Looking at a few bikes that are steel with either Muscle or Carve carbon forks and chain/seat stays. There seems to be a significant price premium for the Muscle…what’s the difference?
Anyone?
Umm? Do you have any pics or links?
Both are Columbus brands. I believe the Muscle has some of the metal-plated fibers (similar to what you see in something like the Prince triple-threat rackets). It is a neat technology, pioneered by a company that my friend’s grandfather started. The fibers are actually each plated with several microns of copper/nickel/titanium/etc. The silver ones you see are actually nickel. It makes each fiber notably stronger, but also increases the weight. The Muscle also may use higher-modulus fibers. This would likely make it lighter and could also make it stiffer, all other things being equal.