ModeratedUser150120149

I'm replying to your post because you did the best job of expressing what I see as a myopic world view that I would have thought would have been dispelled just by sheer life experience. The other two posts I read as challenging my integrity and honesty mixed with strong implications that somehow I was, as you say, "weird". I've been told there is such a thing as a "Road Bike Culture" and it isn't nice. These posts make me wonder if what I've been told is true.

What I would have expected if the folks here had been open and welcoming was some reminiscing about steel bikes and maybe some comparisons together with some supportive comments about now my experience horizons have been broadened. Something on the line of: "Glad you had the chance on the borrowed bike." Or, "I really like steel bikes, glad you had a chance to try one". I did not expect exclusionary comments challenging my integrity and sanity.

I don't have to understand that I'm a bit different. It is up to you to decide whether you are going to follow the age and cultural bias that we suffer from; or, to recognize that people are individuals that need to be encouraged in their explorations.

wobblyoldgeezer

Steel? Carbon? I chose both!

Couldn't be happier with my steel & carbon Rocky Mountain ST 50, Columbus steel top, down and steerer tubes, carbon forks, seat tube and chain/seat stays. It zips, and doesn't buzz. It's still my dream bike!

Oh and but - I chose my 1990 Specialized lugged steel Sirrus - 105 triple, down tube shifters - for this morning's metric 100 km. Don't know why, it just seemed loyal, as I hadn't riddden it for a while.

As nice as ever. Honestly, I couldn't choose a favourite. The Rocky is clearly quicker - lighter, and more accelerative wheels. The Specialized feels odd at first, narrower handlebars and tubes makes it feel like a school project made out of knitting needles for the first mile, but after that it feels slim and elegant.

It's all good

trackhub

Does Waterford make some of the frames for Terry?

If you love steel, and you really want to go all out, check out Peter Mooney.

West Coasters may be interested in These beautiful objects of desire.

BluesDawg

I think (and hope) that you are misinterpreting some of the comments. Most of us did not just start riding bikes two years ago, having ridden bikes as children and up into our teens, even if many of us drifted away from bicycles once we started driving. So for much of our early riding time, basically all bikes were steel. So it can come as a surprise to hear from someone our age who never rode a steel bike before. This is an expression of surprise, not a putdown.

On the other hand, it is not unusual at all for someone who just started riding within the past few years to have never ridden steel. You might say it would be unusual if they had.

I like steel bikes. Glad you had the chance to try one and that you shared your experience with us.

Steve Katzman

+1

IMO no one said or meant to imply that you were weird or try to challenge your integrity or honesty. Like BluesDawg said, some were surprised that someone in the 50 and older age group wasn't riding bikes 40+ years ago, when virtually all bikes were steel. Nothing more. As someone who just started riding in the last couple of years, good for you. Welcome to the fold. I hope you enjoy the riding experience as much as most of us do.

Terex

Ditto

cyclinfool

WOWZA!

Now THATS what a steel bike is supposed to look like.

oilman_15106

My first thought also!

OP - you have not lived until you have ridden a modern steel frame with today's wheels and good group set.

It may not make you want to give up CF but it might.

ciocc_cat

This is my idea of steel:

Robert Foster

50+ is a friendly place. 50+ is a place where we share ideas and even at times disagree. The big difference is we typically don't hold a grudge or call each other names. Otherwise it is just like any other place. Some people like steel some don't. Some like CF some don't. If you want to see a falling out of support just start talking about saddles.

fietsbob

Plodding along on a BS RB1, works decently.

rich rice

I have always ridden steel bikes. I've tried aluminum, never tried CF or TI. I never felt the need, as I just love my old bikes. Each is different, each performs well. My dad bought me a used Frejus track bike back in 1966, which I raced for a couple of seasons before deciding I would prefer something with gears (and brakes) since I also used it every day as trainer/transportation. So in 1968 he traded it toward a used Cinelli Super Corsa (full Campy) road bike. I think it weighed around 16 lbs, and has Columbus tubing. It's a little heavier now, since I changed from silk sew-ups to Weinmann concaves with clinchers and added a kickstand, but it feels like a Ferrari every time I get on it. I ride it several times per week. I hung it up for a couple of decades, and recently found out I was close to death from improper lifestyle-- diabetes, hypothyroid, hypertension, hyperglycemia-- the list was long. My doctor wanted to put me on 6 or 7 pharmaceuticals. I told him to forget it, I would fix the problems myself.. I put down the shovel and picked up a fork. I got my Cinelli down off the hook and started riding again. First time I got seven houses down and had to dismount, using the bike as a walker to get myself home. The next day I pushed my limits and got around the block. I increased the distance each time I went out, and within a week I was doing 3 miles at a time. That was 4 months ago. Two weeks ago I went for a short ride in the morning, and ended up in the city (Chicago), some 25 miles from home.. I called my son in law on the phone and we went for coffee- then I turned around and rode home. 55 miles on a 95 degree day in full sun. Took me about four hours riding time. I got some really nice color that day.. I have been averaging somewhere between 25-30 miles per day, 7 days/week, all summer. Lost 60 lbs so far, and the last blood test revealed a clean bill of health. Diabetes is history, along with the associated maladies. Only thing left is hypothyroid, which is controlled by medication. Severe sleep apnea has disappeared, and I was able to donate blood (I biked over to Lifesource in 100 degree weather, no problems).. I feel and look so much better than I have for decades. The Cinelli saved my life.

