Frames and Framebuilding (1982) Straight Talk on Steel
10-24-20, 06:16 AM
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Frames and Framebuilding (1982) Straight Talk on Steel
Another big article with lots of tables and figures.
Too many pages and too large a file size for a single post.
So here's the deal.
You get first page, tables, figures, and glossary of terms to wet your beak.
If you like your beak wet, you can dive right into the deep end and download the full article pdf here: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AgHfxA8atbGnlj7Z...z-mOY?e=7QjDIs
Too many pages and too large a file size for a single post.
So here's the deal.
You get first page, tables, figures, and glossary of terms to wet your beak.
If you like your beak wet, you can dive right into the deep end and download the full article pdf here: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AgHfxA8atbGnlj7Z...z-mOY?e=7QjDIs
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WTB: Slingshot bicycle promotional documents (catalog, pamphlets, etc).
WTB: American Cycling May - Aug, Oct, Dec 1966.
WTB: Bicycle Guide issues 1984 (any); Jun 1987; Jul, Nov/Dec 1992; Apr 1994; 1996 -1998 (any)
WTB: Bike World issue Jun 1974.
WTB: Slingshot bicycle promotional documents (catalog, pamphlets, etc).
WTB: American Cycling May - Aug, Oct, Dec 1966.
WTB: Bicycle Guide issues 1984 (any); Jun 1987; Jul, Nov/Dec 1992; Apr 1994; 1996 -1998 (any)
WTB: Bike World issue Jun 1974.
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10-24-20, 11:43 AM
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SpeedofLite, I want to thank you for providing these articles!!
I remember a frame we had about 1974 that the seat tube was so thin you could feel it flex just squeezing with your hand. I know it was not Reynolds or Columbus. I think it was Vitus tubing. We were getting frames from UK like Mercian, Condor, Bob Jackson, Ron Kit but can't remember what this one was.
I remember a frame we had about 1974 that the seat tube was so thin you could feel it flex just squeezing with your hand. I know it was not Reynolds or Columbus. I think it was Vitus tubing. We were getting frames from UK like Mercian, Condor, Bob Jackson, Ron Kit but can't remember what this one was.
10-24-20, 04:37 PM
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That same issue of bicycling is filled with all kinds of awesome stuff.
The cover and article, Italy vs. Japan is great also!
The cover and article, Italy vs. Japan is great also!
10-24-20, 09:34 PM
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Love these old articles! Is the seat tube thickness correct for Columbus SL? 0.9/0.9 would mean a 26.8mm seatpost. I thought a standard SL frame would take a 27.2 seat post?
10-24-20, 10:29 PM
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The articles are super neat but my favorite thing is seeing the old adverts. Those Brooks booty shorts!!!!! Also I kind of like that Montague Road bike, I wonder if anyone has one here with pictures to share.
10-25-20, 12:23 AM
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The SL frame I have from the 70's has a 27.0 seat post, yet I have another SL frame from the 80's that uses a 27.2 seat post.
10-25-20, 12:50 AM
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Tubing thickness down to 0.3mm!!! 
My 195-ish lb self would break it!
My 195-ish lb self would break it!
10-25-20, 07:52 AM
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The Bicycling! article's chart of tubing specifications contains an error in that it gives the Columbus SL seat tube wall thickness as 0.9/0.9
Columbus' own data sheet shows the correct thickness as 0.9/0.6:
Last edited by JohnDThompson; 10-25-20 at 01:24 PM. Reason: Notice error in article's chart
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10-25-20, 02:35 PM
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Its always nice to see hard numbers. Reading posts where people wax poetically about the spirit of a tubeset is long on hype and short on substance.
Columbus SL being mostly the same as common man Tange 2, for example(not knowing the butting profiles and assuming they are pretty much the same).
SL had a thinner seat tube as it was single butted, but in identical shapes the Tange 2 stays would be less prone to flex.
Also, 531 had some beefy seat stays for its class/level.
- Tange 1 was a fantastic offering, given the price.
- Ishiwata 019 is on very few prodution road frames that I see, even though specs are solid.
- I don't think I've seen a bike with Columbus Record, KL, or PL tubes.
Columbus SL being mostly the same as common man Tange 2, for example(not knowing the butting profiles and assuming they are pretty much the same).
SL had a thinner seat tube as it was single butted, but in identical shapes the Tange 2 stays would be less prone to flex.
Also, 531 had some beefy seat stays for its class/level.
- Tange 1 was a fantastic offering, given the price.
- Ishiwata 019 is on very few prodution road frames that I see, even though specs are solid.
- I don't think I've seen a bike with Columbus Record, KL, or PL tubes.
10-27-20, 10:23 AM
#10
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This is a great compilation of information.
One detail to take with a grain of salt: The weight of tube sets looks like it consistent within a particular manufacturers, but is not necessarily comparable between different manufacturers. For example, Ishwata Magny V and Columbus SP have similar wall thickness but the weight shown differs by a kg. Butting profiles could account for some of that, but I would speculate that the length of the tubes in the two sets are different.
One detail to take with a grain of salt: The weight of tube sets looks like it consistent within a particular manufacturers, but is not necessarily comparable between different manufacturers. For example, Ishwata Magny V and Columbus SP have similar wall thickness but the weight shown differs by a kg. Butting profiles could account for some of that, but I would speculate that the length of the tubes in the two sets are different.
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10-27-20, 10:42 AM
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Table 2 is interesting in that lots of riders may not consider that info when critiquing a vintage bike. Someone may have a negative opinion of an old race bike, and apply that experience broadly. But then you find out that they weigh 230 lbs., or more! Well, of course that old bike felt like a noodle. It wasn't designed for riders that heavy. Same for a bike that felt "dead" or "stiff." That may be the case if you are 130 lbs. and trying to push an SP framed bike.
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10-27-20, 10:43 AM
#12
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Nice to see all the main tube sets of that era with their specs in one chart. I see now that Tange #2 is almost exactly the same gauge as Columbus SL. It's the same except for the stays being 0.8 mm rather than 0.7 mm. I had always thought it was closer to SP.
A long time ago I had a Mondia made from 531 SL. I don't often see it mentioned, and it was nice to see it listed in this article. The bike built up crazy light, like 18lbs and change with pedals. It was a bit mushy for my taste.
A long time ago I had a Mondia made from 531 SL. I don't often see it mentioned, and it was nice to see it listed in this article. The bike built up crazy light, like 18lbs and change with pedals. It was a bit mushy for my taste.
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