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853 is stronger in tension and so the tubeset can be made thinner for the same "strength" allowing for a lighter frame for the same tube OD (but flexier), a stiffer for the same weight (using a larger diameter tube) or a combination of both. This is why 853/953 road frames can be very nice
That doesn't really apply to MTBs though as thinner walls buckle and dent more from the type of use a regular MTB can face. Hence when CEN testing came in, lightweight production 853 framed MTBs disappeared overnight as wall thicknesses went up. Longer forks and more rad terrain being ridden didn't help either.
leggy_blonde-
Yeah I would agree that CEN and longer travel killed the "Steel is real" we all associated with the Konas etc we rode in the 90s and steel frames went through a phase of being a bit dull in comparison. I think a few designers are starting to get their heads round it now in tubing choice and coupled with better geo are producing good steel frames again.
Anyway this is becoming a bit STW now and derailing Hippys saga....
velosaurus
Makes me question what the point of any frames being made out of 853 is then?
I guess comes down to perception bias. Some will perceive 853 rides better, some will perceive there is no difference (usually before even test riding, looking at how tubing has been used, geo or other factors such as intended use or rider weight).
I have had 4130 frames that ride superb (Town Crier) and 853 frames that were terrible (Mk1 Sir9/Mk1 Solaris), but thats just my experience and based on my own perceptions.