WHY I STOPPED RIDING CARBON FRAMES - What I Learned
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 พ.ค. 2024
- This Summer, I stopped riding Carbon Frames in order to ride my restored Bianchi Steel Frames. Here are seven things that I learned.
#Steelframe
#bianchi
#pinella
#MegaSet
#carbonbike
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This video should be mandatory viewing for beginning riders. Reason I say that is I believe many are under the mistaken impression that steel bikes are boat anchors and outdated technology, neither of which is correct as this video shows. Personally, I ride many vintage steel bikes and love them all for what they are. I don't expect them to be something they aren't. Some are quite light, some not so much, but they are all great bikes. Thanks for supporting the use of steel-framed bikes in a very factual manner, based on personal experience. Good job!
Thank you for that sentiment Ray! It is very much appreciated 👍🏾
I have returned to steel as well and I couldn't be more pleased. If I was racing I might be a little better off with the super lightweight bikes. But I'm not racing. I am riding for pleasure and the steel gives you more pleasure.
That's how I learned. De Rosa bikes FTW.
Hetchens Vibrant Triangle, Bob Jackson , Harry Quinn, Lejuene , All Nuevo Record , Masi Gran Criterium , Colnago , Pogliaghi , Chiorda , Bottechia , Witcomb , Holdsworth , Ahh The Good Olde Days , STEEL IS REAL !! Richard Sachs , Eisentraut All Amazing Rides , Too Many Flash Backs !!! B!! Thanx For Me Going Back To The Good Old Days 😉😁😎😋🔥💥🧨💯🍀🚴🚴🏻♂️🚴🏾♀️
While I hear you, the newer crowd most likely will set their sites on the voluminous amounts of carbon bikes that are being sold along with all the other biking propaganda. They know what's here and now. We are old school and grew up riding steel bikes and know both sides of the fence. I still have my steel bike from the 80s but I am one of those who ride a light weight carbon bike these days. I hand built it to my spec and it rides and handles nicely. No store bought bike. Building or having the lightest bike has been a mission of mine ever since I bought the Fuji with VALite framing back in the early 80s. But, the one thing I learned is it's not the bike that makes you fast, its the human motor and that their is always someone faster. Someone can smoke you one of those rental bikes if they have the motor and you don't. I always say the fastest bike is the one that comes across the finish line first.
Videos are so much better when the speaker knows in advance what they want to say, and organize their thoughts accordingly. Thank you for taking the time to prep, for following a structure, for letting us know within the first few seconds what you were going to cover in the video.
Hi Dan, thank you for the feedback! I really appreciate it
Amen brother. I’m 58 years young and all I own now is steel bikes. Great video!
I am a 74-year-old cyclist and I own all of the major food groups, steel, carbon fiber, aluminum, and titanium . I recently rode my steel Marinoni bike and it brought back all the reasons why I love steel bikes. Titanium is a close second, carbon fiber is my weapon when doing a fast group ride with the folks that are 30yrs. my junior because I need all the help I can get just to hang in with this group. However, for the experience of just riding for the fun of it, a steel bike is just a joy to ride. Thanks for bringing up this topic!!!
Nice insights, thanks for sharing👍🏾
I really don’t get the difference factor that is being expressed. I ride both and I don’t see anything worth evaluating between the two. Maybe many of the comments come from steel frame riders.
@mstuartkendall - at your age be very aware of your weight. Just a few lbs is the difference between climbing and walking. All of the hill roads in the SF Bay Area were destroyed by the rains and Gavin Loathsome has no intentions of repairing them. I used to control my weight with climbing. Without, I put on an extra 5 lbs and now, climbing is painful. And headwinds, killers.
How about aluminum
Electric road bikes are the future. They are cheaper and better than an $8000 Orbea carbon non-ebike and they are getting better and better. Yes, it's cheating, but most people are riding for fun anyways. And more and more people are using them, so I don't see a trend reversal anytime soon. In fact Orbea now makes an e-road bike. Your battery will help compensate for many shortcomings you have with the traditional roadbikes.
Steel has become my favorite frame material as well. I would add that the skinny tubes and great paint jobs are also a big plus over the other materials. Steel is just more fun.
Indeed John... indeed👍🏾
I'm still riding the old School downtube shifter one, and it's awesome
I had a serious concussion in 2009, and my memory was gone. I was on the edge of dying since I couldn't even remember to eat. A cycling friend got me to a professor of neurology at Staford University. He finally worked out the proper medication and dosage to more or less return me to normal. So, I went through the entire gamut of materials from a 16 lb. Look to Time etc. Aluminum, Titanium, and finally returned to steel.I found my home. I will never go back. How did I get that concussion? A carbon fiber fork broke. It was an early generation and I don't think that would happen again, but the entire heatube fell off of the Colnago C40 of the man who got me to the Stanford doctor and he lost a finger. I've seen some pretty awful carbon fiber accidents. Imagine never having to worry about that every time you ride? I also have a Tommasini Fire that weighs 20.5 lbs with a full water bottle and seat pack. I even changed the fork to an aluminum fork with a steel steering tube. It doesn't ride as well as the Aliverti but is 2 lbs lighter and I'm about to break my 100,000th climbing foot of the year. Not bad for 78. But in 2012, I did 250,000 feet. It's much easier when you're a kid of 68.
