Best steel bike maker
#51
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,272
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8271 Post(s)
Liked 9,023 Times
in
4,468 Posts
Breadwinners are great looking frames, for sure.
#52
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 36
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
$1000+ difference? I don't know about Breadwinner frames but Gunnar frames have proven reliable. Mine is True Temper OX Platinum tubing. Most of the several hundred people in the 2 clubs I ride with are on carbon fiber frames.
Breadwinners are great looking frames, for sure.
Breadwinners are great looking frames, for sure.
#53
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 701
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 347 Post(s)
Liked 418 Times
in
250 Posts
I think you can't go wrong with Breadwinner. Not full custom frames, but sort of a semi-custom approach.
Even though Dario passed away Pegoretti is still making amazing steel frames, but more in a road bike than gravel bike vein. You can go full custom with Pegoretti. Just remember the Italians take all of August off (I'm not joking).
Rob English, English Cycles, makes incredible steel frames that are full custom and will basically make any bike you want.
Even though Dario passed away Pegoretti is still making amazing steel frames, but more in a road bike than gravel bike vein. You can go full custom with Pegoretti. Just remember the Italians take all of August off (I'm not joking).
Rob English, English Cycles, makes incredible steel frames that are full custom and will basically make any bike you want.
#54
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 36
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I think you can't go wrong with Breadwinner. Not full custom frames, but sort of a semi-custom approach.
Even though Dario passed away Pegoretti is still making amazing steel frames, but more in a road bike than gravel bike vein. You can go full custom with Pegoretti. Just remember the Italians take all of August off (I'm not joking).
Rob English, English Cycles, makes incredible steel frames that are full custom and will basically make any bike you want.
Even though Dario passed away Pegoretti is still making amazing steel frames, but more in a road bike than gravel bike vein. You can go full custom with Pegoretti. Just remember the Italians take all of August off (I'm not joking).
Rob English, English Cycles, makes incredible steel frames that are full custom and will basically make any bike you want.
thanks for the post! I hear nothing but praise for English cycles. However, they may be a bit beyond my reach. Will need to look into them.
#55
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: In the foothills of Los Angeles County
Posts: 25,272
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8271 Post(s)
Liked 9,023 Times
in
4,468 Posts
A friend has a Moots and it felt springy compared to my Seven.
#56
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,608
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10954 Post(s)
Liked 7,482 Times
in
4,184 Posts
I trust you have had a different experience with frame use- most people have good experience.
The guy's Giant carbon frame is over 10 years old and has at least 30,000mi on it. In that time, I trust the bike had fallen a bunch without incident.
But on this day in this manner, the frame broke.
You listing personal examples doesnt change anything.
#57
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Allen, TX
Posts: 2,633
Bikes: 2021 S-Works Turbo Creo SL, 2020 Specialized Roubaix Expert
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 762 Post(s)
Liked 4,032 Times
in
1,427 Posts
You asked a question and I answered with an example thst recently happened.
I trust you have had a different experience with frame use- most people have good experience.
The guy's Giant carbon frame is over 10 years old and has at least 30,000mi on it. In that time, I trust the bike had fallen a bunch without incident.
But on this day in this manner, the frame broke.
You listing personal examples doesnt change anything.
I trust you have had a different experience with frame use- most people have good experience.
The guy's Giant carbon frame is over 10 years old and has at least 30,000mi on it. In that time, I trust the bike had fallen a bunch without incident.
But on this day in this manner, the frame broke.
You listing personal examples doesnt change anything.
I’m simply pointing out that carbon frames don’t fail and magically become useless from nicks and scrapes as the post I was responding to claimed. If your friend’s Giant carbon frame survived for ten years and suffered from “bunches of falls” you’re making my point better than I did.
#58
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,608
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10954 Post(s)
Liked 7,482 Times
in
4,184 Posts
Nor does your friend’s example. Steel frames were failing as a result of wrecks and abuse many years before carbon frames even existed.
I’m simply pointing out that carbon frames don’t fail and magically become useless from nicks and scrapes as the post I was responding to claimed. If your friend’s Giant carbon frame survived for ten years and suffered from “bunches of falls” you’re making my point better than I did.
