I am in the process of researching several steel frames. I intend to use this bike primarily for training and century length rides, so comfort, durability, and longevity are key for me. I'd also like to keep the frame for at least 10 years, if possible.
Right now, I am trying to decide between a relatively inexpensive Viner "Pro Team" made of Deda EOM 16.5 and a Steelman made of Reynolds 853. In addition to the carbon composite EOM material, the Viner also has carbon the carbon monobox stays. The Steelman, on the other hand, is straight on 853 and would only have a carbon fork. I would love the Steelman, but it is upwards of $600 more than the Viner. Although Viner's are relatively rare in the States, the Pro Team models seem to be very highly respected in Europe. Any thoughts on these two frames that might push me in one direction or the other? Thanks in advance.
I am in the process of researching several steel frames. I intend to use this bike primarily for training and century length rides, so comfort, durability, and longevity are key for me. I'd also like to keep the frame for at least 10 years, if possible.
Right now, I am trying to decide between a relatively inexpensive Viner "Pro Team" made of Deda EOM 16.5 and a Steelman made of Reynolds 853. In addition to the carbon composite EOM material, the Viner also has carbon the carbon monobox stays. The Steelman, on the other hand, is straight on 853 and would only have a carbon fork. I would love the Steelman, but it is upwards of $600 more than the Viner. Although Viner's are relatively rare in the States, the Pro Team models seem to be very highly respected in Europe. Any thoughts on these two frames that might push me in one direction or the other? Thanks in advance.
Craig
There are certainly other options besides the ones mentioned. There are plenty of good custom builders that are less expensive than Steelman. An all steel frame might have less potential issues long term.
I am in the process of researching several steel frames. I intend to use this bike primarily for training and century length rides, so comfort, durability, and longevity are key for me. I'd also like to keep the frame for at least 10 years, if possible.
Right now, I am trying to decide between a relatively inexpensive Viner "Pro Team" made of Deda EOM 16.5 and a Steelman made of Reynolds 853. In addition to the carbon composite EOM material, the Viner also has carbon the carbon monobox stays. The Steelman, on the other hand, is straight on 853 and would only have a carbon fork. I would love the Steelman, but it is upwards of $600 more than the Viner. Although Viner's are relatively rare in the States, the Pro Team models seem to be very highly respected in Europe. Any thoughts on these two frames that might push me in one direction or the other? Thanks in advance.
Craig
Suggest you might want to compare the weights and wall thickness of the tubesets, if you can find the specs. I think of the 853 as a relatively heavy, durable tubeset, used by the mass producers, while the the EOM 16.5 is about the thinnest tube you can buy. IMO, your intended use...and expected frame life....should be the deciding factor in how light you want to go.
Dedacciai EOM 16.5 is lighter and thinner than Reynolds 853. Plus, with the larger diameters of the EOM 16.5 tubes, it is most likely stiffer as well. If you had any builder use either of these tubes, the EOM 16.5 frame would most likely cost more.
Craig have you looked at gvhbikes.com, you can get an all steel viner competion. Less than the pro team and all steel. If you are looking for all steel might want to consider it. Bicycling had a nice little writeup review of viner a couple of months ago that got me looking at them. GVH seems to be about the only place to get them in the states.
Craig have you looked at gvhbikes.com, you can get an all steel viner competion. Less than the pro team and all steel. If you are looking for all steel might want to consider it. Bicycling had a nice little writeup review of viner a couple of months ago that got me looking at them. GVH seems to be about the only place to get them in the states.
Indeed. The GVH site is what prompted me to ask this question. I had been looking at Viners. I actually ended up purchasing a Landshark -- and I do not regret it for one second. The bike is wonderful.
If longevity is an important consideration along with comfort, why not Titanium instead ?? Good quality Ti frames can be had for a good price, albeit not as 'branded' as Litespeed. But notheless affordable.
If longevity is an important consideration along with comfort, why not Titanium instead ?? Good quality Ti frames can be had for a good price, albeit not as 'branded' as Litespeed. But notheless affordable.
Ever gave it a thought ?
Hi Maxxevv,
Yes. I did consider Ti frames. Longevity is the key reason why I was initially so attracted to steel and Ti, actually. After looking at both products -- I am convinced that a high quality frame can be had in either material at my price point, but that there is far better selection in steel. I ended up purchasing a custom Landshark, handmade from Deda Zero Uno. Carbon fork. I love it -- and wouldn't turn it in for anything. I ride with a large group of Ti riding mates though, and they seem to love their Ti just as much as I love the steel. The ride on both frames is very similar.
Yes. I did consider Ti frames. Longevity is the key reason why I was initially so attracted to steel and Ti, actually. After looking at both products -- I am convinced that a high quality frame can be had in either material at my price point, but that there is far better selection in steel. I ended up purchasing a custom Landshark, handmade from Deda Zero Uno. Carbon fork. I love it -- and wouldn't turn it in for anything. I ride with a large group of Ti riding mates though, and they seem to love their Ti just as much as I love the steel. The ride on both frames is very similar.
Craig
Hi Craig,
Glad you love your ride. I suppose where you stay is pretty arid, hence steel practically lasts 'forever'. I stay in the tropics and steel is a real headache with the humidity and the frequent showers over here.
And yes I ride Ti and its really nice compared to a lot of bikes I tried before. No doubt not as direct and responsive as some Alu and Carbon frames, but none compares when it comes to all day riding ! And it can be as stiff as the others with a little more liveliness 😄
Glad you love your ride. I suppose where you stay is pretty arid, hence steel practically lasts 'forever'. I stay in the tropics and steel is a real headache with the humidity and the frequent showers over here.
