Originally Posted by
noglider
sykerocker, that may become true, but look at how long steel was nearly the only choice. And look at how well it worked.
I realize that aluminum makes a lot of sense for bike frames now. Carbon fiber has some advantages, too. I'm not saying anything sucks, just that it took a lot more for steel to be considered obsolete, and many people don't consider it obsolete.
I bought a new touring bike 2 years ago. I choose a Reynolds 853 tubed Rocky Mountain Sherpa 30. Its a solid stable plush riding rig that handles big loads easy. Its a beauty in my eyes and someday it will be a classic.
I also bought a new road bike last summer. So a new carbon fiber Specialized Roubaix with the Zertz inserts in the stays, forks and seat stem (and funny looking stays they are) now lives in my garage. I've put thousands of miles on it and it rides so plush I would choose it over my Sherpa for a fast century any day. This bike is also a beauty in my eyes and since it was the bike that defined plush endurance maybe it will also be a classic. But who knows.
Steel and carbon live harmoniously in my garage.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Anyone who is deying themselves a new carbon "wonderbike" really should give one a try. They way they ride can be outstanding.
But steel bikes are far from outdated. My Sherpa says so.