Originally Posted by
non-fixie
Based on my own experience with lower end French bikes I'm inclined to think that geometry and choice of parts are far more important factors than the tubing used. Mercier made some really nice bikes with their 'Spécial Luxtub' and 'Tubes Allégés Spécial 28-26' tubes.
Yes, there is something magical about a few of those bikes.
In fact, it makes me wonder what the practical difference is between low end and high end steel tubes. Sometimes the difference in weight is trivial. I suppose there is a difference in strength, but I don't crash my bikes often, so how much does that matter?