Originally posted by phat bahsturd
I got to wondering, how much does a frame REALLY matter to the overall bike experience? I'm wondering this cause it seems like my frame is the weakest link of all my components (it was the cheapest at least).
Basically, i'm wondering if there would be a huge difference in ride quality, going from an 80s bianchi steel frame to say, a more modern tig welded steel bianchi frame?
I was seriously hoping when I found this seemingly content happy BB, that I would be able to avoid the pomposity, egotism and sheer elitism of other online "communities" that I've frequented.
I see that this one is no different, for that I"m sorry.
That being said, here's my opinion...
Do you like your present frame? Does it fail you in some way? I doubt that it does. It would be quite human of you to WANT a new frame, but if you questioned yourself, you may find that it's not a NEED.
I've found that pretty much a bike is a bike, whether it be steel, carbon, aluminum or yes, even Ti. Fit is a much more important matter than frame material. Fit gives you the proper proportion of performance and comfort. Fit is the deciding factor between suffering through a 10 mile ride or enjoying a century. Fit can make a 100 dollar garage sale special feel like a 5000 dollar custom
As far as modern components go. I work on bikes for a living. I'd rather rebuild from the ground up 10 bikes from the 70s, than deal with telling 1 pissed off customer that no, the Almighty Shimano won't warranty his third set of busted STIs.
I own a couple of bikes with "modern" conveniences. I love my vintage equipment. I'll take old time reliability.