@Tom Kunich 78! I don't know why im constantly shocked. It gives me something to look forward to I guess. You've been through all of that and still keep going. I don't know you, but im so proud of you. Truly inspirational!
@@tomkunich9401 Hi.I also think that one day we will see a nasty crash in competition with carbon,I hope I'm wrong !!
Love this. In my older years, I find myself looking for that original organic and raw experience of jumping on my bike and simply riding for the joy of it. Thank you for sharing this! We all need to get back to basics and fall in love with the sport again.
Indeed Dalton, indeed!
From an engineering standpoint you are touching on many core principles, vibrations(that feedback from the road), material properties(elasticity and ductility), strain energy and bending stiffness, for each bicycle topic you described there is a specific set of formulas that can describe in numbers what you described in words, and I think that's a beautiful thing. All of the things you mentioned experiencing made perfect sense from an engineering perspective.
Thank you C V👍🏾
Thank you for this detailed comparison. I’m new to cycling and this has opened a new door to figuring out which build I want to approach.
Great video! To repeat what most have said in the comments, you captured the essence of what we feel when riding steel. The Carbon and Titanium bike companies are not going to be happy with this video 🙂
Hi James... thanks for sharing that. I am happy about the discussion👍🏾
I'm so glad I found your channel, your explanations are practical and even for a novice like me reaffirming. I don't even own a bike yet I'm still looking but I feel more confident that cycling in definitely for me after watching your videos.
Don't know why TH-cam suggested this, but I am happy it did. I raced in the late 80's and through the mid 90's always on steel. Aluminum was established, and carbon bikes were up and coming. Anyone remember the Zipp 2001 carbon beam bike? One of the track sprinters I trained with tried it out when he was training for a flying 200m record attempt. My favorite bike I rode is still my Eddy Merckx track bike. A frame builder friend noticed the beefy chainstays swaged down to fit a standard bottom bracket lug. It was a beast of a bicycle. I always wanted a Colnago with the double downtube. Too young, and too poor to afford one. As the track sprinters I trained with said, steel is real. 😂
I am glad you are here Sixter! Thanks for watching and sharing your insights👍🏾
Wow! What a great video! Absolutely agree with everything you stated. Went back to a steel frame after years and years on aluminum. It was like a dream - and yes and felt like I was back in my childhood. Great job - thanks. Steel is real!
Honestly, as someone whose rides carbon. What you were saying bout steel makes me now understand why so many people love them and now I want one too. Great content!
Thank you Ehoss👍🏾
On road I ride steel and steel with carbon stays/fork. I have various cranks too. I think there are so many components that come into play. Handlebars and BB for example. But as the video shows the one thing he gets right is ride quality overall as all road bikes rely on the frame to act as suspension along with the other parts.
What are you riding?
@@jamesmedina2062 Put 40mm rubber on your bike and carbon turns out to be king.
@@paulb9769 I ran a similar size, 1.5 Nimbus tire at 80 psi on my S Works hardtail and it was versatile urban bike. Not all that slow either. I think I prefer my bike to have some natural springiness in the frame. My S Works M2 frame was some of the stiffest material ever used for a frame. My Independent Fabrications steel frame ride very nicely. Does your car have steel springs or no suspension and just tire compliance?
What a great video. You've managed to articulate the feeling of riding a bike with a soul. My current bike is a Surly Pack Rat made of double butted steel. More Jeep than Maserati. The ride is quietly firm, soothing at rest, alive on request.
Hi Todd, thanks for watching! I love that quote "soothing at rest, alive on request"👍🏾
Thats such a 'realistic' way to describe a good steel frame. It 'has a soul'. Amen to that! I think a good steel frame is just animated and feels so alive, when compared to most of the offerings made from the other materials.
Great video man. It takes me back to the good 'ole days of riding around on steel. This video made me recall, and put me back to the 'no agenda' days of having fun on the bike. Thanks and well done. Keep riding!
Thanks for watching superd👍🏾
Luis recently discovered your channel and an instant like for me. Why so ? Simple it’s fun, you speak from experience / knowledge, the clarity of your points and personality shine through (happy people ride bikes, many become happier people as a result 😁). Great how you chart your experience of returning to steel frames for certain rides and what you shared, very well put. But the highlight for me was your reminder cycling is all about fun (regardless of material) out with your mates, re-connecting with those feelings of freedom, living in the moment and simply enjoying it for what it is. Over complication of the modern bike world often robs us of that, but only if we let it 🤔. …..subscribed 👍
Hi Kevin! Thank you so much for supporting the channel, sharing your thoughts on many of the videos... it is greatly appreciated 👍🏾
I'm riding for several years but I enjoyed your thoughts. I hope you make more of this kind of informative videos.
Thank you Albert! I hope so as well👍🏾
One of the best descriptions of bike feel that I have heard. Great job Luis!
Thank you Christopher!
I ride a 1984 Trek 170. Like butter! When my carbon framed friends ride it they can't believe it.
Thank you for sharing. Your opinion makes a difference. Best wishes from Warsaw, Poland.
Oh boy amen to everything you said! I cannot stress how much each point is felt by myself as well. I have 4 steel bikes (3 are vintage) and all have their own personality. Best part too is you can pretty much use modern components if you want, or go the new old stock route and still have new or like new components that aren’t bad at all. Wonderful video once again!