Since then, I bought a 1971 Dawes Galaxy, restored and upgraded its components. It is my "truck".. with Campy Nuovo Record high flange hubs paired with 27"X1" Rigida rims and Continental Ultras (27"X1-1/8") Stronglight crankset, upright bars with horns, Brooks B-67 saddle.. and a rear carrier from an ancient Schwinn Suburban.. Looks different, but it goes like the wind-

I also restored a 1972 Paramount, again full Campy. I'm waiting for brake cable stops (Weinmann Q/R) to come in the mail, otherwise that one is ready to roll. Preliminary ride down the street (I couldn't go far or fast without the brakes) tells me it will be another stellar bike.

My dad quit riding his 1966 (or 1967?) Paramount last year, and has shipped it back here from his home in Austria as a gift for one of my sons- it arrives Monday and I will completely disassemble, clean and grease/adjust the whole bike. He bought that one, used, in perfect shape in 1968, about the time he got me the Cinelli. My son is one lucky dude to get Grandpa's Paramount- it's full Campy and bright orange.. all original.

Add to these a pair of upgraded Schwinn World Sports, a LeTour Luxe, and a Motobecane Mirage- I guess it's the summer of steel around my house. When you like something and understand it, no reason to change.

BluesDawg

Be good to it.

cyclist2000

I don't think that anyone implied that you are weird but since you are posting on a 50+ forum, that all bikes that were made when we were in our teens were made of steel.

stapfam

So old steel frames were crap- unless you bought a good one.- Early Aluminium frames were heavy but if you waited a few years they got lighter. And if you want the ultimate in Frame material you get C.F. Unless you don't like riding C.F.

Then there is Ti but I won't comment on that as I have never owned one.

All the materials have their good points and they can all be poorly manufactured or used- but it is up to the rider to find out what he likes. I like aluminium and that even includes the lower end OCR that I have. Favourite bike is a lightweight aluminium one. I am not a fan of C.F. but 30 miles today on a hillyish ride and it was my bike of choice.

There is nothing wrong with any of the materials used in Bike manufacture but you have to find the material you like and that likes you.

cyclinfool

I read every post, IMHO I can't find anything that was an attack on you nor a critical of you but I am sorry that you felt that way. I think you have contributed positively here and would not like to see you get frustrated and leave. My suggestion would be to figure out who here you can relate to and converse with them, those that you find you don't like - ignore them even if they post in your threads.

tsl

I agree. Earlier this year when I posted here my experiences with my first steel bike, I never appended to the end "as an adult". I just figured it was a given, and it seemed to be so from the replies I can remember.

Absolutely my first bikes were all steel. And not a one of them weighed less than I did at the time. I was always a skinny little flyweight, and my dad had a thing for gaspipe cruisers, and thought that's what I should be riding. Oh, and he thought that I'd "grow into" them. I don't think I ever had a bike as a kid that didn't have a standover issue. As soon as my wee little nuts cleared the top tube is was time for another whopping monster of a thing that also weighed another 20 pounds.

So it shouldn't be a surprise that age 15 when I bought my first Kawasaki, I didn't have anything to do with bicycles for the next 35 years.

When I returned to riding in '06, my first three bikes were aluminum. I was amazed at how light my 35 pound aluminum hybrid was. After all, it was the first bike I'd ever owned that weighed less than I do.

I'm fortunate that I graduated from cheap, stiff and heavy aluminum to good, compliant and light aluminum before trying my first steel bike. I had already learned that it's not the material, but the manufacture that makes a difference in a bike.

What surprised me, and amazes me still six months later, is that my aluminum Trek Portland is still my nicest riding bike.

I bought pretty good steel too--Reynolds 853. It rides nice, but it's a crit bike, so its built with handling in mind first. That's what makes it a blast to ride. But in a way, it was disappointing because I was still somehow expecting a magic carpet "steel is real" ride, yet it rides no better than the Portland. (Although, it has, by far, the sexiest rear triangle I've ever seen, something that could only be done with steel.) It is, however, my lightest bike.

In June when I got my Ti bike rolling, I made the same mistake. I bought top drawer--a mid-90s, Lynskey-built Litespeed--all custom-butted and custom-tapered tubes. I expected the legendary magic carpet Ti ride. And again, I was disappointed. It doesn't ride any better, or any worse, than either my steel bike or my Portland.

None of that means I don't like the bikes, or that there is no difference between the three. I wouldn't part with any of them. They are all great rides, without a significant difference between them. They each have their own personalities and individual ride characteristics. I can tell them apart blindfolded.

