Although steel is sometimes regarded as ‘old-fashioned’, it is actually an excellent material for building bicycle frames. High tensile steels have far greater ultimate strength and stiffness values than aluminium alloy or titanium alloy; in fact, some modern steels have higher strength-to-weight ratios than aluminium and titanium. Steel responds well in fatigue conditions, and is able to withstand the repeated stress typically placed on a bicycle or tricycle frame, much more effectively than aluminium. If scratched or subject to minor impacts, steel is also fairly ‘forgiving’, in contrast to highly notch-sensitive carbon-fibre materials, which are more likely to fail following minor damage. Used intelligently, steel can be used to build great frames for all cycling disciplines. Specifically, a steel cycle frame can impart a better ‘feel’ and ride comfort than its aluminium equivalent.