Cycling Equipment · Public discussion

Steel frames

Started by nbfman · · Last activity · 3 posts · 944 views

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Cycling Equipment
Published
2 October 2006
Last activity
2 October 2006
Original author
nbfman
Posts
3
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Public discussion
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Topics
Steel framesCustom frame buildingCarbon framesClimbing

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  1. Original post
    nbfman
    Archived post
    #1

    I'm thinking about getting a second road bike, and custom steel frames have perked my interest, mainly because the price seems so good for something that is customized to me. I'm concerned about frame weight, but one place claimed 1.2 kg for a 52 cm frame that was all-steel, which is as light as my current carbon frame. I'll use the bike for training, hill-climbs, and possibly some racing.

    However, I read in reviews about how test-riders improved their times on hills etc. when trying the new carbon model from various manufacturers. Also, no pros seem to use steel anymore. So, I was wondering if anyone could share from their experience with recent steel frames. Is it a lot harder to perform well on them? Maybe the TdF types are different, but do you know of any "serious" racers who still compete on steel frames? Finally, would be great to hear about any of your experiences with custom steel frames for road bikes.

    Thanks.

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  2. kleng
    Archived post
    #2

    Baum cycles in Melbourne Australia, I think make a Reynolds 953 steel frame which weighs less than 1kg, that right up there with the latest carbon frames.

    It was previewed here.
    http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech/2005/shows/australia05/?id=results/australia051

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  3. ScienceIsCool
    Archived post
    #3

    Personallly, I like steel frames. I'd be wary of one that's 1200 grams though. That seems to be a bit light (i.e., easy to damage). I know several guys who race locally on custom steel, though you're right that carbon is probably the most common material.

    I seriously doubt, though, that people are experience huge improvements in climbing, time trialing, etc, etc simply by going to a carbon frame that is 300-500 grams lighter. There just doesn't seem to be any mechanism for that.

    All the "serious" racers I know that turned continental pro rode whatever was underneath them until someone was buying their bikes for them. In fact, I've got a steel frame that I bought from one of them. It makes a perfect second bike for me and I've definitely raced it a few times.

    That said, I'll be switching from titanium to a carbon bike (Louis Garneau Sonix 6.5 SL) as part of a sponsorship package next year. Will it make me win races or climb better? Nah... It sure looks cool though! And the frame and fork together come in at 1300 grams!

    Good luck, whatever you ride!

    John Swanson
    www.bikephysics.com

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