I've ridden the future - It's steel

[Alembicbassman]

Just had my first ride out on a steel road bike I've spent the last couple of weeks doing up.

A quick 30 miles round South Yorks, North Notts.

It's been 12 years since I last rode a steelie and I've been riding aluminium and alu-carbon since.

I couldn't believe how comfy the bike was, boinging over bumps and humps. Steel is very springy, especially compared to a full alu frame.

Makes that Bianchi Dolomiti look very tempting.

I bought the Claud Butler as a winter bike, but now I think it's too nice to take out in the gritty conditions.

 

[Garz]

Looks very nice!

After watching Rob Penn's program I'm too considering a steel frame with personal colours or get a titanium.. decisions.

 

[Hacienda71]

I ride steel. Wouldn't want an aluminium instead. Might be tempted by Titanium or carbon though.

 

[rusty bearing]

Just bought myself a custom steel frame, though I admit to putting an Enigma carbon fork on it. Its at least four miles per hour faster than my old bike, really very chuffed indeed.

 

[Globalti]

My cycling buddy rides a steel Pinarello, it's too small for me but when I have tried it down the road it has felt superbly direct and fast.

 

[John the Monkey]

The gap between Ti and Steel is closing, imo, with the new stainless steel tubesets - light, corrosion resistant and in the hands of a skilled builder, very nice.

It is worth mentioning that a lot is in the build - it's quite possible to build a harsh, overly stiff steel frame, just as you can build compliant frames in other, reputedly harsh materials.

 

[tyred]

 I love my old steel frames and after trying a modern aluminium one and having the teeth rattled out of my head, I would never buy any bike which isn't steel. 

 

[SteelRex]

Obvious supporter of steel frames here. One concession would be the fork though. Compliance of a carbon fork is quite nice, but it's the weight that really makes the difference. Especially on a tall frame, between the fork blades and steerer tube, the weight penalty of a steel fork is pretty high. I have a small collection of 531 frames, but only for nostalgia (or just a better work-out). None of them can hold a candle to a well built modern over sized diameter steel frame.

I must confess however that I dream at night about a titanium frame