I have been lucky enough to race on several teams that have been sponsored by various bike companies. Case in point, I am now on my 12th frame. I started on steel when I was a junior (loved my Eddy Merck) and continued to ride steel on and off until about 6 years ago. First off, steel is heavy. Sure Columbus Nimo is light stuff if you are sub 150 lbs., but due to the lack of structural integrity and expense, it is no longer available. I have always appreciated the fine craft of hand-built brazed steel frames, but ride some of the new compact aluminum or carbon bikes available and I guarentee that you will find it hard to switch back to steel. Over the last 4 years I have ridden various Cannondales and Trek OCLV frames. The last bike I rode was one of the last Schwinn Fastbacks made in the USA and it was amazing....light and stiff + great ride (17lbs buit w/ Dura Ace). Recently, I have had the opportunity to ride a Giant compact TCR aluminum team frame (just like pro cycling team Once does in Europe) The Giant has the ride qualities of carbon w/ the stiffness of aluminum. The overall road feel is very light, smooth and quick. The bike tracks extremelly well for its agressive design although to some, it may not seem as solid of a ride as steel. Personally, I think this has to due with the fact that steel is heavier. The stock Dura Ace bike weighs 16 lbs and is very stiff due to the compact rear triangle. Rode 4.5 hours yesterday and was far from being beat up. Steel may be the real thing to some, but show up to any regional race in the US or check out what the pro peloton is riding in Europe and I doubt you will see many steel frames at all. It took some time for me to finally admit it, but I would rather ride a top of the line mass produced Giant than a steel made DeRosa. But keep in mind for $4,000 (frame/fork only) you can ride a DeRosa King, which BTW is a carbon fibre compact design. Cycling is a lot like audio....has all the ingredients for the old analog vs. digital debate.
