Steel is Real.. Explain?
05-20-19, 07:35 AM
#26
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Originally Posted by Juggy_Gales
Ok I keep hearing and seeing quotes about "Steel is Real".
What is with the fascination? I am assuming it is related to steel framed bikes.. but why is this the thing now?
Im not mocking steel bikes.. they are robust.. very rugged.. But aren't they a bit heavy too?
With everyone trying to be light and go carbon.. Im seeing so much "Steel is Real"
What is with the fascination? I am assuming it is related to steel framed bikes.. but why is this the thing now?
Im not mocking steel bikes.. they are robust.. very rugged.. But aren't they a bit heavy too?
With everyone trying to be light and go carbon.. Im seeing so much "Steel is Real"
But reasons for that rhyme are...
- people like the look of traditional sized tubes and the simplified frame fabrication.
- people dont think a bike needs to be so laterally stiff that it cant at all flex in order to be fast or have fun.
- people equate the inherent spring of steel compared to other materials with comfort.
- people dont understand geometry and think that their relaxed old 80s bike is more comfortable than their modern massive carbon tube aggressive TT bike because of material when its actually also due to geometry and tires.
- people like to buck the trends and go against what is being heavily marketed or most popular.
There are a ton of reasons the saying is popular. A lot of the reason though is that it rhymes.
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05-20-19, 08:24 AM
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The reason it's real is because it can be welded or brazed.into a strong durable structure which will last for a very long time...Carbon is just a bunch of plastic held together with some epoxy and it's weak and fragile.
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05-20-19, 08:55 AM
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I find aluminum to be a harsh ride.
Carbon is a bit softer until it isn't.
Steel is a smoother ride.
There are 2 kinds of steel frames. There are the cheap ones that are heavy as heck and then the ones that are built with better tubing and lighter. Were my Giant TCR frame to die, I'd likely get a custom steel frame to replace it.
Carbon is a bit softer until it isn't.
Steel is a smoother ride.
There are 2 kinds of steel frames. There are the cheap ones that are heavy as heck and then the ones that are built with better tubing and lighter. Were my Giant TCR frame to die, I'd likely get a custom steel frame to replace it.
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05-20-19, 09:09 AM
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Originally Posted by ridelikeaturtle
If you're used to one type of frame material that isn't steel, or never had a steel bike (e.g. only aluminum or carbon bikes), then you should be pleasantly surprised by the different riding characteristics of steel.
Sure it's a little heavier. But let's stop taking ourselves too seriously. Unless you're doing the Giro, who are you fooling? "Steel is real" is not a dig on new designs ... but there was little wrong with bike design prior to carbon and aluminum (and titanium, though I do like my titanium bikes).
Sure it's a little heavier. But let's stop taking ourselves too seriously. Unless you're doing the Giro, who are you fooling? "Steel is real" is not a dig on new designs ... but there was little wrong with bike design prior to carbon and aluminum (and titanium, though I do like my titanium bikes).
Jon
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05-20-19, 09:16 AM
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Not yet mentioned, in this era of the need for sustainability, is the fact that steel and even aluminum frames can be recycled. I wonder if anyone else has noticed how most everything we buy comes in packaging that is then thrown away. Half of what we but is trash and the other half becomes trash soon thereafter.
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05-20-19, 09:24 AM
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Steel.....it's the keepsake of the nostalgic crowd. Newer materials and carbon layups allowing you to control inherent flex and rigidity will surpass "Steel ride flex".
Technology advances in time......because I have never seen the old steel bike crowd pull up in their horse and buggy. Just sayin!
Technology advances in time......because I have never seen the old steel bike crowd pull up in their horse and buggy. Just sayin!
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05-20-19, 09:28 AM
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In other words, people are using a catch phrase to amplify their personal preferences.
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05-20-19, 09:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Maelochs
In other words, people are using a catch phrase to amplify their personal preferences.
05-20-19, 09:36 AM
#36
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Modern production of steel tubes allows stiffness and flex to be controlled. Tube shape, butting profiles and construction can make a frame as flexy or stiff as anyone wants. It is expensive and a good builder can build the bike with any handling and ride characteristics desired.
I have a 15.9 lb steel bike. That's ready to ride weight. Steel can be built almost as light as any other material. Like other materials, weight is inversely proportional to cost. Vari Wall S3 tubes are not cheap.
My steel frame weighs less than most wheelsets.