And yes I ride Ti and its really nice compared to a lot of bikes I tried before. No doubt not as direct and responsive as some Alu and Carbon frames, but none compares when it comes to all day riding ! And it can be as stiff as the others with a little more liveliness 😄
Right. True. I've heard that in damp climates steel can be a problem, and Ti might also be the better option for people who happen to live on the ocean. Salt can do terrible things to steel over time.
I just live in Maryland . . . and have few concerns about corrosion 😄
Right. True. I've heard that in damp climates steel can be a problem, and Ti might also be the better option for people who happen to live on the ocean. Salt can do terrible things to steel over time.
I just live in Maryland . . . and have few concerns about corrosion 😄
Yup .. they are a problem especially for people like me who do not mind riding in wet weather, as long as the lightning are not acting up of course... :p
Had Peugeot built on Reynolds 653 tubes for some 7 years. No matter how hard I tried maintaining it, the rust eventually destroyed the paint on the top tube and bolt boss areas. Gave up and changed to a Ti and I have never looked back since. Now I have 2 ! 😄
Right. True. I've heard that in damp climates steel can be a problem, and Ti might also be the better option for people who happen to live on the ocean. Salt can do terrible things to steel over time.
I just live in Maryland . . . and have few concerns about corrosion 😄
It's a pain in the @ss, but you can spray the inside of your tubes with Framesaver or fish oil (in a spray pack) which coat the steel like a wax, therefore (supposedly) preventing corrosion.
I just did mine, and the fish oil stinks for about 4 days.
The better option is to buy another bike for wet days, which is aluminium. This was my excuse to buy another bike. 🙂
The other option is not to ride in the rain. Never understood why some people insist on that idiocy. Unless you're a pro or aspiring pro and 'have to ride in it, or if you live in a rain forest - what's the point? Then wonder why your components are crapped out prematurely...
For steel, I've found Columbus Zona/Nivacrom frames to be the best compromise between weight/strength, and responsiveness/comfort, but that depends on the shaping of the tubes and the geometry more than what the actual material is. Their Neuron tubes are excellent as well.
I think people get caught up too much on frame materials and not enough on the fit and geometry. IMO, a well-designed and thought out geometry beats a particular metal any day.
The other option is not to ride in the rain. Never understood why some people insist on that idiocy. Unless you're a pro or aspiring pro and 'have to ride in it, or if you live in a rain forest - what's the point? Then wonder why your components are crapped out prematurely...
For steel, I've found Columbus Zona/Nivacrom frames to be the best compromise between weight/strength, and responsiveness/comfort, but that depends on the shaping of the tubes and the geometry more than what the actual material is. Their Neuron tubes are excellent as well.
I think people get caught up too much on frame materials and not enough on the fit and geometry. IMO, a well-designed and thought out geometry beats a particular metal any day.
Yes, I agree... fit is the foremost of any considerations ! Thats why my second bike was custom ... :p
Its a little heavier than my CT1, but hey, it sure rides better !!
The other option is not to ride in the rain. Never understood why some people insist on that idiocy. Unless you're a pro or aspiring pro and 'have to ride in it, or if you live in a rain forest - what's the point? Then wonder why your components are crapped out prematurely...
For steel, I've found Columbus Zona/Nivacrom frames to be the best compromise between weight/strength, and responsiveness/comfort, but that depends on the shaping of the tubes and the geometry more than what the actual material is. Their Neuron tubes are excellent as well.
I think people get caught up too much on frame materials and not enough on the fit and geometry. IMO, a well-designed and thought out geometry beats a particular metal any day.
I don't insist on riding in the rain, but if you only go out on days when there is no chance of rain around here, you would miss a lot of rides. It happens.
If I travel and stay overnight to ride a Century on Saturday, I'm not going to go home just because of a little rain in the morning. If my precious frame or components can't take a bit of rain, they need to be redesigned.
Yup .. they are a problem especially for people like me who do not mind riding in wet weather, as long as the lightning are not acting up of course... :p
Had Peugeot built on Reynolds 653 tubes for some 7 years. No matter how hard I tried maintaining it, the rust eventually destroyed the paint on the top tube and bolt boss areas. Gave up and changed to a Ti and I have never looked back since. Now I have 2 ! 😄
Thats some really spiffy artwork on the frame !! Goodness I'll be really scared to ride on that !! :p :p :p
Seriously... its a damn nice bike ! And I see DA10 with a DA9 crankset ??? 😕
I get more comments on that combo. Yep. I wanted the DA 10 brake and shift systems, and I happened to have a new DA 9 crank. So, I rigged it up and it works very well. I have since switched the front derailleur to the DA9, which I find easier to adjust. Quirky preference I know.
Thats some really spiffy artwork on the frame !! Goodness I'll be really scared to ride on that !! :p :p :p
Seriously... its a damn nice bike ! And I see DA10 with a DA9 crankset ??? 😕
Hey Mavv,
Do you happen to have any pics of the custom Ti you ride? I'd love to see. BTW, thanks for the compliments on my Landshark. I do love the paint, but on occassion I feel a bit embarrassed about how flamboyant it is. I have always been a very low key bike guy -- going for solid black most of the time, flat black if possible. But, it seemed sily to buy a Landshark and just get a solid color, and Slawta is semi-famous for his custom paint schemes. 😄
Do you happen to have any pics of the custom Ti you ride? I'd love to see. BTW, thanks for the compliments on my Landshark. I do love the paint, but on occassion I feel a bit embarrassed about how flamboyant it is. I have always been a very low key bike guy -- going for solid black most of the time, flat black if possible. But, it seemed sily to buy a Landshark and just get a solid color, and Slawta is semi-famous for his custom paint schemes. 😄
Hi Craig, yes I do, but not too sure how can I link it here really.
