Quote:
Originally Posted by OtayBW
I'm wondering what the rationale was for this comment about modern steel vs stainless - performance issue or just the builder's preference?
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For us, it's an issue with durability and expense. We do an XCr frame as well as an HSS/Spirit frame. The cost is higher on the stainless and it's a pain to weld. For a lugged frame, you wouldn't have the welding issues. You can burn thru it super fast and it's tough.
The durability thing, the tubing is stupid thin. And it can dent relatively easily if you aren't careful. On the same note tho, I had RBA do a review of our Elite HSS and they dented the downtube of it. You wouldn't know it if you didn't look hard or have it pointed out. I had that bike at NAHBS.
Stainless frames are stiffer than modern steel frames. At least that's what we've found. I had a customer who was looking at ti or ss and he called a bunch of US builders and they all said the same thing, go with a ti frame.