Ages and ages ago the magazine had a feature where they had a steel and ti charge duster with identical build kits.
If someone rode one they rode the other and had to describe the differences.
I can’t remember exactly what the conclusion was, it was not everyone preferred the ti one. There were lots of guesses about the difference..
What that said to me is that Charge made the 2 bikes to a very similar stiffness level and most people don’t really notice 1lb or so in frame weight unless they’re expecting to because they know it in advance.
A Jones rider may be along presently…
🙂 I have a steel and a Ti Jones, same geometry, they couldn’t be more different in ride feel though. They were designed to be like that.
ie, get whatever material you like, just be happy it was designed to do what you want. Some of the worst hardtails I’ve ridden have been ti, way too flexible. Some of the most dull-feeling were steel. Nicest bikes I’ve ridden have also been ti and steel.