I’m simply pointing out that carbon frames don’t fail and magically become useless from nicks and scrapes as the post I was responding to claimed. If your friend’s Giant carbon frame survived for ten years and suffered from “bunches of falls” you’re making my point better than I did.
I agree that steel frames can fail.
I disagree with your newest claim that a bike falling a bunch of times over a decade inevitably leads to a weakened frame. It certainly might,, or it might not. Totally depends on the frame and where the impacts are.
I'm out on this back and forth.
Likes For mstateglfr:
#59
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,853
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1067 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 259 Times
in
153 Posts
I am wondering what the magical properties of steel are that the OP refers to?
I have ridden a number of quality steel bikes and not come across one that does anything better than carbon.
If you like the look of them or want something a bit less common, go for it.
But not if performance is your main priority.
I have ridden a number of quality steel bikes and not come across one that does anything better than carbon.
If you like the look of them or want something a bit less common, go for it.
But not if performance is your main priority.
#60
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Allen, TX
Posts: 2,633
Bikes: 2021 S-Works Turbo Creo SL, 2020 Specialized Roubaix Expert
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 762 Post(s)
Liked 4,032 Times
in
1,427 Posts
Yeah, this seems to be turning into some sort of grudge to prove me wrong. I just responded to your question and younclearly didn't like the response.
I agree that steel frames can fail.
I disagree with your newest claim that a bike falling a bunch of times over a decade inevitably leads to a weakened frame. It certainly might,, or it might not. Totally depends on the frame and where the impacts are.
I'm out on this back and forth.
I agree that steel frames can fail.
I disagree with your newest claim that a bike falling a bunch of times over a decade inevitably leads to a weakened frame. It certainly might,, or it might not. Totally depends on the frame and where the impacts are.
I'm out on this back and forth.
#61
Who is Austin Dunbar?
Check out the framebuilders.com. Great list of frame builders in most materials and from several countries.
#62
your god hates me
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,588
Bikes: 2016 Richard Sachs, 2010 Carl Strong, 2006 Cannondale Synapse
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1248 Post(s)
Liked 1,275 Times
in
705 Posts
I am wondering what the magical properties of steel are that the OP refers to?
I have ridden a number of quality steel bikes and not come across one that does anything better than carbon.
If you like the look of them or want something a bit less common, go for it.
But not if performance is your main priority.
I have ridden a number of quality steel bikes and not come across one that does anything better than carbon.
If you like the look of them or want something a bit less common, go for it.
But not if performance is your main priority.
The 41 never fails to deliver! :::gets popcorn:::
#63
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 36
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I want to thank everyone for their input and time in responding. It has been helpful to my wife and I as we consider which bike to go with.
What we are thinking as a result of our inquiries that my wife would prefer custom steel. Her needs are difficult to size right with a production model, and she feels a custom bike that would last decades is the way to go for her. She wants a steel bike, and she is leaning toward Gunnar, Waterford, and Breadwinner. She likes the Speedvagen options, but wants to do something where I can be catered to as well (a one-stop shop). I am not too difficult to fit on a production bike, which makes something like Gunnar/Waterford made-to-measure an interesting option since I can get a semi-custom bike without breaking the bank that would fit me like a glove. Though, Breadwinner would certainly be capable of helping me out and her as well.
From what I read on here and other places, very few folks have ever regretted getting a Gunnar/Waterford bike. The 100% made in America thing is cool, but it isn't something we are hell-bent on getting. We have had great experiences with Giant/Liv in the past (which is why I considered getting an off-the-shelf CF Revolt Advanced 0 since I am not too difficult to fit). However, the thought of spending a little extra money to get a made-to-measure lightweight high quality steel frame that is within the weight of the Giant is tempting as it may fit better. Plus, they would be able to work with my wife to get exactly what she needs (most important to me).
Again, thank you everyone!
