race bike (also steel), I find myself in "race mode"...I feel like I really push myself...I go a little slower on my rando, and I just don't care what speed I go at all when I'm on my "bomber".

I have the same issue hahaha

Please please please post some pictures of the build process. I am working on building my own frame soon but starting with simpler projects first. (adding brazons to an old frame and convert it to 130 with short reach brakes.)

I can recommend two resources. One is the book by Chimonas (http://www.amazon.com/Lugged-Bicycle-Construction-Manual-Builder/dp/1442186305). The other is Talbot's book (http://bhovey.com/Masi/Scans/Talbot/index.htm). My approach was a hybrid between these two.

To the OP, I feel the same thing with my two bikes. My '88 Fuji is really smooth and I think it swallows the imperfections in the road better. My cyclocross bike is aluminum with a carbon fork and at the hands, feels just as good as the Fuji (also has 32's vs. 28's). At the seat, however, the Fuji is much smoother. The bike just glides.

Thanks to guywithchickens, I have the Chimonas book but the book on the masi site is way better.