High-end steel options?
#27
Senior Member
R+E is also building frames with Vari-Wall THERMLX, the replacement for True Temper. I also heard that Waterford was impressed with Vari-wall's product. It would be interesting to hear from R+E and Waterford if they prefer Vari-Wall over True Temper Ox Platinum, or True Temper S3.
#28
I love the look of that tapered straight steel fork on the 853 Genesis Croix de Fer. Does anyone know roughly what a frame like that weighs, and if you can buy them in the USA without a $500 shipping fee? The Niner frame is a boat anchor.
#29
Senior Member
Many nice options mentioned so far. Here's another:
Seven Evergreen
However, for truly high end steel I would consider a custom stainless frame like 953. I haven't come across a disc stainless frame yet, but most if not all the builder who use 953 are custom builders and will likely do anything you want including custom geometry and disc brakes.
Seven Evergreen
However, for truly high end steel I would consider a custom stainless frame like 953. I haven't come across a disc stainless frame yet, but most if not all the builder who use 953 are custom builders and will likely do anything you want including custom geometry and disc brakes.
#30
Senior Member
It's not 953, but Condor just released their Gravel stainless using Columbus XCr Stainless steel.
https://www.condorcycles.com/collect...nless-frameset
https://www.condorcycles.com/collect...nless-frameset
#31
FLIR Kitten to 0.05C
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Many nice options mentioned so far. Here's another:
Seven Evergreen
However, for truly high end steel I would consider a custom stainless frame like 953. I haven't come across a disc stainless frame yet, but most if not all the builder who use 953 are custom builders and will likely do anything you want including custom geometry and disc brakes.
Seven Evergreen
However, for truly high end steel I would consider a custom stainless frame like 953. I haven't come across a disc stainless frame yet, but most if not all the builder who use 953 are custom builders and will likely do anything you want including custom geometry and disc brakes.
853 is the best compromise for a high end steel for off-road
#32
Senior Member
In the past the same argument has been made of 853 for touring bikes. You don't have to call it a gravel bike. A relaxed geometry road bike with larger tire clearance and maybe disc brakes is all a gravel bike it. If you request such a bike, custom builders builders who work with 953 will do that. Period.
#34
Senior Member
Why 853?
Glad you know what you want but why 853? Its main benefit is weight while gravel riding seems to value longevity.
Also that frameset below is 3360 grams! Thats over 7 pounds which is what a Surly LHT in 4130 weights
why 853
Also that frameset below is 3360 grams! Thats over 7 pounds which is what a Surly LHT in 4130 weights
+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-
#35
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
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Is Niner's RLT 9 Steel Gravel Bike for Me? - Niner Bikes Life
The competitive website is wrong.
-Tim-
Last edited by TimothyH; 10-02-18 at 07:56 AM.
#36
A size 56 RLT 9 frameset is 2780 grams.
Is Niner's RLT 9 Steel Gravel Bike for Me? - Niner Bikes Life
The competitive website is wrong.
-Tim-
Is Niner's RLT 9 Steel Gravel Bike for Me? - Niner Bikes Life
The competitive website is wrong.
-Tim-
#37
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Anyone know anything about this bike, and whether it would also work with 700c? Never heard of the brand, but they're claiming a pretty light weight for the setup:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2018-Chumba....c100005.m1851
Chumba Terlingua
Realizing I may prefer a more classic horizontal TT, which the Gunnar appears to have and the Macho King kinda comes close to. But trying to remain open to sloping.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2018-Chumba....c100005.m1851
Chumba Terlingua
Realizing I may prefer a more classic horizontal TT, which the Gunnar appears to have and the Macho King kinda comes close to. But trying to remain open to sloping.
Last edited by KeatonR; 10-02-18 at 10:00 PM.
#38
Senior Member
Did you try googling at all? https://www.chumbausa.com/terlingua-700c-650bplus/
Kind of annoying I can't find the steel they use.
Kind of annoying I can't find the steel they use.
__________________
2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird
2014 Cannondale SuperSix EVO 2
2019 Salsa Warbird
Last edited by shoota; 10-03-18 at 06:43 AM.
#39
I bet the fork is closer to 1.75 pounds making the frame closer to 4.5 pounds - which is reasonable for a "light" frame built the way Niner describes it as:
Meets ISO design standards for mountain bikes which are more stringent than ISO standards for road bikes.
Thread
#40
Senior Member
Thanks Tim ...
