Originally Posted by
nymtber
I think I will have to pass! I remember steel rims from childhood...I will not go back to that! The first bike I had with aluminum rims/canti brakes I almost went over the handlebars first time I grabbed the brakes. OOPS!
My old "steel" rockhopper frame is classic. And it was $25 for frame, fork, headset, stem, bars, bar ends, and shifters (which I don't use). Couldnt pass up the deal, and If I could find new decals, I would get it blasted and powdercoated. I wouldnt put a steel fork on an aluminum road bike, though. Carbon fiber is better, IMO.
And remember, tires make a big difference, too. Cheap tires usually ride like bricks. Some expensive tires ride like bricks, too. I prefer a balance of supple casing and puncture resistance.
Yeah - I have a couple steel frames that I like a lot myself, and a couple full CF frames as well. But this year picked up a couple all aluminum babies. In my experience its possible to build a terrible frame out if anything - steel, CF, aluminum or titanium. Its really the design, engineering and workmanship that make a difference and better quality always comes at a higher pricetag. I'm actually impressed with how well that new aluminum rig rides.