-Tim-
I have a 15.9 lb steel bike. That's ready to ride weight. Steel can be built almost as light as any other material. Like other materials, weight is inversely proportional to cost. Vari Wall S3 tubes are not cheap.
My steel frame weighs less than most wheelsets.
-Tim-
Last edited by TimothyH; 05-20-19 at 09:41 AM.
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05-20-19, 09:40 AM
#37
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Originally Posted by indyfabz
Because they rhyme. Try that with carbon, aluminum or ti. 
Wood is Good.
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05-20-19, 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by wolfchild
The reason it's real is because it can be welded or brazed.into a strong durable structure which will last for a very long time...Carbon is just a bunch of plastic held together with some epoxy and it's weak and fragile.
What is Carbon Fiber? | ZOLTEK
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05-20-19, 09:43 AM
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If chromoly were discovered today, it would be hailed the greatest material.
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05-20-19, 09:48 AM
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Originally Posted by jlaw
Steel is real, but..
Wood is Good.
Wood is Good.
Last edited by Trsnrtr; 05-20-19 at 11:04 AM. Reason: censor avoidance
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05-20-19, 09:51 AM
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Originally Posted by TimothyH
Modern production of steel tubes allows stiffness and flex to be controlled. Tube shape, butting profiles and construction can make a frame as flexy or stiff as anyone wants. It is expensive and a good builder can build the bike with any handling and ride characteristics desired.
I have a 15.9 lb steel bike. That's ready to ride weight. Steel can be built almost as light as any other material. Like other materials, weight is inversely proportional to cost. Vari Wall S3 tubes are not cheap.
My steel frame weighs less than most wheelsets.
-Tim-
I have a 15.9 lb steel bike. That's ready to ride weight. Steel can be built almost as light as any other material. Like other materials, weight is inversely proportional to cost. Vari Wall S3 tubes are not cheap.
My steel frame weighs less than most wheelsets.
-Tim-
The only reason why it's so light is because it's a fixed gear, i.e., no derailleurs, extra chainrings, cassette cogs, or shift levers to add weight. Also the fork and handlebars are carbon fiber instead of steel in aluminum respectfully.
Last edited by satrain18; 05-20-19 at 09:52 AM. Reason: proofread
05-20-19, 09:57 AM
#43
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Originally Posted by satrain18
.
The only reason why it's so light is because it's a fixed gear, i.e., no derailleurs, extra chainrings, cassette cogs, or shift levers to add weight. Also the fork and handlebars are carbon fiber instead of steel in aluminum respectfully.
The only reason why it's so light is because it's a fixed gear, i.e., no derailleurs, extra chainrings, cassette cogs, or shift levers to add weight. Also the fork and handlebars are carbon fiber instead of steel in aluminum respectfully.
My entire point is that the idea that it is impossible to make light, strong and stiff steel bikes simply isn't true.
-Tim-
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05-20-19, 09:58 AM
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My favorite color is fastest and it sounds the best, too.
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05-20-19, 10:00 AM
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Similar Question...
could be asked on a oenophile or sommelier web forum comparing good enough box wines from Costo with an exquisite vintage. Some folks may never have the capacity or opportunity to get it.
Why would I need a Lamborghini Huracan when my Geo Metro gets me from point A to point B? Why, indeed.
Why is an ethereal perfume gracing the neck of a beautiful woman so intoxicating? Isn't Avon Crystal Aura on the girl at the BowlAmerica good enough?
Ride a superior steel bike and find out why...
Why would I need a Lamborghini Huracan when my Geo Metro gets me from point A to point B? Why, indeed.
Why is an ethereal perfume gracing the neck of a beautiful woman so intoxicating? Isn't Avon Crystal Aura on the girl at the BowlAmerica good enough?
Ride a superior steel bike and find out why...
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05-20-19, 10:16 AM
#46
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Originally Posted by TimothyH
Vari Wall S3 tubes are not cheap.
05-20-19, 10:17 AM
#47
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Originally Posted by jlaw
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05-20-19, 10:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Slick Madone
Steel.....it's the keepsake of the nostalgic crowd. Newer materials and carbon layups allowing you to control inherent flex and rigidity will surpass "Steel ride flex".
Technology advances in time......because I have never seen the old steel bike crowd pull up in their horse and buggy. Just sayin!
Technology advances in time......because I have never seen the old steel bike crowd pull up in their horse and buggy. Just sayin!
05-20-19, 10:55 AM
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Originally Posted by livedarklions
Why would you assume steel technology also won't advance?
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