But it still does not seem right.
The Soma Smoothie frame in lowly Tange Prestige weights 4 pounds (1800g) in 56cm.
The whole point of 953 is weight saving ...
The Soma Smoothie frame in lowly Tange Prestige weights 4 pounds (1800g) in 56cm.
The whole point of 953 is weight saving ...
A size 56 RLT 9 frameset is 2780 grams.
Is Niner's RLT 9 Steel Gravel Bike for Me? - Niner Bikes Life
The competitive website is wrong.
-Tim-
Is Niner's RLT 9 Steel Gravel Bike for Me? - Niner Bikes Life
The competitive website is wrong.
-Tim-
#41
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
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Niners are designed and built to mountain bike specs, not road bike specs. They are not incredibly light machines, but they are designed to take a beating.
This is one reason why I bought the RLT 9 RDO, because the geometry and ride is like an endurance road bike but the carbon layup is done like a mountain bike.
Anyway, light is relative. If you really want light then get a custom.
By the way... Soma Smothie - Size 56 - $995
https://www.excelsports.com/main.asp...or=14&minor=13
#42
Sunshine
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Regardless, 853 isnt delicate. Its a very well engineered tubing product that can be built into a strong and reliable frame.
#43
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
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#44
Randomhead
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The current version of Prestige seems to be just 4130 and is not well regarded among framebuilders. The old stuff was very highly regarded. I have never built with either, so no direct experience.
#45
Sunshine
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current tube specs
.8/.5/.8 top tube and down tube
.9/.6 seat tube
.8 chainstay
.8 even taper seat stay, or .8/6 seat stay
1.0 even taper fork blades
The butting profiles can be found here since that is important.
https://www.tange-design.com/tubing_detail.php?sn=52
I just find it funny to hear tubing with the above stats is 'lowly'. Its seamless, heat treated, and has good all around butting profiles. Based on the poster's comments here and elsewhere on tubing and frame design, his opinion is hardly well informed.
Edited to add- this product is based on the traditional Prestige tubing https://www.tange-design.com/tubing_detail.php?sn=47
I thought it would be helpful for general interest and comparative purposes. Like the other link, it shows the different butting profiles which is just as important as anything else in designing a quality frame.
The Prestige tubing in Soma frames is basically .1mm thicker than the Japan Prestige tubing.
Since nobody on the internet seems to know the tubes Soma uses(meaning which specific tubes since they vary in butting profile), lets assume they use the heaviest possible tubes. While that may mean a bike that is overbuilt for some riders, it will also mean a bike that is properly build for many others.
To me, that doesnt mean a frame or its tubing is 'lowly'. To me it means the frame and tubing matches the rider's needs.
General frames will typically error on the side of supporting more weight, at the expense of ride quality for lighter riders. From a general frame design perspective, that makes the most sense.
Last edited by mstateglfr; 10-04-18 at 01:40 PM.
#46
I’ve liked the modern Prestige bikes I’ve ridden. Since they’re all OS they ride a little stiffer than I’d like but still very good IMO. I’ve been wringing out a Fog Cutter for 4 months and it’s been really great. One of those bikes that still feels good 6 hours into a ride.
I wish there were more options for 25.4/28.6 tt/dt disc bikes. I think they’d ride really well for the type mixed terrain rides I do.
I wish there were more options for 25.4/28.6 tt/dt disc bikes. I think they’d ride really well for the type mixed terrain rides I do.
#47
Sapient
All-City Vote
I don't think you would be disappointed with the All-City Macho King. Reynolds 853, wonderful Wisky through axle carbon fork, and a fantastic ride- I love my All-City. Do everything except race on it. Put Conti 28's on for road riding and Panaracer 38 Gravel Kings for everything else.
#48
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I don't think you would be disappointed with the All-City Macho King. Reynolds 853, wonderful Wisky through axle carbon fork, and a fantastic ride- I love my All-City. Do everything except race on it. Put Conti 28's on for road riding and Panaracer 38 Gravel Kings for everything else.
#49
Banned.
Before you pull any triggers, check out the Fairdale Rockitship. I have the road version of this frameset, and it's probably the best-handling bike I've ever ridden -- I'm talking Tommasini-level roadfeel. The tubing is custom-butted for each frame size, so the 52 rides just like the 58. For a grand, it's an outstanding value. With the Enve fork, you're practically stealing it.
#50
Senior Member