Hi NewOldSteel! Thank you for watching. Correct! Slight mods literally give you a new bike all the time.👍🏾
I have a replica Team Panasonic Raleigh from the 80’s which was my father-in-law’s that I inherited when he passed away, R.I.P Bob 🙏🏻 I tried to renovate the components but some of them were just beyond redemption. After a professional respray I decided to go with fresh Campag components and I absolutely adore riding it. However, and there’s always a but… the Frappuccino gang of “purists” are not amused. I didn’t do all that work to impress anyone but it’s definitely worth noting that in my experience the snobbery is alive and well in the community
I agree.
Just buy a titanium bike. Get the best of both worlds
Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I felt the same while riding a steel. Mine is columbus build with campy equipped. Such a beautiful build . Steel is peace..
Hi Suriya! Thank you for watching👍🏾
I’d rather be dead than be a roadie but I’ve been utterly captivated by you TH-cam video. Now I’m beginning to think, could steel frames be the next big step forward for those of us who ride mountain bikes and e-mtbs. Keep up the good work.
In 2020 I got my hands on a 1992 Schwinn Paramount, one of the last built in the Waterford factory. Built it up with modern components and fell in love. I don’t own a carbon bike anymore and just love riding steel. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for sharing Philip👍🏾
I did not even know that they were still building them that late!
When I first started out racing in 1970, a (somewhat) local club rode NOTHING but Paramount road and track bikes with Campy record gruppos on them!
As someone who bought the aluminum frame idea in the 2000s for triathlon, it took me a long time to accept the idea of a steel-framed bicycle. I labored under the misconception that the tough guys rode steel because it was heavier. I just didn’t get that they were trying to tell me it’s better! Now you’ll never separate me from my ‘99 Lemond Zürich with Reynolds 853 steel It just makes you happy, as you said. I know it’s not modern frame geometry, but this wonderful bicycle has helped me to appreciate what a lightweight steel frame can do for the quality of every ride. now I’m looking for a modern frame with Columbus spirit tubing.
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing👍🏾
I also have a '99 Zurich, and I love it.
Thank you for sharing this. I have long (past a decade now) left the carbon (and even alu) in exchange of chromoly bikes, and you've precisely nailed it on the very intro as to why they should really give it at leas a tryt: the carefree / worry-free and sturdiness it offers, let alone that it absorbs road vibration too so the easy riding is comfortably possible :)
Hi Ghost! Thanks for sharing👍🏾
I use to work at Toga in Nyc. I drooled over masterlights, de Rosa, Gios, and Serotta.
Luis your vids have so informative and refreshing.
Love your comment at 8:10 about the communication of Steel vs. Ti vs. Carbon.! Nicely done video! I've been riding for over 50 years and have mostly ridden steel and Titanium with a few Aluminum bikes (not a favorite). I agree that a steel bike has a certain feel that can't really be explained but needs to be experienced. Thanks for you video!
Thank you for that nice comment Andrew👍🏾
The fat tube aluminum bikes were a nice "fad" until riders figured out that extra stiffness sacrificed some comfort.
I visited my sister in law in the States and she organized the loan of a carbon bike for me...sure, no energy got lost in the frame but it felt like a steel wheel over rocks, got back to England and my '70's Cinelli and it felt so smooth. To be fair on a fixed wheel in the city for a short commute I could go a carbon but I got my first steel in 1959(I think that's all there was) and I'm too old to change. Great video, and loads of interesting comments. I'll click subscribe right now
@@raynardandrews2498 I love my Specialized Allez SL Sprint comp Aluminum frame bike. It is wonderfully stiff for performance, and I don’t feel beaten up after my rides. My old 1981 chrome moly frame is a noodle by comparison. This steel frame resurgence just feels like another bike fad to me.
@maranatha3333 Understand that the addition of alloys affects the performance and "comfort" in addition to frame geometry. I owned a Raleigh Supercourse, and it was very rigid and rough on bumpy roads. But my Raleigh Pro comprised of Reynolds 531 steel alloy has much better control on rough surfaces. Bicycles have specific mechanical characteristics, so you need to find one that meets your "personal" riding preference and performance level regardless of its molecular material. But I also know a $4,000.00 carbon bike would have been totally destroyed in one of my "accidents" that my steel bike survived.
I just built a 1995 Bianchi Ti-Megatube - to replace the one I bought new in 1995 and then sold in 2001, but later began to regret selling - and it's quickly become my new fave. Very lively, fast, communicative, comfortable, etc. I also have 4 carbon, 2 steel, and 1 aluminium road bikes. I love them all, and steel is real, but by heart is now with Ti 😊Great vid and gorgeous bikes. Viva Bianchi!
Hi Viddy! Thanks for watching and sharing your bikes👍🏾
Love this video and Luis' insights...we long ago ditched my wife's aluminum Trek, which she hated, and have gone all steel, all the way: our road bikes, our tandems, our city bikes. The comfort, compliance and responsiveness of steel frames are unmatched as a superb overall compromise for riding. On rando rides, nothing will keep you in the saddle and pedaling onward like a steel frame. We do long tours on the tandems and find the same thing: less fatigue, more sheer joy of riding. Thanks, Luis, for highlighting these features!
This video is the most informative Cycling instructional I've ever viewed. So grateful for all the insight and the excellent examples. Thanks so much.
Thank you mobayguy👍🏾
Luis, I really enjoyed this video. I think steel is great for most people and its so easy to get / source a vintage frame lying around and put modern components on it. Once again really great video!
Thank you!
