The history of the steel frame can be written. It has been clear for more than ten years that aluminium has the greater potential as a material for stiff, lightweight racing bike frames. And the further development of the material carbon is once again increasing the gap between steel frames and the leaders. Figures show that since 1990, the market share of steel as a material for racing bike frames has fallen from almost one hundred per cent to around one to two per cent.
But wait: is the requiem for this traditional material perhaps coming too soon? There are increasing signs that steel is experiencing a small renaissance in frame construction. Word is reaching Europe from Japan and the USA that well-heeled racing bike fans there are going crazy for steel frames - especially when a classic Italian brand name adorns the down tube. And demand seems to be on the rise here in Germany too. Frame builder Günter Krautscheid from Bochum is convinced: "Steel is coming back." Five years ago, no more than a quarter of Krabo frames were made of steel, now it is almost three quarters again - and Krautscheid's order book is well filled.
If such statements are more than the famous whistling in the woods of the last steel frame builders, the question arises: What are the causes of the steel revival?
Read in the PDF download how the following models proved themselves in the test:
Grandis Overmax Racing, Krabo Spirit, Norwid Limfjord, Scapin S 8 Sloping
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