frame materials

ok, so all i have is my road bike and i want to get on some of the rougher trails so I've been looking at getting a cross bike. A lot of the cross bikes i am looking at are steel frames. i see lots of stuff about CroMoly, True Temper etc. what does that all mean? those are different types of steel right? what are the advantages and disadvantages of each type? what does TIG mean?:o

thank you:D

There's a ton of information on steel and other frame materials on Carl Strong's site (he's a custom builder).

http://www.strongframes.com/material...3c6794a5bd89e4

very informative site, thanks indysteel! :)

<gently whispers: Surly Cross Check... Surly Cross Check... Surly Cross Check>

<sotto voce: moustache bars>