The repairability and restorability of steel frames is a very attractive feature. If one knows what to look for, there some great buys are around as second hand items.
This was fun to watch and interesting to hear some thoughtful and honest feedback on riding steel. I feel the same away about growing up riding bikes as a kid - it was a fun place to be, an escape, a getaway vehicle. I started getting back into steel in the last couple of yrs - in between high end carbon and aluminum and road, touring/cross and MTB frames - and mostly cause high performance is now less important, but enjoyment is. Also, you can pick up some of the highest performance frames from the 80 and 90s (Pinarellos with SLX or Peugeots' with 531) at a fraction of current higher end bikes prices and experience what you could only dream about as a kid. And in fact they are pretty darned impressive. Weight is not the issue - they track nicely, you can push them well, some even climb well and the road vibe absorption is kinda amazing - esp with a 28mm tire or bigger, if possible. Not as snappy as carbon, but if all out sprinting is not on the menu, then they are pure enjoyment. Thanks for that and keep it up.
Thanks for sharing DKTO. Agreed, some great biild candidates out there👍🏾
This was such an enjoyable and informative video, thank you!
Love this channel. I’m working on getting back into riding after 25 years of missing it. My road bike is my old Cannondale CAAD 3 with Campy 9 speed but my mountain bike (Jamis Dakota) and cross bike (Bianchi - not sure of model) are steel. Back in the day the only steel road bike I had was a Concorde. I can’t remember the model on that either but it was a great piece of machinery.
Very good points! I still ride my Bianchi Veloce 1997 from time to time. It's fast, smooth, climbs well, descends like a beast and it's easy to maintain. Not to mention that it's an absolute beauty. I love my steel bike!
Nearly completely recovered from crippling nerve damage 14 years ago, I am training for a season on my 1997 Colnago Master Light with Campy Record and a 9-Speed Triple Chain Ring.
@@MrChuck365 That's amazing. Good for you, man!
Thank you for sharing Leo!
Mandatory video for offroad riders. If you want to have fun in the wilderness steel or aluminium is the way to go, no worries if you inevitably hit the fram with all sorts of things. Like he said in the video, it's like going to that childhood fun.
👍🏾
The way you present your impressions and feelings about cycling is impressive! I have never seen such an interesting context. Greetings from Brazil!
Thank you very much Mauro👍🏾
Well done! Thorough and complete, as a detailed person, I really appreciate this. Hope to cross paths with you, someday. Wishing you, many safe and enjoyable rides!
Thanks my friend, I appreciate that👍🏾
Smooth ride is top of my list! I have 3 steel frame bikes for this reason. Amazing how you can discern these minute ride characteristics.
Hi Jerry! Thanks for watching👍🏾
It all depends on how tight the wheel base is, tubing choice and angles. I have riden steel frames and all the other materials. I do prefer a well constructed steel frame above all.
It really is all about having fun, for that steel has no competition. Great story telling!
Thank you Philip! I appreciate that 👍🏾
I thoroughly enjoyed this video, you explained the ride characteristics of steel very well, thank you 👌🏼🙌🏼
Glad you enjoyed it!
Real informative, thanks
Thanks for watching👍🏾
I know comparing MTB to road cycling is comparing apples to oranges but I can say that many of the points that you brought up hold very true in the realm of MTB. I’ve been riding carbon frames for a long time and just last year built up a steel framed hardtail and was blown away by the feedback and how that steel frame absorbed the trails.
This is good to know! Thanks for sharing👍🏾
Thank you for sharing even more experience in terms of carbon vs steel 👍 Never ridden carbon bikes, I'm very excited to try it one time to compare in a way you do it 🙂 Wanted to ask you about titanium bikes, but got an answer later in this video 😉
Thanks for watching Aleksandrs👍🏾
It's beautiful to see you enjoy the ride you look so happy and that's a beautiful feeling because some of the time you think you need to be competitive because some people are like showing and flexing their bikes. I love been out there enjoying the ride.
Thanks for watching Gustavo👍🏾
its good to see and learn from people with lots of experience in cycling. thanks for the views Luis!
Thanks for watching Mr. Moonlight👍🏾
Wow! You really can see the difference between the Colango carbon and the Bianchi steel on the rough road. The first road bike I ever bought back in 95' was a lugged steel Bianchi Allorro with Campy Mirage. It rode great but the steel threaded stem was very flexy. Great video. Thanks.
Thanks for watching 👍🏾
Hi Luis, I have been watching you for a while now and you have indeed inspired me to ride and enjoy the experience and to even challenge myself to be better. I have an alloy frame bike with campag group set I have watched your earlier review on steel frames, I have been considering a steel frame and your current review have helped me make up my mind, with that I am considering building a Colnago Master with campy group set. Would appreciate your view on the Master frame set. Keep up the great work and stay BLESSED.
Hi Kaivery! Thank you for that, I really appreciate it.
The Master is an amazing bike... you cannot go wrong with that frame. Happy building👍🏾
Still riding my Colnago Master Light with Campy Record and a 9-speed Campy Triple Chain Ring purchased in 1997. Fine wine is how I have regarded that setup since the first day I rode it in November, 25 years ago, when I was a youngster of 51. Let me add that it has been inspiring, too.
Thanks for your well thought out video.. Been riding a custom Eisentraut steel frame I got in 1987. In '95 I got a custom 531 competition track frame. I've a Peugeot aluminium with main tubes being carbon - great ride characteristics, but I feel more confident riding steel - soakes up road vibration and more solid when turning.
