Frame Material
09-16-22, 12:34 AM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Frame Material
Hi I’m interested in having a fixed gear frame custom made. I’m 6’6” and currently 220lbs. Stand over tight to my crotch is 36”+ a touch. I want steel because I like how it rides. I was given options and don’t know what would be optimal. In addition to my weight I often have up to ten pounds +- on my back. 20 mile rides typical. I mash up long hills often out of the saddle. 49:15 gear ratio. I take care of my bikes but don’t want them being fragile either. I just ride I’m not into tricks I just like riding fixed.
Columbus Cromor
“ Zona
” Life Os
” Max
Im pretty certain I don’t want Max as I like how old steel lugged road bikes look (round tubes)
What should I pick and why?
thx for anybodys insight and input
🤙🏽
Columbus Cromor
“ Zona
” Life Os
” Max
Im pretty certain I don’t want Max as I like how old steel lugged road bikes look (round tubes)
What should I pick and why?
thx for anybodys insight and input
🤙🏽
Last edited by SteelyMan; 09-16-22 at 02:18 PM.
09-16-22, 02:11 AM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 956
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 321 Post(s)
Liked 263 Times
in
212 Posts
At your size and weight I would go traditional "single oversize" (so 1 1/4" DT, 1 1/8" TT), with wall thickness around 0.8/0.5/0.8 which would be Zona. Cromor would also be fine-- it's usually 0.9/0.6/0.9.
The only difference between the two is that Cromor starts from a welded tube rather than a solid billet giving it a little bit less strength. But it's mainly product differentiation-- Reynolds will sell you a 525 tube (exactly the same as Cromor) with thinner walls.
Life is a slightly better alloy and you can get it even more oversized. But for the feel of a steel bike I wouldn't go more than 1 1/4" / 1 1/8". Traditional size (1" TT, 1 1/8" DT) might be a bit too noodly in such a big frame size.
The first frame I built was a Cromor fixer in standard sizing (I'm only 6'0). It rides beautifully.
The only difference between the two is that Cromor starts from a welded tube rather than a solid billet giving it a little bit less strength. But it's mainly product differentiation-- Reynolds will sell you a 525 tube (exactly the same as Cromor) with thinner walls.
Life is a slightly better alloy and you can get it even more oversized. But for the feel of a steel bike I wouldn't go more than 1 1/4" / 1 1/8". Traditional size (1" TT, 1 1/8" DT) might be a bit too noodly in such a big frame size.
The first frame I built was a Cromor fixer in standard sizing (I'm only 6'0). It rides beautifully.
Likes For guy153:
09-16-22, 09:18 AM
#3
Team Beer
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Sacramento CA
Posts: 6,339
Bikes: Too Many
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 114 Post(s)
Liked 159 Times
in
104 Posts
Have you selected a builder yet? Most builders will work with you on the tubeset that matches your needs and riding style. I've talked to some builders who get frustrated when a client has made these decisions before hand. It's comparable to you telling a chef what ingredients to use, it's a part of their process.
That being said, understanding the various tubes when making that decision is helpful.
That being said, understanding the various tubes when making that decision is helpful.
__________________
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
I'm not one for fawning over bicycles, but I do believe that our bikes communicate with us, and what this bike is saying is, "You're an idiot." BikeSnobNYC
09-16-22, 02:12 PM
#4
Newbie
Thread Starter
Have you selected a builder yet? Most builders will work with you on the tubeset that matches your needs and riding style. I've talked to some builders who get frustrated when a client has made these decisions before hand. It's comparable to you telling a chef what ingredients to use, it's a part of their process.
That being said, understanding the various tubes when making that decision is helpful.
That being said, understanding the various tubes when making that decision is helpful.
I’ve been wanting an Ave Maldea frame. I was communicating with a rep who could translate and not with Ave himself. I kinda thought as you stated that given my circumstances with regard to preferred style of riding and my size that would sort of choose the ideal frame material.
Thx for response
09-16-22, 02:15 PM
#5
Newbie
Thread Starter
At your size and weight I would go traditional "single oversize" (so 1 1/4" DT, 1 1/8" TT), with wall thickness around 0.8/0.5/0.8 which would be Zona. Cromor would also be fine-- it's usually 0.9/0.6/0.9.
The only difference between the two is that Cromor starts from a welded tube rather than a solid billet giving it a little bit less strength. But it's mainly product differentiation-- Reynolds will sell you a 525 tube (exactly the same as Cromor) with thinner walls.
Life is a slightly better alloy and you can get it even more oversized. But for the feel of a steel bike I wouldn't go more than 1 1/4" / 1 1/8". Traditional size (1" TT, 1 1/8" DT) might be a bit too noodly in such a big frame size.
The first frame I built was a Cromor fixer in standard sizing (I'm only 6'0). It rides beautifully.
The only difference between the two is that Cromor starts from a welded tube rather than a solid billet giving it a little bit less strength. But it's mainly product differentiation-- Reynolds will sell you a 525 tube (exactly the same as Cromor) with thinner walls.
Life is a slightly better alloy and you can get it even more oversized. But for the feel of a steel bike I wouldn't go more than 1 1/4" / 1 1/8". Traditional size (1" TT, 1 1/8" DT) might be a bit too noodly in such a big frame size.
The first frame I built was a Cromor fixer in standard sizing (I'm only 6'0). It rides beautifully.
🤙🏽
