Originally Posted by
Oldguyonoldbike
In fact, I have three steel bikes and one carbon fiber bike. The most comfortable one is the one with the most tire clearance (now running 30c). The least comfortable one only has room for 23c. Both of those are steel. The carbon fiber one sits in the middle and is running 25c. Each bike handles a little differently and behaves a little differently while pedalling, but frame material is only one of several factors at play (tube diameter, geometry, wheel quality/flex, etc.).
23mm, 25mm and 30mm. The 'c' goes w/ 700. The 23, 25, or 30 describe the width of the tire and thus are 'mm'. Pretty much every frame made with the exception of the previously mentioned Trek Domane and maybe the older Cervelo R series bikes that had the bowed/super thin seat stays have such remarkably similar ride quality you truly would never be able to tell a difference in vertical compliance. Lateral flex is another story but doesn't affect ride quality.