Originally Posted by
Duane Behrens
Thank you, Andy. I'll admit I was surprised by the very small difference in frame weights; the two are virtually identical. I understand that the Tange 2 product is superior . . . but real world, what can I expect in terms of ride, performance and . . . . well, I almost typed "durability," but clearly both frames are durable, having lasted now for 30 years. But do you think there will be a noticeable difference in ride quality between the two? Thanks.
As Hillrider says. There will be very little ride differences that won't be explained by geometry, fit, component differences. Years ago Bicycling mag commissioned three frames to be built with identical geometry/fit but from the three big steel suppliers (531, SL and
#2 ), painted three different (but all pastel) colors. No one was able to discern which was which tubing. Tire pressure had much larger a difference. AND this is interesting because the three tube sets actually have some significant differences in walls and butts.
Tange 900 was a tube set designed to take advantage of both reduced production costs and the narrow focus of the buying public to not see past the first word ("Tange"). Andy.