Joe Bender-Zanoni writes:
> Brian,
>
> Could you give your opinion of Falck (right spelling I think)
The tubing decal I hold in my hand is spelled Falk.
Tubi Conificati
FALK
Acciaio Temperato
Marca Depositata
> and Vitus 973?
In the book "Bicycle Metallurgy for the Cyclist" by Douglas Hayduk, the author spoke of Vitus' top steel, maybe it was 973 (sorry I don't remember nor do I have the book), as being the best steel in any of the bike tube brands. He said the grain size being smaller than Reynolds or Columbus resulted in less strength loss due to heating, and better fatigue characteristics. It also had a little different alloying, with Vanadium if I remember correctly. Well that's just one vote for Vitus, but I remember being impressed with the book at the time, seemed like he knew his subject.
Mark Bulgier
Seattle, Wa
USA