I came across this comment and just thought to write that I agree with this view too.
Sunn built some truly amazing steel bikes with a selection of tubing that was very sophisticated like excel 0.7 - 0.5 -07 as you can see in their catalogues. But the quality of the welds are not there.
Came...
I was racing this exact same bike in 54cm BITD.
I found it way too stiff for my liking so it was tough riding up hill but you could definetely build a very light bike overall and was top for sprinting.
Well it depends really. If you are talking about major mainstream brands then surely that's mostly the case. Otherwise, there are frame builders nowardays that are still using old stock tubesets from Reynolds, Columbus and Tange that make modern steel gravel or MTBs (29ers or 27.5ers) with...
Nice convo and very interesting points so far.
As already said, it's very hard to make a durable MTB frame in alu that is already flexible enough to be comfortable for long rides.
I think alu frames are best when they are made for full suspensions or at least hardails with long travel front...
Still have mine with my Thorn MK2. I think if the frame is not made for them, it's hard to see the added benefits.
Still though, I wouldn't change mine for anything. It removes or worries with derailleurs and maintenance.
Been skidding on early 2000s rear Marathon tyre for the past 3+ years on the way to and from work and it has barely lost any thread.
I just don't know what to say about these tyres. Not comfy for sure, but no other all road tyre in 26 comes close enough.
hmmmm I would start by questioning whether this is actually a Yeti frame... It doesn't look to be. Not looking at the rear drop outs.
Hope I am wrong as otherwise it would be a bargain of course!