Originally Posted by
saibiker
I have a related question on the Lemond steel frames. Is there any difference between the 853 steel used on the BA, Zurich, Sarthe? If the frames are the same, is the only diff in the grupos for each bike?
In my case, the frame is not reynolds 853, but True Temper OX platinum - which is basically equivalent, but a competing brand of metal. I've also seen late model LeMond CX bikes with the same True Temper label, and thus assumed that was the steel of choice for the entire brand.
Honestly I wouldn't get too hung up on raw materials of frames. Geometry and personal fit will make the biggest difference. Additionally, just because different all steel frames used the exact metal, the welding technique, tube diameter and wall thickness are all factors that affect performance and weight.