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 Reason I say that is I believe many are under the mistaken impression that steel bikes are boat anchors and outdated technology, neither of which is correct as this video shows.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!

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.

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

Amen brother. I’m 58 years young and all I own now is steel bikes. Great video!

Don't know why KZfaq 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. 😂

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 🙂

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

For a casual rider who is 20-30 lbs overweight 2-3 lbs of frame weight difference is nothing compared to having an ability to abuse the bike and keep it safe

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 👍

I'm riding for several years but I enjoyed your thoughts. I hope you make more of this kind of informative videos.

One of the best descriptions of bike feel that I have heard. Great job Luis!

Luis your vids have so informative and refreshing.

I use to work at Toga in Nyc. I drooled over masterlights, de Rosa, Gios, and Serotta.

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!

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!

I ride a 1984 Trek 170. Like butter! When my carbon framed friends ride it they can't believe it.

The way you present your impressions and feelings about cycling is impressive! I have never seen such an interesting context. Greetings from Brazil!

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!

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. 👍🏼

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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!

Thank you for sharing. Your opinion makes a difference. Best wishes from Warsaw, Poland.

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..

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.

its good to see and learn from people with lots of experience in cycling. thanks for the views Luis!

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!

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!

It really is all about having fun, for that steel has no competition. Great story telling!

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!

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.

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. 👍👍👍

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!

This was such an enjoyable and informative video, thank you!

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.

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!

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 :)

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.

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.

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.

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!

I’d rather be dead than be a roadie but I’ve been utterly captivated by you KZfaq 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.

I thoroughly enjoyed this video, you explained the ride characteristics of steel very well, thank you 👌🏼🙌🏼

Only one suggestion ..add a pair of good tubulars to the steel..Heaven on earth!

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.

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.

Luis you are such a relatable and informative rider. Really enjoy your videos! I’m out looking for a steel frame to rebuild now!😁

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 😉

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.

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 !

Fantastic video! I dont really enjoy riding on roads but this reminded me that I used to.. and now I want to again

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!

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!

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.

I’ve seen this video more than once and love the detail put into it.

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.

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!

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

The fun idea got me hooked to finish your video. I do think there are many elements that take the fun out of it after a while.

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.

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!

Yep, can't complain about my steel Schwinn Road Bike from the 80s/90s. Seems to keep up with the latest bikes just fine. One of the joys I find about riding a steel bike is that I'm never scared of breaking it just by riding through a puddle or pot hole.

Good to know. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Shout out from S.Korea

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

Steel is real! It’s not only a better ride but the frames are classic and sexy looking. Respect to the super elite people who require carbon to race, but for us mere mortals I’ll take Reynolds or Columbus. Cheers

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.

First of all you are in really good shape! I've ridden everything from Aluminium to Carbon to Steel in mountain biking over many years. There is far too much marketing hype involved in cycling today. Each type of material has its own merits. Steel is wonderfully forgiving material for bikes, which I rode for years. Carbon is another story, so it all comes down to who are you a a cyclist and what works for you.

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.

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. :)

At 1:50 in group ride you were doing 27 mph. That's when I realised you're in a different league from me,. My average is about 12 mph, with a max of 25 downhill with a tailwind. Still I enjoy the coffee and scone after about an hour, and it gets me out in the fresh air. Ride safe.

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.

It should also be mentioned that you can get a high quality steel frame custom made to your specs and riding style for much less cash than a quality carbon frame that came out of a one size fits all mold. I ride a custom Waterford, made by Richard Schwinn in Waterford Wisconsin. No need to to send all your money to Taiwan or China.

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!

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.

Real informative, thanks

If someone want to race they ride carbon. But if someone wants to ride for the fun and enjoyment of it (which is most of us), you ride steel. Great content, your comparison nailed it 👏

One factor that people don't take into account when buying a frame set and building out their bike is body type and riding style. The simple thing to remember is "Steel is Real."

The first time I rode a well built steel road bike I fell in love with it, that was 1987, it belonged to a friend, I bought it from him in 1992, I still own it and it still rides like a dream.

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

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.

Very nice video! Just thinking when I was a kid, we just hopped on our bikes and went for a ride, not really caring about handling, cornering, accelerating , or what a frame was made out of. And the only thing we talked about when it came to bikes was fixing a flat tire from time to time. I'm kinda amazed that this phenomenon now known as cycling has such an incredible knowledge base that may be difficult for some of us bicyclists from decades ago to get used to hearing or caring about. I ride a Specialized Crossroads hybrid commuter bike and never think about anything other than checking the air pressure in my tires before riding almost every day. I have a lot of fun running errands or just cycling for the sake of cycling without a care in the world. That's the kind of thing that reminds me of being a 10 year old on my bike when I guess you could say a bike was little more than a toy. Now, it seems like a bicycle is so much more than that, and competition and a technological knowledge appear to be almost a requirement nowadays to fit in. Still, I enjoyed hearing you talk about cycling in such a detailed but interesting way. I pick up useful tips here and there. Many thanks for putting such an engaging video together for us!

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.

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.