Originally Posted by
bikeaddiction1
I agree with all the comments about fit, but the subtle differences in frame geometry, type of steel, tubing joint methods, and wall thicknesses, can all combine to change the stiffness of the bike and how it rides as well.
I wouldn't disagree with you there. However, strip away the decals and distinguishing markers. Give them identical paint jobs. Put on identical components. Take them all for test rides. After that you can't tell which brand is which or what brands of tubing were used. They became really generic. The tests were done in the past. You can find them on the web.