What we are thinking as a result of our inquiries that my wife would prefer custom steel. Her needs are difficult to size right with a production model, and she feels a custom bike that would last decades is the way to go for her. She wants a steel bike, and she is leaning toward Gunnar, Waterford, and Breadwinner. She likes the Speedvagen options, but wants to do something where I can be catered to as well (a one-stop shop). I am not too difficult to fit on a production bike, which makes something like Gunnar/Waterford made-to-measure an interesting option since I can get a semi-custom bike without breaking the bank that would fit me like a glove. Though, Breadwinner would certainly be capable of helping me out and her as well.
From what I read on here and other places, very few folks have ever regretted getting a Gunnar/Waterford bike. The 100% made in America thing is cool, but it isn't something we are hell-bent on getting. We have had great experiences with Giant/Liv in the past (which is why I considered getting an off-the-shelf CF Revolt Advanced 0 since I am not too difficult to fit). However, the thought of spending a little extra money to get a made-to-measure lightweight high quality steel frame that is within the weight of the Giant is tempting as it may fit better. Plus, they would be able to work with my wife to get exactly what she needs (most important to me).
Again, thank you everyone!
#65
climber has-been
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Posts: 7,098
Bikes: Scott Addict R1, Felt Z1
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3422 Post(s)
Liked 3,559 Times
in
1,789 Posts
Unlike steel, carbon fiber:
1. doesn't rust
2. doesn't suffer galvanic corrosion
3. has a higher strength-to-weight ratio
4. has a higher stiffness-to-weight ratio
5. allows easy "dial in" of directional stiffness/compliance
6. tolerates infinite stress cycles
7. can be repaired with sandpaper and epoxy resin
__________________
Ride, Rest, Repeat. ROUVY: terrymorse
Ride, Rest, Repeat. ROUVY: terrymorse
Last edited by terrymorse; 06-12-21 at 05:57 PM.
#66
your god hates me
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,588
Bikes: 2016 Richard Sachs, 2010 Carl Strong, 2006 Cannondale Synapse
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1248 Post(s)
Liked 1,275 Times
in
705 Posts
Depends on the meaning of "perform", doesn't it?
Unlike steel, carbon fiber:
1. doesn't rust
2. doesn't suffer galvanic corrosion
3. has a higher strength-to-weight ratio
4. has a higher stiffness-to-weight ratio
5. allows easy "dial in" of directional stiffness/compliance
6. tolerates infinite stress cycles
7. can be repaired with sandpaper and epoxy resin
Unlike steel, carbon fiber:
1. doesn't rust
2. doesn't suffer galvanic corrosion
3. has a higher strength-to-weight ratio
4. has a higher stiffness-to-weight ratio
5. allows easy "dial in" of directional stiffness/compliance
6. tolerates infinite stress cycles
7. can be repaired with sandpaper and epoxy resin
Whether any of those qualities allow a bicycle to "perform" better is where the gray area lies...it all comes down to how one measures "performance".
#67
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Denver area (Ken Caryl Valley)
Posts: 1,803
Bikes: 2022 Moots RCS, 2014 BMC SLR01 DA Mech, 2020 Santa Cruz Stigmata, Ibis Ripmo, Trek Top Fuel, Specialized Levo SL, Norco Bigfoot VLT
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 464 Post(s)
Liked 182 Times
in
118 Posts
I'd prob look at Carl Strong and Independent Fabrication for a custom steel frame. I'd trust their alignment techniques and choice of tubes for your weight and riding style too.
#69
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Denver area (Ken Caryl Valley)
Posts: 1,803
Bikes: 2022 Moots RCS, 2014 BMC SLR01 DA Mech, 2020 Santa Cruz Stigmata, Ibis Ripmo, Trek Top Fuel, Specialized Levo SL, Norco Bigfoot VLT
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 464 Post(s)
Liked 182 Times
in
118 Posts
Oh darn! He was one of the best options in steel. That is too bad.
Likes For Chandne:
#70
Senior Member
You mentioned titanium a few posts up, and in my mind, I don't think anybody does it better than Moots. I visited their Steamboat Springs factory when I was there for a wedding in the summer of 2019, a real nice bunch of guys. I think they still do custom, but they also have a very wide variety of sizes - much more than most manufacturers. They are, however, quite pricey - coming in over $5k for a Routt RSL frameset. But if you're still looking in that direction, I'd take a look.