Thanks Bradley! That sounds like a great build
Fantastic video! I dont really enjoy riding on roads but this reminded me that I used to.. and now I want to again
Ha ha, thanks for sharing that Adam👍🏾
I ride a titanium Moots road bike and absolutely love it. The bike hangs right in there with the ultra high end carbon bikes in the group that I ride with. Having said that, I’m really wanting to build a nice steel road bike, I miss the feel of steel! I’m looking at a modern Tommasini frame. Maybe after the new year. Great video! Cheers!!
Hey Rob! Thanks for watching. Lugged Tommasini and Battaglin are so stunning👍🏾
I just bought a Battaglin Stephan Roche 30th Anniversary steel lugged frame with all Campy Chorus 12. The frame is new old stock and the components brand new. She's a thing of beauty. I am taking her out for her maiden voyage today. I always wanted something like it when I was younger and couldn't afford one. I have no doubt that it will be smooth sailing.
Funny thing is, steel and ti are now more expensive than so called ‘luxurious’ carbon.
Rob: I went to Grosseto and had a Tommasini Tecno built for me in 2014. It is like riding a piece of art!
Love my Tommasini Sintesi, I built it up with the best modern-ish components I could get in polished aluminum. Rides great, looks amazing, gets many compliments, definitely go for it, you won't regret it!
Outstanding video Luis! I have ridden steel all my life, so I can't comment on CF. For me steel means lifetime bike. One of my rides, Reynolds 531 is going on it's 48th year. It still rides great! You just knocked this video out of the park. Great analysis and comparisons you made here. 👍👍👍
Thank you! Your comment is very much appreciated👍🏾
Until I bought my Merlin Road almost 23 years ago now, EVERY serious bike I've ever owned since 1970 has been Reynolds 531, or Columbus SL/SLX.
With their bat s**t INSANE exorbitant co$tS, on top of all of the problems they have, I have no desire to buy and ride anything disc brake and carbon at this time, or EVER, unless their price$ come WAY WAY WAY down, and their (even lower model) quality goes WAY WAY WAY up!! 😉
You should take a look at some of the steel Reynolds 853 frames sometime...they are sublime. For example brands - Fairlight, Cotic, Niner, ORA, All-City, Genesis, etc...
Thanks. I have been considering purchase of titanium bike so this video helped me understand that experience. Definitely considering steel now!
Hi Pegeen! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching 👍🏾
Great video! Thanks Luis!
Thank you micheandmikey👍🏾
Only one suggestion ..add a pair of good tubulars to the steel..Heaven on earth!
This is so true! I have just sold my main bike, a carbon bike and bought a alu bike - Except for having a bit more sideways flex (which took some getting used to), I dont feel much other difference- still feels efficient - What I do feel is a lot less fear of scratching or breaking stuff!
That doesn't even make sense... Aluminum bikes break so much easier than carbon. I've been in two accidents involving cars on my carbon frame. No alu bike I've had has survived a crash. Alu can't be repaired. Carbon can quite cheaply, although a lot of places lack people who know how to do it.
Great video! I LOVE my steel bikes, and your ending remark about wanting to ditch the data is absolutely on point. I have data on my carbon bike, which gets very little use these days, as I prefer steel and ti for daily riding.
Hi Bryan! Thank you🙏🏾
I used to be a bike repairman back in 1977 (I'm 62), but I don't really understand how bikes are so different. WIth this video I think I am on my way - Thank you!
Thanks for watching James👍🏾
Got a good source for parts? Have a 70’s Gitane (aluminum).
You are so right! I worked in bike shops for years and accumulated a bunch of bikes including a couple of top level carbon. I always ride the same bike -- a steel Serotta.
Thanks for sharing your experience Chuck! Serottas are amazing👍🏾
You've described the experience of riding steel frames beautifully. My steel Wilier Superleggera is a brilliant ride no matter what kind of ride I'm on. I've never felt the same on carbon frames. I've got modern Campagnolo shifting kit on mine and while it isn't "pure" retro, the convenience is worth it. A century on a steel bike is an experience more people should have. It's an awesome feeling. Great video!
Thank you Tom! I agree about a century on a steel frame👍🏾
Tom
I couldn't resist....
Just how old are you?😁😅
A century is a really long time to still be riding!!
Those who ride campagnolo are like those who pick up chicks on a ferrari to compensate they size and potency 😂
@@rollinrat4850 😂😂
@@bikehub2396 Your ignorance is amusing.
This was very well explained thank you
Thanks for watching👍🏾
Yes! The joy of just hopping on your bicycle and taking off! My battered old three-speed is golden and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I'd also like to add that steel framed bikes do look good as well. They have that retro classic look, especially if it has chrome on it and it adds cool factor.
Thanks for sharing Robin👍🏾
I have some mixed feelings about chrome. It tends to be very prone to pitting. I'd rather see beautifully executed paint. Think fancy Joe Bell, Brian Bayliss, or Bryan Myers paint jobs.
My second real race bike was a 531 ALL chrome Falcon with a full Campy Record gruppo on it.
Just bought an 81' Colnago Super, and it's beautiful. I was inspired after getting an old Peugeot road bike for fun, and I just kept wanting to ride that thing all the time. I agree that there's definitely something simple and fun about the classic steel bikes. Thanks for the video!
