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Originally Posted by
zoslen
@RatMudd
Their answer was:
"Zoslen,
Every tube on all of our bikes is made from 4130 and each one is completely designed by us.
Here’s a link about our steel from our website: Some Things About Our Steel | Spews | The Information Hole | Surly Bikes
Take care,"
@bikemig
Surly uses their own 4130 cromoly steel, but they don't refer if it is heat treated.
@MassiveD
I have contacted with a lot of manifacturers and most of them claimed that they don't heat treat their frames because they consider it is not necessary and the cost will go up.
But I know for example that Reynolds 725 or 853 tubes is 4130 cromoly fully heat treated, so why prefer something else if the cost is the same?
I 'd like to clarify I do believe that a sturdy frame like LHT's will not face any problems, it has proven it's durability, but this is not the point.
My point is that if their frames are not heat treated and they just use massive steel, maybe their prices should be much lower.
The link Surly sent you is pretty informative. They don't use "massive steel." 4130 chromoly is good stuff. Their prices are their prices. If you want a cheaper steel frame, buy from an internet direct vendor like bikes direct or nashbar. Fuji has a pretty inexpensive touring bike as well. Part of what you are paying for is an assurance that the manufacturer--in this case Surly--is paying attention to the material being used and the manufacturing process. Personally I'll buy the Surly over a nashbar or bikes direct but you can find cheaper stuff if you look around.