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Steel is Real.. Explain?

Old 05-20-19, 07:35 AM
  #26  
mstateglfr 
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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"
Your bike, the Toughroad SLR2, is heavier than any quality modern steel road bike, and its also heavier than most of the mid-tier steel road bikes available. Just wanted to mention this since it hasnt been said yet.

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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Old 05-20-19, 08:24 AM
  #27  
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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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Old 05-20-19, 08:52 AM
  #28  
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There is no heavy bicycles there‘s only weak riders
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Old 05-20-19, 08:55 AM
  #29  
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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.
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Old 05-20-19, 09:09 AM
  #30  
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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).
This^^^^^EXACTLY! And just for the record--not everyone (myself included) is a weight-weenie.
Jon
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Old 05-20-19, 09:10 AM
  #31  
Lemond1985
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Originally Posted by mtb_addict
"Steel is reel" just rolls off the tonque very well.
Just like, "Hey man, HTFU!"
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Old 05-20-19, 09:16 AM
  #32  
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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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Old 05-20-19, 09:24 AM
  #33  
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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!
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Old 05-20-19, 09:28 AM
  #34  
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In other words, people are using a catch phrase to amplify their personal preferences.
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Old 05-20-19, 09:35 AM
  #35  
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Originally Posted by Maelochs
In other words, people are using a catch phrase to amplify their personal preferences.
Correct. Nothing wrong with steel at all, but to say it's superior would be incorrect, is all I'm saying.
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Old 05-20-19, 09:36 AM
  #36  
TimothyH
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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-

Last edited by TimothyH; 05-20-19 at 09:41 AM.
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Old 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.
Steel is real, but..

Wood is Good.

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Old 05-20-19, 09:42 AM
  #38  
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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.
You mean carbon filament held together with epoxy and it's ten times stronger than steel for the same weight

What is Carbon Fiber? | ZOLTEK
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Old 05-20-19, 09:42 AM
  #39  
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20.0 lbs as shown.

https://janheine.wordpress.com/2017/...s-de-machines/
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Old 05-20-19, 09:43 AM
  #40  
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If chromoly were discovered today, it would be hailed the greatest material.
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Old 05-20-19, 09:48 AM
  #41  
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Originally Posted by jlaw
Steel is real, but..

Wood is Good.

Does that mean Bamboo is **** You?


Last edited by Trsnrtr; 05-20-19 at 11:04 AM. Reason: censor avoidance
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Old 05-20-19, 09:51 AM
  #42  
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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-
.
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
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Old 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 same company makes sub 14 lb road bikes and 26 lb steel tandems.

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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Old 05-20-19, 09:58 AM
  #44  
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My favorite color is fastest and it sounds the best, too.
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Old 05-20-19, 10:00 AM
  #45  
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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...
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Old 05-20-19, 10:16 AM
  #46  
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Originally Posted by TimothyH
Vari Wall S3 tubes are not cheap.
Not cheap and not available.
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Old 05-20-19, 10:17 AM
  #47  
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Originally Posted by jlaw
Couldnt put bar tape on because that would have pushed it over the 20.0 barrier, i guess.
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Old 05-20-19, 10:42 AM
  #48  
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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!
Why would you assume steel technology also won't advance?
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Old 05-20-19, 10:49 AM
  #49  
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Have you seen the new bluetooth Buggy Whips? They're f'in amazing.
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Old 05-20-19, 10:55 AM
  #50  
Slick Madone
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Originally Posted by livedarklions
Why would you assume steel technology also won't advance?
Where did I state it wasn't? I did state its not as advanced as Carbon given its flexibility, but I'm curious to hear how far advanced you think it can still move forward?
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