Thanks Darren! The Super is a winner... great story 👍🏾
i own 7 peugeot now and every one is different but my fav is the 1 my brother in law braught back from germany in 1972 and it is full on touring fenders and all even with its own generator and lights
One can ride everything: Aluminum, Titanium, Carbon, but only STEEL IS REAL! A steel frame has a soul. Comfort and durability are great! Steel is working for a lifetime.
Rain and for example the cheap SHIMANO square bottom bracket BB-UN26 has never be a problem.
What a joy to hear Luis talking lovingly about steel frames. I've always had only steel frames (Reynolds 531), except for one full carbon- a Peugeot Vitus. Didn't keee that joey for very long. I used to do mainly touring, so carrying sachets on the back. I have a lightweight French steel racer- full Campy, circa 1974. Great machine. But my prized bike is the Raleigh Record Ace- one of the most beautiful bikes ever built.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience Luis. God bless.
Greetings from France. Ralph.
Hi Ralph! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us👍🏾
Raleigh, great bikes, the choice of Peter Post in the 70th. My theory is the carbon frames of late and horrific crashes are linked. Steel frames are more forgiving. I road a carbon bike back 2007 (a Willier). Hated it. On tiled bicycle path it was uncomfortable. Kept my Pinarello.
Absolutely agree. I made the switch to steel about five years ago. In fact I don't ride any carbon anymore. I've had three carbon bikes in the past and liked them very much but wound up cracking two of them. One was a defect and the other was in a crash. Steel is just so much more comfortable and dare I say durable. I love them so much that I now own two (gravel) and one titanium road. As for the titanium, yes it doesn't talk to me like steel but wow what a buttery ride. Love the video and content.
Hi Chris, thank you for sharing that... it is really appreciated!
Luis, right on! When you feel good any bike is the best bike. My route times on steel , carbon or aluminum are comparable, however my grin ratio is way off the charts on my Gios , Gitane and Masi. It is about the love of bikes. Like you referred to biking as a kid. It is all about fun. As I get older comfort is more important. My 14 LB Cervelo is my least comfortable bike I own. I think the gravel bike brings this love back to the new cyclist, however I am and old roadie and steel is where the love is. Viva Velo, Grand Junction, Colorado
Hi there! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. The 1st time I rode gravel, I was so excited the night before, I couldn't sleep... these experiences make the sport awesome👍🏾
When I started riding, all the cool guys save for the one dude on an early Klein Team Super rode Campy equipped Gios Super Records. I never had the privilege.
A very valid and valuable assessment ! Metallurgy in manufacturing and design continues to progress in development and some of the newer more exotic metals are exceptional !
Thanks for watching Andre! Let's see what the future holds👍🏾
great info! thank you!!!
Thanks for watching👍🏾
This was fascinating to me. Haven't ridden since the mid 70's, when performance meant double-butted tubes and silk sew-ups. Actually went to high school with some of the guys who invented mountain bikes here in Marin. I've seen the changes in tech over the years, but this in the first "contrast and compare" I've seen between the new and old materials while being used in modern designs.
And it all makes perfect sense. Steel can exceptionally stiff and hard, or makes excellent springs. Carbon fiber and aluminum can be stiff, but you don't see a lot of knives or springs made from either. Steel has that hard/tough and resilient/flexible thing down pat. Don't know what's replaced our iconic Reynolds 531, but I know there have been amazing advances in metallurgy in the last 55 years. I heard somewhere that folks have started tempering tubes for frames, which would add a whole new level of control of the frame's characteristics.
Great job of analyzing the performance differences of the materials!
Hi siamsasean! I really appreciate your comments. 40 something years is a long time off the bike but your insights are priceless. I believe the 853 has taken the place of the 531 and the advances in steel will continue. Thanks again🙏🏾
Reynolds 853?
I'm not into the athetic side of cycling, so my priorities and experiences are different, but I love my two steel bikes. One is a more aggressive road style bike and it's pretty great. My other one is a dutch city bike and I can cruise around on that all day!
Thanks for sharing Thalass👍🏾
I am also a fan of steel. I enjoy the springiness of some steel frames. It makes for a fun and very responsive ride. My favorite frame gave me the feeling that it was part of my body, an extension of me. Like it was one with me. And a lot of fun. Exhilarating.
You raise some interesting points and I agree with you for the most part. I have enjoyed riding carbon and even aluminum frame bikes but for sheer enjoyment, nothing beats my steel frame Bianchi (Tipo Corsa) build with Fulcrum wheels and Campagnolo components. Really nice presentation.
Thank you Henry👍🏾
Well said all around. I own all three: Carbon, steel, and Ti, but my 2008 Lemond Sarthe (with a mix of Dura-Ace 9100 and Ultregra 6800 + Roval CLX50's is the only one with soul! Plus the expression on peoples' faces when you're passing their $6,000 frame on your $400 used, steel frame, is priceless!
Thank you for sharing Peter!
Imagine a LBS where this kind of perspective was part of a pre-bike-fit conversation... I would definitely favor it. Good stuff, thank you.
Dawn, that is how it was done in the past.
@@thegoodwheel BINGO! I was the back shop manager in a small upstate N.Y. shop. We sold several smaller brands of road bicycles and at the time steel was the primary material with a smattering of aluminum thrown into the mix. For our shop with what we sold we always qualified the customer with during conversations as well as looking at their size, build, injuries, etc. From that we would explain which models of bicycle would be choices to focus on.
