Alu x steel frame again

PJPenrouz

I'm aware this has been discussed here many times. I also have the experience of both alu and steel bike riding and understand the material differences. However, still would like to know your opinions.
I have a hybrid (roadish) alu farme bike. It's fast and very responsive, rigid (as alu should), but it's also quite uncomfortable, especially for longish commutes I do every day. So the plan is to get something similar, but steel. Now, is the responsivness (that's what I like) of my current alu bike due to the frame material or due to something else (rigid cranks)? Would that be lost with a steel frame?
I've ridden only steel mountain bikes so I cannot tell what a steel road frame feel like.
Any shared experiences would be appreciated.
Cheers
Pavel

portuguese mike

If its a responsive ride your after then i doubt a decent steel frame will disapoint. traditionaly steel frames have been noted for their springyness (for want of a better word) or liveliness as well as for their smooth ride quality.

I have both aluminium and steel framed road bikes ( a Cannondale R900 and Waterford R33 respectively) and although the 'dale is stiffer in outright terms its not by much and when riding them back to back the R33 actually feels quicker because of its acceleration.

coupled with the vastly improved comfort levels it's a no brainer especially over longer rides.

your best bet though is to try to have a test ride on the sort of thing you had in mind and see for yourself.

Monty Dog

It really depends on the type and size of tubing too - some steel frames can be surprisingly harsh, particularly the oversize tubes e.g. something like Columbus Nivachrom or Max. If you want durability and comfort, titanium is also worth looking at - you can buy a ti frame from the likes of Van Nicholas or Setavento for the same price as some custom steel frames.