Originally Posted by
rustystrings61
I was a steel is real purist until I acquired a battered '86 ST400 with a replacement steel fork and a hodge-podge/dog's breakfast parts mix. I repacked everything and put on some 32 mm Paselas. It is simply magical on those tires, no hint of harshness, and wow is it awesome on mixed road rides!
I've built 2 ST's for others, never rode either one an inch.
Both owners are solid fans; one uses Arabesque on his, the other updated to 2x10.
They were both stripped, powder-coated, re-decaled, and the owners felt they were still bargains.
Both owners have older steel road bikes and newer carbon, which gives them perspective.
I've had Cannondale both harsh and smooth; the build likely made a difference.
I have a Klein that is a better riding frame than my modern aluminum Felt.
Like many bikes, the geometry, seat post, fork, stem, bars, and wheelset can make a huge difference.