Columbus SLX alloy frame

[Endorphin]

A simple (dumb?) question: what is Columbus SLX?

I assume it is a steel alloy; see below. The reason I ask is because the March 2004 issue of Bicycling Magazine says "thanks to the aluminum, the Roubaix sprints solidly and climbs admirably" -- after first noting correctly that this frame is Columbus SLX (See
(see http://www.bio.cmu.edu/~bts/biking/roubaix.html).

So is this just an error?

When cyclists say "alloy", do they really mean "steel"? (note: steel is an alloy of iron.)

http://www.magma.ca/~cagrant/FusoLux.html
Columbus SL, SLX, SP and SPX are all chrome molybdenum steels known under the trade name, Cyclex. Columbus SL and SP were discontinued in 1994. SP was a heavier version of SL used on larger frames or in the seat tubes of frames made for heavier riders. Columbus SLX and SPX differ from Sl and SP, respectively, by having five helical reinforcements at the butted tube ends imparting greater rigidity to the joint area.

[Gonzo Bob]

Yes, the Columbus SLX from the 80's was steel but the new Columbus SLX is aluminum.

[RC2]

Yes, the Columbus SLX from the 80's was steel but the new Columbus SLX is aluminum.

Exactly right, the "SLX" that specialized is using is a newish Al alloy from Columbus. This has caused a bit of confusion.

[531Aussie]

I might be wrong, but something I read gace me the impression that it is a Specialized only thing.

[sam218]

alloy (I think) means it is a mixture: steel might have mixture of ingredients chromium, vanadium or chromium, etc. (minerals). Aluminum also has alloys- mixture of ingredients. I think alloy means a mixture of metals. Titanium has different types/mixtures. 3-2.5, 6-4 etc.