High-end steel options?
#1
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Thread Starter
High-end steel options?
I'm on the lookout for a new high-end steel CX/gravel frameset or complete bike with discs. I'd like Reynolds 853 tubing or equivalent, so I thought I'd throw my current shortlist up here to see if I'm overlooking anything. Please chime in if you know of something I should also be considering. TIA.
- All-City Macho King. Reynolds 853 and a CX-specific bike, which I might lean toward b/c I may try some more races.
- Voodoo Rada. Also Reynolds 853. This one's more of a gravel setup, but wow what a nice looking bike. The challenge will be finding one to test ride.
- Ritchey Swiss Cross Disc. A classic. Certainly in the top 2 or 3 on my list.
- Ritchey Outback. A gravel version of the Swiss Cross. The more I look at this one, the more I like it. And the 2019 will come in navy blue, which looks really nice.
- Genesis Croix de Fer. Another 853 offering. I'm curious about whether I could put a carbon fork on this one (and if so which ones). Here's a link to some pics of this frame, for reference:
https://bikerumor.com/2018/03/06/gen...ing-road-bike/
Anything else?
Thanks!
- All-City Macho King. Reynolds 853 and a CX-specific bike, which I might lean toward b/c I may try some more races.
- Voodoo Rada. Also Reynolds 853. This one's more of a gravel setup, but wow what a nice looking bike. The challenge will be finding one to test ride.
- Ritchey Swiss Cross Disc. A classic. Certainly in the top 2 or 3 on my list.
- Ritchey Outback. A gravel version of the Swiss Cross. The more I look at this one, the more I like it. And the 2019 will come in navy blue, which looks really nice.
- Genesis Croix de Fer. Another 853 offering. I'm curious about whether I could put a carbon fork on this one (and if so which ones). Here's a link to some pics of this frame, for reference:
https://bikerumor.com/2018/03/06/gen...ing-road-bike/
Anything else?
Thanks!
#2
Senior Member
The Genesis is a 1 1/8 straight steerer so limiting in the forks that will fit, most are 1 1/8-1 1/2 tapered. There are carbon 1 1/8 forks but mostly you will find they are quick release rather than through axle. Whiskey makes one, China makes a bunch Ebay is your friend.
Last edited by wsteve464; 09-27-18 at 01:59 PM.
#5
Senior Member
Crust Dreamer frameset?
Fairlight Secan (UK) frameset.
If your budget is up there, you could do custom through a local framebuilder.
Fairlight Secan (UK) frameset.
If your budget is up there, you could do custom through a local framebuilder.
#8
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+1
2018 frames are $899 at Competitive Cyclist right now.
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/n...-frameset-2018
-Tim-
2018 frames are $899 at Competitive Cyclist right now.
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/n...-frameset-2018
-Tim-
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+1
2018 frames are $899 at Competitive Cyclist right now.
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/n...-frameset-2018
-Tim-
2018 frames are $899 at Competitive Cyclist right now.
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/n...-frameset-2018
-Tim-
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#11
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Thread Starter
Thanks for all the replies so far, everyone -- great suggestions, and some offerings that I've never even heard of!
Leaning somewhat toward a Macho King frameset, but I just read that the rear triangle is 4130 chromoly -- is that standard practice?
The Niner is *really* tempting at that price. Hmm.
On the custom side, Mosaic here in Boulder does steel frames, but they're a bit out of my price range. There are some showroom frames on eBay right now for a lot less, but they're all 54cm instead of 56. Nice looking frame sets though!
Leaning somewhat toward a Macho King frameset, but I just read that the rear triangle is 4130 chromoly -- is that standard practice?
The Niner is *really* tempting at that price. Hmm.
On the custom side, Mosaic here in Boulder does steel frames, but they're a bit out of my price range. There are some showroom frames on eBay right now for a lot less, but they're all 54cm instead of 56. Nice looking frame sets though!
#12
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Thanks for all the replies so far, everyone -- great suggestions, and some offerings that I've never even heard of!
Leaning somewhat toward a Macho King frameset, but I just read that the rear triangle is 4130 chromoly -- is that standard practice?
The Niner is *really* tempting at that price. Hmm.
On the custom side, Mosaic here in Boulder does steel frames, but they're a bit out of my price range. There are some showroom frames on eBay right now for a lot less, but they're all 54cm instead of 56. Nice looking frame sets though!
Leaning somewhat toward a Macho King frameset, but I just read that the rear triangle is 4130 chromoly -- is that standard practice?
The Niner is *really* tempting at that price. Hmm.
On the custom side, Mosaic here in Boulder does steel frames, but they're a bit out of my price range. There are some showroom frames on eBay right now for a lot less, but they're all 54cm instead of 56. Nice looking frame sets though!
