Bike Forums - View Single Post - Vintage Steel vs. Modern Steel vs. Aluminum/Carbon

05-11-11 | 03:09 PM

#37

RobbieTunes

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Quote:

Originally Posted by BattleRabbit

What about power transfer? Are you that powerful?
How much efficiency would I be losing going from aluminum bonded to carbon over to a lugged steel setup? Probably not enough to measure.

I have ridden old steel bikes(good ones, not just my Schwinn), and I have noticed a definite loss in efficiency going from my modern bike to a lugged steel frame. I figure that if it is apparent at my low level that it will become worse as time passes by. Don't overestimate "feel." It may feel like more than it is.

If the difference between a bike like the Masi and my Motobecane(or similar bike with aluminum construction and carbon seatstays) is only like 5-10% it's really not a big deal, but if it's like 60% that would be a downgrade even though I like the aesthetics of the Steel bike WAY better.
Note: I wouldn't toss the lugged steel fork, but I would probably wind up using my carbon fork on the steel frame anyways.

I don't think it would be as high as 5%. I was definitely not 5% faster on a 15.9lb CF Kestrel than a 19.2lb Cinelli Centurion. That's a minute every 20. Riding fast is also about keeping momentum, shifting on time, anticipation, and carrying speed through corners. My plastic pals also advise that, after a certain speed point, it's about aero, too. All that is true, but 5% worth would be a surprise to me; maybe with plenty of climbing. My best tri leg ever was on a steel bike, and the event was won by a guy on a steel bike. From what I can tell at pro events, the really good riders have technique, power, endurance, and the ability to suffer. I'd be willing to bet that carries down to slugs like me, too.

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