Originally Posted by alanbikehouston

Many folks assume that the weight of a set of tubes is related to its quality. Not so. The Japanese tube makers, including Tange, made tubes in a variety of designs and weights. That enabled designers to select exactly the tubes needed for a particular bike.

Back in the '70's, Schwinn used Reynolds 531 as its "standard" tube for Paramounts. But, Schwinn also was using Japanese tubes for custom orders, due to the availability of some unique tube sets, including some very light tubes designed for "record attempt" bikes.

Most of the Japanese bikes I've ridden have been Shimano 600 level bikes...in the same price range as Treks from the 80's that used Reynolds 531 or True Temper tubes. These bikes (such as a Centurion Dave Scott and a Schwinn Super Sport) have frame weights and geometry that is similar to my bikes with British and American tubing. And, with identical wheels and identical tires, the bikes with Japanese frames feel pretty much like my Treks.

All of my 80's steel bikes do an equally nice job of soaking up the vibrations of asphalt and rough pavement, and have a resiliant feel on rolling and bouncing surfaces. They feel exactly as a good steel frames and forks ought to feel.

By 1989, the Japanese had mastered the "art" of making lugged steel frames that retailed at very reasonably prices, yet matched the exceptional ride quality of the best Pro bikes of the 1960's and 1970's.

Ironically, just when the Japanese made top quality steel frames affordable, aluminum frames became popular. Today, most lugged steel frame bikes are "custom-made", and are once again priced above the reach of most cyclists.