Steel Frames

KellyT said:

I have decided I want a steel framed special for 07, as my 'A' bike. There seem to be too many things about them that I like, compliant ride, repairable and a bit different etc for me to pass up the idea.

Can anyone recommend a steel frame supplier, that supplies to the UK, that they can vouch for producing a good frame?

There seem to be numerous british niche manufactureres (Dave Yates, Rourke, Roberts etc) but I have no idea at all, if they are on a par with some of the Itialian frames. Since it's going to be a fairly significant amount of cash, I'd like to have a head start that I am buying something 'kosher'.

I am probably leaning toward the Rourke right now, but it has to be said that a fairly neat advert in Cycling Weekly is probably a bad selection criteria.

Personally I ride a Pinarello Opera (steel) and I agree about the compliant ride (but it's got some zip too). The only other steel bike I've owned was also a Pinarello, so that's the extent of my steel experience. Locally (Boston) Independent Fabrications makes some beautiful steel frames. Several of my club members ride them and love them.
www.ifbikes.com

KellyT said:

I have decided I want a steel framed special for 07, as my 'A' bike. There seem to be too many things about them that I like, compliant ride, repairable and a bit different etc for me to pass up the idea.

Can anyone recommend a steel frame supplier, that supplies to the UK, that they can vouch for producing a good frame?

There seem to be numerous british niche manufactureres (Dave Yates, Rourke, Roberts etc) but I have no idea at all, if they are on a par with some of the Itialian frames. Since it's going to be a fairly significant amount of cash, I'd like to have a head start that I am buying something 'kosher'.

I am probably leaning toward the Rourke right now, but it has to be said that a fairly neat advert in Cycling Weekly is probably a bad selection criteria.

Just a Thought:
I ride a Co-Motion Espresso:http://www.co-motion.com/espresso.html I find it to be superb bike and steel is all I ride. I believe they have Euro distributers. Custom made in Oregon, U.S. Don't be turned off by the abundance of tandems, it's what they do well. But check out their singles. They are great with questions and service. Here is just a quick peak at specs, but I think they will lay it out for you any way you like it.
Headset Chris King Threadless
Bottom Bracket Shimano Ultegra 6600 integrated Hollowtech ll
Crankset Shimano Ultegra Double or Ultegra Triple Chainrings 53-39 double or 52-39-30 triple
Brakes Shimano Ultegra calipers
Brake Levers Shimano Ultegra 6600 STI 10 spd double or triple
Front Derailleur Shimano Ultegra 6600 10 spd double or triple
Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra 6600 10 spd double or triple
Cassette Shimano Ultegra 6600 10 spd 12-23, 12-25 or 12-27
Shifters Shimano Ultegra 6600 STI 10 spd double or triple
Seat Post American Classic 27.2mm Saddle Selle Italia Flite Ti
Stem FSA OS-15 Chain Shimano CN-6600 10spd
Pedals None Wheelset Easton Circuit
Tires Michelin Pro Race 700x23

Not sure if they are still going steel as I heard it may be no longer but I still love my Lemond Poprad ... I think to me Lemond makes a great steel frame.

Can you afford Ti? You get the best of both worlds...check ebay for some steals...

Co-Motion is awesome at touring bikes especially if you want to travel light and use SS coupling.

-john sirabella

KellyT said:

I have decided I want a steel framed special for 07, as my 'A' bike. There seem to be too many things about them that I like, compliant ride, repairable and a bit different etc for me to pass up the idea.

Can anyone recommend a steel frame supplier, that supplies to the UK, that they can vouch for producing a good frame?

There seem to be numerous british niche manufactureres (Dave Yates, Rourke, Roberts etc) but I have no idea at all, if they are on a par with some of the Itialian frames. Since it's going to be a fairly significant amount of cash, I'd like to have a head start that I am buying something 'kosher'.

I am probably leaning toward the Rourke right now, but it has to be said that a fairly neat advert in Cycling Weekly is probably a bad selection criteria.

KellyT said:

I have decided I want a steel framed special for 07, as my 'A' bike. There seem to be too many things about them that I like, compliant ride, repairable and a bit different etc for me to pass up the idea.

Can anyone recommend a steel frame supplier, that supplies to the UK, that they can vouch for producing a good frame?

For steel, I would go with one of the custom places myself. That is what I decided to do. That way, you can get the frame fit to you and decide as you like on all of the other details (color, etc). It's not very expensive (like USD1200 in some cases), and the tubing they use is top grade Reynolds, Columbus, Kaisei, etc.

