Originally Posted by noglider

That is around the time when the esteem of steel-framed bikes peaked. Thereafter, there were compelling reasons to choose aluminum and carbon fiber. As for quality, I agree with those who say it they haven't peaked yet. They just keep getting better. But as some noted, the market has shrunken. It's hard to tell, but the market for steel bikes seems to be increasing a bit, and not just at the high end. Even bikesdirect and nashbar have some steel models.