People like me that is in the center of the bell curve were ALWAYS easy from a fit perspective. Where we tended to do well were the people on the ends of the curve. It was a fun challenge to find and fit people that were sub 5 ft or 6 ft 6in+. Those were ALWAYS the people we enjoyed getting on a good bike.
@@parrisgeorge9708 Or people with weird leg to torso proportions.
Yes, they all seem to be compelled to push you onto a crunchy carbon, fully integrated aero, disc braked bike nowadays since that is all they stock, that is all most of the manufacturers provide, and their profits (and YES, I DO understand that they have to stay in business!) are exponentially more on the $10K+ USD bikes (as well as labor being 4x as much to service/maintain those hydraulic disc brakes, crappy bottom brackets, and hidden/'integrated' everything.
But, they should not be lying to their customers telling them that ALL of their power will be wasted on anything but carbon frames, and that they risk death with anything but disc brakes.
@@christopheroliver148 I just saw your reply. And you're 100+% spot on. When I worked in a shop it was an era before fitting systems with the exception of the Fit Kit which we didn't have. Our main high end bike brand was Serotta so we DID have a Size Cycle. We didn't so much use it as a dogmatic system. We would duplicate different bike setups on it and work with the cyclist watching how their body would settle in. It was much more watch and listen to our customer as they pedaled different setups.
That tool also saved everyone money in the end because instead of the customer and us going through a number of bars, stems, saddles, etc. We generally got things nailed well from the jump for them. It also meant that they generally would ride more.
Great video, and all great points. Thanks. You referenced a CAAD 10. I have one, and its my main bike. Love it.
Thank you Brian👍🏾
@@thegoodwheel welcome
I recently found your channel and I have enjoyed your commentary. I started road racing in the mid-eighties and used bikes almost exclusively with steel frames, I agree a steel frame communicates with the rider. In 2022 I purchased my first carbon frame and the experience was revelatory. I noticed the immediate "liveliness" of the frame and how responsive carbon is for acceleration and climbing. I do agree that carbon is less forgiving on rough roads but as always there is some trade-off for performance vs. comfort. Thank you for your insights.
Thank you for sharing your experience stibbbs!
Great video, I have one of each. Steel, alloy and carbon (can’t afford ti).The one I now prefer most is the alloy bike with 28 mm tires. It feels solid like the other two don’t, fast yet smooth with the wider tyres. I will continue to ride the others but for myself now I’d choose the alloy any day and I also have removed all electronic devices to enjoy the ride more. :)
Great point!
Lynskey is having a big sale right now, you can get a force 22 equipped road bike for less than 3000
I absolutely love the classic look of steel frames. I only got into cycling in 2020 (pandemic closed down my gyms). I went down the rabbit hole since then...Fuji Sportif 2.1 > Chinese Carbon Bike (Sava with 105) > Specialized Tarmac SL6 (current ride) but also have a Velobuild. I still have all the bikes. I honestly miss riding my Alloy Fuji Sportif...I do enjoy my Specialized but it's disc brake and I miss the rim brake look and ease of maintenance.
Hi Silidons! Wecome to this amazing passion. That sounds like a path of bikes many have taken👍🏾
Great video. When I owned 13 bikes one was carbon; one was titanium; the rest were steel. Fell in love with a Specialized Allez by Jim Mercer and a Miyata 912. Now I only have 5 bikes--Miyata 912 , Miyata Pro, Bridgestone 112, Centurion GT, and an Ibis Mojo hard tail. All steel, and 4 are vintage Japanese steel from the 80s. I love how the road bikes flex when holding the road and snap back when slaloming down a hill.
Hi Norm! That's quiet a stable, thanks for sharing👍🏾
I must say, you sir own some extremely beautiful looking bikes. And seeing that gorgeous machine at 9.24 with the gear shifters on the down tube has brought back some very happy memories of when I was younger, thank you
Thank you Paul!
I have a carbon bike, but I also ride a steel frame bike and have no complaints. It's not an old-school bike; it was built in 2019 with high-quality components on a Colombus steel frame. It's plenty good for me and most amateur riders.
Thanks for sharing Éric👍🏾
Great video! In the old days we used to talk about how steel was “alive” and “responded back to you.” I’m glad you had a great experience on it. I got a Specialized Aethos and one reason I love it is because it has some attributes that make it feel like steel.
Thank you for sharing that Gary!
I completely agree. Currently riding a Ritchey Swiss Cross to commute, I also own a 1984 Casati Monza for local cafe rides, both pure joys. Well done, articulate, insightful video. Thank you.
Thank you T D👍🏾
Great video. I gave up carbon for steel (Fairlight Strael 3.0) 3 years ago and have never looked back. I found the ultimate balance of performance, speed, comfort, handling, reliability, and durability that I was always looking for. #steelisreal
I've been cycling for 25+ years and my steel frames are ones that i normally ride. It's like you said there is a carefree feeling when riding steel.
Thank you for watching and sharing your insights warrior!
Don't understand the carefree feeling. Why is that?
@@vancelray dunno, theres no other difference than weight.
The first would be the cost of repair/replacement. I've seen stones crack carbon and manufactures not willing to warranty the replacement. English tread BB on 99.9% of all steel frames. Carbon frames are the best, but steel is this riders go to 90% of the time. If you make it a single speed the smile on my face gets bigger.
