Originally Posted by
noglider
[MENTION=184012]Doug Fattic[/MENTION], I remember that in the late 80s and early 90s how people thought steel frames became less stiff with use. And actually it was a topic on the net. Before the web we had Usenet, and Jobst Brandt weighed in frequently. He explained how steel doesn't lose stiffness though it fatigues and breaks. But his message wasn't reached widely. So if I understand you correctly, it can go out of alignment with use? And you're saying it rides worse when out of alignment? Those are easy to believe if you are making those points.
A few years ago, I brought my 1974 Raleigh International to a mechanic who had an alignment table. He found a lot of things needing correction which I hadn't even known about or perceived. But it never hurts to have it aligned. The BB was not perpendicular to the seat tube! Amazing.
Much longer ago, a bike shop owner asked me why I was still riding an old steel frame because it must be "whooped" which was funny since the street lingo I had heard was "whipped."
Yes it is possible for a frame to go out of alignment with use (especially hard use) but that doesn't happen every time. In the past when I would get frames I've made back for repainting again, I would check alignment. What I found is that occasionally a frame would have gone out of alignment but not usually. The forks would be the area most likely in need of readjustment.
And yes in my opinion, bringing a frame back into alignment can make its ride feel better again. One example is a racing type of frame I made for myself to train with the big boys. My speed abilities were modest and it was difficult for me to stay with them and when I got tired, I would hit pot holes sometimes. I remember thinking that my bike didn't seem to ride as well as it did when it was new. While refurbishing it, I corrected the not-all-that-bad alignment issues and when I rode it again, it felt like I remembered it when new. I've often asked customers if they could tell after I did an alignment and their reports were mixed. Some said it made a significant difference while others said they couldn't tell the difference.