I sent a note to Salsa inquiring as to what stainless was being used. No response after 3 days. I think I'm moving away from the stainless. The bike also comes standard with S&S couplers, which I have no need for. The extra weight for these installed is "significant," whatever that means. It also comes with Alternator Dropouts on rear. This is to provide the ability to easily switch to single speed, should you have trouble with drive train. Can't imagine myself converting to single speed in the middle of a tour. My LBS does say that the ride quality is excellent. I say that is all in the eyes of the beholder, but I don't think ride quality would be noticably better than my Sam Hillborne.