I was of the opinion that Thron tubing was one of the lower grades.

But recently I read an old article that had tests of all of the Columbus tube in frames that were all similar in several different sizes and by a variety of different size riders.

Oddly enough ALL of the riders preferred the bikes made from Thron tubing.

Now I believe that Thron and Reynolds 531 were virtually identical.

Has anyone had experience with this?

My Basso and Eddy Merckx are both made from Columbus SLX though the Basso tubing is a little larger diameter than the Eddy. These bikes assembled are about 2 lbs difference from my C40 was assembled with the same components.

The ride of the steel is better than the CF or Al bikes which are far too stiff.

But as of about six months ago virtually all bike sales of upper level bikes ceased in this area and I suspect elsewhere as well. There is still some sales of 29ers but otherwise nada.