I certainly agree that "the frame is as dead as [a] door knob." None of my bicycles have ever shown any signs of being alive - i.e. active metabolism, ability to reproduce, etc. The bike in this case is a 1990 (made in '89) Cannondale SR900 'criterium' model with a relatively short wheelbase and stiff frame. I've found it to be an excellent bike for anything from fully loaded touring to fast group rides.