It's funny, shortly after I got my Lynskey in June 2019, I saw a leftover Moots Vamoots with (I think) Ultegra 6800 at a shop in Palo Alto, going for something like $3,300 - if I hadn't *just* bought and received my Lynskey, I likely would've purchased that Moots on the spot. Sure, previous generation Ultegra and rim brakes only, but it was in my size and it was gorgeous...
Of course, if I had known what was coming the following March, I would've maxed out my credit card on all the leftover bikes in that showroom - ridden each one a few times, and sold them at a profit in the summer of 2020...
It's funny, shortly after I got my Lynskey in June 2019, I saw a leftover Moots Vamoots with (I think) Ultegra 6800 at a shop in Palo Alto, going for something like $3,300 - if I hadn't *just* bought and received my Lynskey, I likely would've purchased that Moots on the spot. Sure, previous generation Ultegra and rim brakes only, but it was in my size and it was gorgeous...
Of course, if I had known what was coming the following March, I would've maxed out my credit card on all the leftover bikes in that showroom - ridden each one a few times, and sold them at a profit in the summer of 2020...
#71
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 36
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
You mentioned titanium a few posts up, and in my mind, I don't think anybody does it better than Moots. I visited their Steamboat Springs factory when I was there for a wedding in the summer of 2019, a real nice bunch of guys. I think they still do custom, but they also have a very wide variety of sizes - much more than most manufacturers. They are, however, quite pricey - coming in over $5k for a Routt RSL frameset. But if you're still looking in that direction, I'd take a look.
It's funny, shortly after I got my Lynskey in June 2019, I saw a leftover Moots Vamoots with (I think) Ultegra 6800 at a shop in Palo Alto, going for something like $3,300 - if I hadn't *just* bought and received my Lynskey, I likely would've purchased that Moots on the spot. Sure, previous generation Ultegra and rim brakes only, but it was in my size and it was gorgeous...
Of course, if I had known what was coming the following March, I would've maxed out my credit card on all the leftover bikes in that showroom - ridden each one a few times, and sold them at a profit in the summer of 2020...
It's funny, shortly after I got my Lynskey in June 2019, I saw a leftover Moots Vamoots with (I think) Ultegra 6800 at a shop in Palo Alto, going for something like $3,300 - if I hadn't *just* bought and received my Lynskey, I likely would've purchased that Moots on the spot. Sure, previous generation Ultegra and rim brakes only, but it was in my size and it was gorgeous...
Of course, if I had known what was coming the following March, I would've maxed out my credit card on all the leftover bikes in that showroom - ridden each one a few times, and sold them at a profit in the summer of 2020...
as someone mentioned above, the Pegoretti would be amazing - truly works of art. However, I would be terrified riding it spiritedly down some gravel routes haha.
#72
Junior Member
I'm not sure about cost, but I love my Mercian. Best steel frame bikes in the world as far as I'm concerned. https://www.merciancycles.co.uk/
#73
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2021
Posts: 36
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I'm not sure about cost, but I love my Mercian. Best steel frame bikes in the world as far as I'm concerned. https://www.merciancycles.co.uk/
i will check them out! I appreciate the feedback!
#74
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Posts: 8,473
Bikes: CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX & Guru steel
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1743 Post(s)
Liked 1,281 Times
in
740 Posts
I am wondering what the magical properties of steel are that the OP refers to?
I have ridden a number of quality steel bikes and not come across one that does anything better than carbon.
If you like the look of them or want something a bit less common, go for it.
But not if performance is your main priority.
I have ridden a number of quality steel bikes and not come across one that does anything better than carbon.
If you like the look of them or want something a bit less common, go for it.
But not if performance is your main priority.
#75
Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The Rivendell Joe Appaloosa would be great in that price range. Check out Analog Cycles online. They have them in stock in multiple sizes and you can spec out a killer build.