Originally Posted by
JonathanGennick
Here is one difference that I haven't seen mentioned yet: Isn't it easier to put those couplers that allow you to quickly break the frame for taking on a trip and then put it back together again onto a steel frame versus an aluminum one?
S&S couplers can be retrofitted to most steel frames and some Titanium frames and are available as OEM from many custom frame builders in both steel and Ti. The only S&S coupled aluminum factory frame the S&S web site lists is a Santana Tandem and they are very specific their couplers cannot be retrofitted to aluminum frames. FWIW, Calfee Designs offers carbon frames with the couplers installed, both OEM and retrofitted.
From a cost standpoint buying a frame with the couplers factory installed is significantly cheaper overall than having them installed on an existing frame.