Originally Posted by alanbikehouston

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.