These stereotypical statements about how different materials ride is confusing. For example, steel is smooth while aluminum is rough. I know, from riding mountain bikes extensively, and road bikes a bit, that such stereotypes are somewhat misleading.

I don't believe material is nearly as important as tire pressure in both mtb and road biking. However, there has to be something to it because so many people believe this stuff. They can't all be wrong.

What do you think? Is is essentially a placebo effect?

Jaybo

Far more important than the material is the design - tube diameter, wall thickness, butting, swaging, shaping, and in the case of CF, how the fibers are laid up. Frame geometry factors in as well. And, as you say, wheels, tires, tire pressure, and saddle compliance all have a strong influence on ride. The material reputation comes from design. Back in the day, Al frames were made with small diameter tubes (same as steel) and so gave a cushy ride. When large tube aluminum frames came out, Al got the reputation for having a stiff ride. All due to design, not to the material properties.

I have no doubt that some people can detect differences between materials. But I'm not one of them. For me, beyond a certain price point they all ride about the same. Much more leverage with a change of 10 psi than from the tubeset. I also think than in the early days of some of our more popular materials choices, the differences between them were considerably more stark than they are today. And so opinions emerge.

Since there are people who can tell the difference, certain beliefs will develop. And given the ability of 1000s of people to communicate in this medium, those beliefs can become widespread. To those of us lacking the sensory ability to detect significant differences, these beliefs appear inconceivable. To those who can detect the differences, those who cannot appear misinformed. And so we have the seed of an eternal materials debate.

Throw in brand preferences, pride, how money much was spent and general cantankerousness and you end up with the brawl that often emerges from the debate.