"Science is the study of how nature works. Truth about the constitution and relationships of nature's elements is its goal; but this is a goal that is not reachable, except in the minds of the absurdly arrogant. Without disparate views and intellectual challenge, the study and its progress towards its goal (at best an asymptotic endeavor) would shrivel on the vine."
Before we go poo-pooing all that there science stuff, let's recognize that there are certain questions to which I've not seen definitive, scientific answers over the course of our current debate. Notably:
1 - Is it possible to design a "lightweight" steel bicycle frame which will not show any signs of fatigue over the stress cycles likely to be seen in several hundred years of use?
2 - Is it possible to design a "lightweight" steel bicycle frame which keeps the stresses within the endurance limits of the material, which would take fatigue concerns completely off the table? (Thanks, Joe!)
3 - Is there a reasonable explanation as to why fatigue or other results of repeated cycling would cause a frame to "soften" before failing?
I don't know the answers to these questions. If someone does, please educate me. Until these questions are answered, no one can definitively state that science proves that a properly designed steel frame will not "soften up" over time. From what I've seen, it seems likely that lightweight steel frames can be designed to last indefinitely, but I cannot say I'm 100% sure of that statement.
Yours,
Forbes Bagatelle-Black Santa Clarita, CA
Join the "Bicycle Restoration Group" at http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/