| Before the the coming of [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon-fiber-reinforced_polymers|carbon]] in 1990, all mountain bikes started their life as a box of metal tubes. Before [[canon:start|Cannondale]] and [[klein:start|Klein]] made aluminum commonplace in 1984, 99% of all MTBs were built from steel tubing((Other early Al frames include: [[cc:start|Cunningham, 1978 -> 1993]], [[snr:start|Speed & Research, 1982]], [[crotch:start|Crotch Rocket, 1983]], ...)) from dozens of suppliers, from gas pipe to Reynolds. MTBs with a quality steel sticker were a cut above the rest, and probably a lot lighter as well. How important are these stickers, other than in dating the bike? A full materials science primer will follow, but for now, consider two bicycles: | Before the the coming of [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon-fiber-reinforced_polymers|carbon]] in 1990, all mountain bikes started their life as a box of metal tubes. Before [[canon:start|Cannondale]] and [[klein:start|Klein]] made aluminum commonplace in 1984, 99% of all MTBs were built from steel tubing((Other early Al frames include: [[cc:start|Cunningham, 1978 -> 1993]], [[snr:start|Speed & Research, 1982]], [[crotch:start|Crotch Rocket, 1983]], [[kettler:start|Kettler, 1984+]]...)) from dozens of suppliers, from gas pipe to Reynolds. MTBs with a quality steel sticker were a cut above the rest, and probably a lot lighter as well. How important are these stickers, other than in dating the bike? A full materials science primer will follow, but for now, consider two bicycles: |
| * A 2024 [[https://www.homedepot.com/p/Huffy-Classic-Deluxe-26-in-Men-s-Cruiser-Bike-26648/304490184|Huffy Classic Deluxe]], complete with fenders, basket, rack and a chain guard. Single speed. | * A 2024 [[https://www.homedepot.com/p/Huffy-Classic-Deluxe-26-in-Men-s-Cruiser-Bike-26648/304490184|Huffy Classic Deluxe]], complete with fenders, basket, rack and a chain guard. Single speed. |