Yet, somehow, it's my aluminum Portland that remains my favorite bike, hands down. It does so primarily for how it eats bad pavement for breakfast. Of all of my bikes, it comes closest to a magic carpet ride. I don't understand it, I'm simply reporting it.

The further I venture along, the more it's reinforced for me that it's not the material that makes the bike. It's the design, the geometry, the butting and shaping of the tubes, that together with the material, make the bike.

cyclinfool

Any builder can build a crap bike out of the best materials but no builder can build an excellent bike from crap materials.
For the majority of the riding you do your Portland is the right bike.

ModeratedUser150120149

Although these internet forums can be enjoyable and informative there is always the problem of accurate communication. I am not immune to phrasing something in a way that fails to communicate what I meant. When that happens and someone comments I try to promptly correct the false impression. Interestingly, in this case the two posters that I refered to have not done that. Failing any efforts on their part to clarify I must assume they meant to say what I thought they did. Too bad. Life is too short to allow biases to influence one's actions.

I posted that this was my first steel road bike ride. And so it was. As a kid in the 40s I had a Schwinn with coaster brake that was too, too big. As a matter of fact it was so big I had to stand on a milk crate to mount it. If, for some reason, I had to get off I had to find a bank somewhere to jump back on. Once in my teens I went motorized and never touched a bicycle again until a couple years ago when a local store had a sale on Huffy bikes and I bought two so my wife and I could run around the neighborhood.

In the Fall of 2007 while I was looking for something to do to replace the running I could no longer do someone mentioned cycling in the local Senior Games. I entered with my Huffy and actually did pretty well. The Games themselves were an abortion but I came out wanting a better bike. A local LBS sold me a Gary Fisher Montare, an aluminum bike, which I rode until snow came and again next Spring after the snow left. I wanted to go faster and it looked like it was going to cost more to regear the Montare than to buy a road bike. I started with the cheapest, riding each on our chip coated, rough, gravel strewn roads. I picked the cheapest bike that gave an acceptable ride on chip coat, a Lemond Versailles. This is a full carbon fibre bike. So in May or June of 2008 I rode my very first road bike. That Versailles was so twitchy I was half scared most of the time. But I stuck with it.

Starting in 2009 I really got at it, by my standards anyway and understanding we have snow on the ground or below freezing temps from Sept to April. In summer of 2009 I bought a second Versailles off Craig's List to keep down in Denver's territory so I wouldn't have to rent. To date, as far as I'm concerned that bike is paid for and I could junk it and be money ahead compared to rental costs I've avoided. Plus, I've met a lot of nice people and ridden more than I would have renting.

I still hope the people who prompted my post will clarify and show that I misinterpreted them as myopic and discriminatory in a negative way. If they don't the bug is on them because I've met lots of other very nice, encouraging and friendly people whose aquaintance I treasure.

earthirv

I bought my first CF bike,a 2009 Scott CR-1 and it does ride smoother than my Reynolds 853 steel 2001 Jamis Eclipse but not by much. My Cannondale 2002 Caad5 is surprising for aluminum but comes in last as far as comfort goes. I would like a custom steel bike one day because I like the feel even though objectively I have to say that CF is smoother. I don't know if this helps the debate. If my house was burning and I had to save one bike, I'd be running out the door with my Jamis.

GeraldChan

Not only a classic steel Italian bike but one shod with tubulars. Back in the 70's they were the ONLY good tires you could get.
Now most modern clinchers have less rolling resistance but none can claim a ride as sublime.
When you pair the feel of a well designed and brazed steel frame with tubulars on a modern rim you have the best combo ever.

Latitude: I also read every post and none struck me as mean or haughty. But, I apologize for the fact that you were put off by our retro-grouchiness. We all love bike and many of us are crazy for steel.

BTW: I hate that my modern CF bike (Madone, which is a off the shelf production bike on clinchers) can corner as well as my custom built Serotta on sew-ups.

Gerry

Rick@OCRR

Great thread here, and good to hear everyone's opinion on the different frame materials!

Taking stock, most of my bikes are steel, from the low end ('57 Hercules 3-Spd with seamed steel) to the upper end (GT Edge - Reynolds 853) to a couple of Reynolds 531 bikes in the middle (California Masi - fixed gear, and Mercian Vincitore touring bike). I like them all, still ride them all, each for a different purpose obviously.

I have but one aluminum bike, my mountain bike, GT Zaskar LE. Works well for me though I admit I haven't tried a lot of other mountain bikes in different materials. I had an aluminum GT Edge too, but I gave that to my brother several years ago. I remember it as very stiff and fast but with a rather harsh ride. Oh, wait, forgot, my DaHon folder (Curve 8) is aluminum too (doesn't get ridden much).

My most ridden road bike is my titanium GT Edge (same geometry as the 853 Edge), i.e. all round club ride and mountain road climbing/descending bike.

And then I have my Calfee which is carbon fiber, and which I save for centuries and double centuries. A great bike that climbs even better than the Ti-GT and has the comfort for all-day / all-night rides.

I think it's great that we have so many choices in frame materials, designs and builders today!

Rick / OCRR