But the pixie dust (activated by the hidden hologram in the 853 sticker which is aligned with the resonant frequency of the frame) makes is 87.2% better to ride.
I have an Orange R8 (Reynolds 853 main tubes). And a Bontrager privateer (tange something or other tubes). The bonty has skinnier tubes and is sooo much more enjoyable to ride as it has more of the steel feel. No scientific reasoning here, just subjective opinion.
I’ve had two 853 frames hence the user name. A Ribble R8 which was lovely and an Explosif and then in 2005 I got an ’05 Cove Handjob, Columbus Life steel I think it was then.
They are very similar in feel but the Cove is by far the best bike and that is all to do with geometry. I would say if you like the way the Handjob rides keep it.
I had a Cove Handjob (Columbus nemo tubing I think) and swapped it earlier this year for a Pipedream Sirius 853. The Cove probably rode better than the Sirius, OK the Sirius is a heavier frame but the Cove felt much more sprightly that the Sirius.