Hi, nice commentary of steel frames. I have been an amateur cyclist for 30 years now, rode every frame material except titanium. Carbon frames have been the most comfortable for me. I had a steel Mondonico with neuron tubing, long rides were really hard on my lower back. I’m 61, comfort and lightweight performance is what matters to me. I love to climb, my Carbon Argon18 gallium Pro with Dura ace is really a sweet ride. Don’t forget that excellent wheels is half the ride of your bike. You can have a carbon, or steel frame. If your wheels are on the low end, you are really missing out on the performance of your frameset. Your video should of included the importance of good wheels!
Hi TheDom61! Thank you for sharing your experience👍🏾
I think that the quality Mavic wheels on my Bianchi Eros made my bicycle so pleasant and efficient.
That is so true and the reason why I'm more a fan of wheel's than frames.
which wheels is good
This is a great video my man - well done!
Thank you!
Luis you are such a relatable and informative rider. Really enjoy your videos! I’m out looking for a steel frame to rebuild now!😁
Ha ha... love it! Enjoy the search👍🏾
Been riding 50 years and almost all my rides are steel. Love the material and yes my single aluminum frame is harsher even with the suspension. Very well done job explaining the "feeling" that steel framed bikes give you while riding them.
Wow, I agree that Carbon bikes may be overrated (I ride a carbon bike hahaha my one and only road bike i've owned) but are aluminum bikes that uncomfortable? I prioritise confort over basically anything (second being how long they last and hold their value)... I bought my girlfriend a Aluminum bike and only ride with her on the smoothest road near us... She's very fast on it but i didn't know she may be uncomfortable (She's never complained)... I was planing on getting a Aluminum for my self, too! This has made me reconsider a lot of things, thanks, dude.
Thank you for sharing your experience David👍🏾
@@chalo212 Aluminum is comfortable enough. Most of the comfort thing can be related to type of cycling gloves used, type of saddle, type of short, tire pressure, and even body position. Steel does absorb vibrations better, but if asphalt roads are so bad that it is a problem with aluminum, you better call your city to fix the roads. Most roads bike above an entry level price point come with carbon forks.😀
@@chalo212comfort on a bike has to do with the set up of the seat, seat post height, crank length, and handle bar width, height and distance from the seat. If you're not comfortable or are experiencing pain after riding then something is set up incorrectly. Like when you finally set up your seat & seat post height correctly your butt will never be sore or uncomfortable. It's like you're floating on the bike. Definitely play around with your settings!
@@TarmanTheChampion Thanks for the reply ! I went on and switched bikes. 52 size frame couldnt be saved. Switched to 49 and I immediately felt hooked up with the bike. Setting everything else was easy as you say! This new bike is way heavier yet I feel so much better
I started on aluminum, but could only get a few rides in before I would break the frame, I switched to a Chrome alloy and still broke it a few times in one summer, once going up a ramp, made the landing extra fun 😆, I got a carbon almost 5 years ago, and it hasn't broke yet.
I like how rigid carbon is, It lets my suspension do all the work, and it's more predictable.
But I'm not a roadie LOL.
It was interesting to see what the other side thinks of bikes, nice video!
Thanks for sharing your expefrom the mtb side Biker Adam👍🏾
Makes me remember the times when I was young and riding a steel bike. Even later on my first MTB was made of steel. Now I am on Aluminium and Carbon.Thank you for making the point! Cheers Erwin
Thank you Erwin👍🏾
Don’t know how I lost touch with your channel but I’m glad to see you back in my feed. My CAAD12 is 8 yrs. old, the next bike I buy will be my last. Seriously considering steel. Steel IS real!
How you presented your experience in the first chapter is so damn relatable. I do ride a carbon frame and pretty electronic shifting but what you described is exactly what cycling means to me. I can definitely see how carbon frames and high tech caters people away from just having fun to feeling the need to be good in a sport and always needing to improve.
Thank you Andre👍🏾
To me carbon is worry about damage, I am looking at aluminium frame
@@mlee6050 Mhh idk for me aluminum is way less comfortable. If it’s a bike just for sports. Don’t worry about damaging it. People shred downhill on Carbon. Formula cars use carbon. If it is for commuting or locking it somewhere where you don’t know if someone might knock it over or so, go with steel.
@@RAP4EVERMRC96 yes but when I spent £4k on the carbon bike 6.7kg is nice, but my own money and not rich so unless sponsored, maybe I learn with aluminium as looking at Trek Emonda ALR frame with SRAM red etap axs (was looking at rival mechanical original) be lighter than average carbon bike think even if rival but alloy tubular is fun to find, looking more aero and long lasting than light weight
@@mlee6050 looks like a great bike. go for it. But then why go for red etap? the new Force etap is better and cheaper i think. And also the weight difference between rival, force and red is minimal. Go for rival.
At the bike shop my coworkers and I can ride anything we want and we are “lifers”, been at this for a long time. We all have steel bikes! Thanks for explaining the magic that steel is. 👍🏼
Hey John! Say it louder for the people in the back👍🏾
Fantastic channel Luis,Thank you!
Thanks for watching👍🏾
The Buffalo Bicycle uses extra thick steel tubing, so it's owners can modify the bike by welding to the frame without losing structural integrity. They allow people in Africa and South America to have a higher quality of life by having reliable transportation. The back rack of the Buffalo bike is rated to carry 220#. The work horse of all bikes uses steel because it is built to last.