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#13
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Thread Starter
Definitely not ruling anything out. It looks a little more on the adventure bike side of the spectrum vs. the cyclocross side, but my thinking is evolving as to where on that spectrum I want to end up. Initially I was thinking more of a CX bike that I could use for both road riding, some (poor attempts at) cyclocross racing, and some gravel riding. Now I'm leaning more toward the middle, which I guess would be a gravel bike. We'll see.
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Definitely not ruling anything out. It looks a little more on the adventure bike side of the spectrum vs. the cyclocross side, but my thinking is evolving as to where on that spectrum I want to end up. Initially I was thinking more of a CX bike that I could use for both road riding, some (poor attempts at) cyclocross racing, and some gravel riding. Now I'm leaning more toward the middle, which I guess would be a gravel bike. We'll see.
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#16
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I'm surprised Waterford and Gunnar haven't come up yet. Definitely great steel frames.
https://waterfordbikes.com/now/home....ommand=showall
Custom Bicycle Frames from Gunnar Cycles USA
https://waterfordbikes.com/now/home....ommand=showall
Custom Bicycle Frames from Gunnar Cycles USA
Last edited by Roger Ramjet; 09-29-18 at 07:27 AM. Reason: Added links
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+1 on Waterford and Gunnar, and if you are near Boulder you should visit Vecchios, they can tell you about the options, stock vs custom etc. Also, it is a great shop and fun to visit.
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#18
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Thanks for all the replies so far, everyone -- great suggestions, and some offerings that I've never even heard of!
Leaning somewhat toward a Macho King frameset, but I just read that the rear triangle is 4130 chromoly -- is that standard practice?
The Niner is *really* tempting at that price. Hmm.
On the custom side, Mosaic here in Boulder does steel frames, but they're a bit out of my price range. There are some showroom frames on eBay right now for a lot less, but they're all 54cm instead of 56. Nice looking frame sets though!
Leaning somewhat toward a Macho King frameset, but I just read that the rear triangle is 4130 chromoly -- is that standard practice?
The Niner is *really* tempting at that price. Hmm.
On the custom side, Mosaic here in Boulder does steel frames, but they're a bit out of my price range. There are some showroom frames on eBay right now for a lot less, but they're all 54cm instead of 56. Nice looking frame sets though!
different does not mean worse. Different simply means different.
if it's done right, the different tubes can be an advantage, depending on the builder's goals and the rider's needs.
in terms of all city, it's most likely done to keep the price under a certain tier. So cost avoidance. I say this because the frames are built for all types of riders and therefore not spec'd for any individual.
when it comes to custom or semicustom, the stays can be selected to fit the rider and riding style. They can be thinner for more flex, thicker for less flex, shaped for flex, lighter for a small rider, etc etc.
also, 853 chainstays are really tough to bend and square due to the steels inherent structure. Ive tried bending 853 stays then Columbus Zona stays, then Reynolds 531 stays when they are all in the bottom bracket shell but not yet brazed to seatstays.
The difference between bending each is noticable.
4130 stays will be perfectly fine. You may save 40g by using some lighter tubes, sure, but is that needed and beneficial? Unless you can confidently say its needed, enjoy the bike as it is.
Last edited by mstateglfr; 09-29-18 at 11:12 AM.
#19
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I'm surprised Waterford and Gunnar haven't come up yet. Definitely great steel frames.
https://waterfordbikes.com/now/home....ommand=showall
Custom Bicycle Frames from Gunnar Cycles USA
https://waterfordbikes.com/now/home....ommand=showall
Custom Bicycle Frames from Gunnar Cycles USA
#20
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If you really want high end steel then have R+E Cycles in Seattle build you a frame from True Temper S3 tubes. Look at the Phinney Ridge model.
Custom Bicycles | Rodriguez Bicycles and Tandems in Seattle
S3 tubes are about as high end as steel gets. My R+E fixed gear frame is 1463 grams (3.23 Lb).
https://www.pedalroom.com/bike/2018-...z-custom-37179
-Tim-
Custom Bicycles | Rodriguez Bicycles and Tandems in Seattle
S3 tubes are about as high end as steel gets. My R+E fixed gear frame is 1463 grams (3.23 Lb).
https://www.pedalroom.com/bike/2018-...z-custom-37179
-Tim-
Last edited by TimothyH; 09-29-18 at 04:52 PM.
#24
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I have always thought that there are tubes from other companies that are just as good as the S3 tubes. I think mtb builders are the ones that miss TT the most.
#25
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TT tubes are still for sale. And as mentioned, many builders have inventory.
whether S3 is a good tubeset to build a gravel bike with is certsinly debatable based on riding style and weight, but it's still avaiable if its determined to be good for the rider.