If there are some custom frame builders that you can get to in your area, you might want to check them out.

You have not told us what your price range is. Two other options which will be at the very top in terms of quality and price are: Pegoretti and Scapin.

Look them both up!

KellyT said:

I have decided I want a steel framed special for 07, as my 'A' bike. There seem to be too many things about them that I like, compliant ride, repairable and a bit different etc for me to pass up the idea.

Can anyone recommend a steel frame supplier, that supplies to the UK, that they can vouch for producing a good frame?

There seem to be numerous british niche manufactureres (Dave Yates, Rourke, Roberts etc) but I have no idea at all, if they are on a par with some of the Itialian frames. Since it's going to be a fairly significant amount of cash, I'd like to have a head start that I am buying something 'kosher'.

I am probably leaning toward the Rourke right now, but it has to be said that a fairly neat advert in Cycling Weekly is probably a bad selection criteria.

I have recently ordered a custom steel frame built with Dedacciai EOM 16.5 tubes from this guy in Italy: www.officinagirardi.it
The frames are built locally and painted by the people who paint Willier frames. The frame costs 600 Euro and shipping with insurance is 60.

They spent lots of time helping me to choose the right geometry. I could choose from a variety of paint schemes and got them to paint my name on the top tube just like the pros.

You're in the UK so there'll be no problem with import duties and tax.

The frame is due to arrive in about 3 weeks so I can't vouch for the finished product just yet, but I've found the whole experience very enjoyable.

I don't know about the UK, but there simply aren't any shops in Ireland offering this of service.

KellyT said:

I have decided I want a steel framed special for 07, as my 'A' bike. There seem to be too many things about them that I like, compliant ride, repairable and a bit different etc for me to pass up the idea.

Can anyone recommend a steel frame supplier, that supplies to the UK, that they can vouch for producing a good frame?

There seem to be numerous british niche manufactureres (Dave Yates, Rourke, Roberts etc) but I have no idea at all, if they are on a par with some of the Itialian frames. Since it's going to be a fairly significant amount of cash, I'd like to have a head start that I am buying something 'kosher'.

I am probably leaning toward the Rourke right now, but it has to be said that a fairly neat advert in Cycling Weekly is probably a bad selection criteria.

You may want to look into Bob Jackson Cycles in Leeds, Custom or off the Peg.
Winston.

Tonto said:

I have recently ordered a custom steel frame built with Dedacciai EOM 16.5 tubes from this guy in Italy: www.officinagirardi.it
The frames are built locally and painted by the people who paint Willier frames. The frame costs 600 Euro and shipping with insurance is 60.

They spent lots of time helping me to choose the right geometry. I could choose from a variety of paint schemes and got them to paint my name on the top tube just like the pros.

You're in the UK so there'll be no problem with import duties and tax.

The frame is due to arrive in about 3 weeks so I can't vouch for the finished product just yet, but I've found the whole experience very enjoyable.

I don't know about the UK, but there simply aren't any shops in Ireland offering this of service.

[font=Arial][font=Arial]Just keep in mind that they are remodeling their website and will be 'moving' to a new website... [/font]WWW.BIKE-O-STYLE.COM as of mid-January (I was curious, went to their website to check it out, and found this message in Italian). Thought it would be a public service to others... 🙂[/font]

Powerful Pete said:

[font=Arial][font=Arial]Just keep in mind that they are remodeling their website and will be 'moving' to a new website... [/font]WWW.BIKE-O-STYLE.COM as of mid-January (I was curious, went to their website to check it out, and found this message in Italian). Thought it would be a public service to others... 🙂[/font]

Thanks for that. I was on the website on Sunday and it was still up and running.

By the way, the owner speaks good English and is happy to talk on Skype as well as by email.

Take a look at Paduano custom bikes in Italy. They use steel or Ti, but with modern geometry and style.

The Evil Twin said:

Take a look at Paduano custom bikes in Italy. They use steel or Ti, but with modern geometry and style.

Good call. Forgot about them. Keep in mind that price will be steep...

Thanks for all of the recommendations. Quite a few for me to look up and have a think about.

KellyT said:

Thanks for all of the recommendations. Quite a few for me to look up and have a think about.

Have you looked at Waterford Bikes, they hand build great steel frames. waterfordbikes.comwaterfordbikes.comOpen ↗