Road Cycling - wow... steel is real!

I know this thread is done to death, but after rebuilding my dad's old (70's) motobecane, to a commuter and adding some new parts (such as new rims and tires) I went for my first ride. I'd only ridden on steel once before, but I never got a chance to really test it, boy am I surprised on how the ride is.... I'm not sure how to describe it, but the road seems smoother on steel, and it seems to be a quieter bike... al makes noise? I may just convert my other road bike with a steel frame :D

And, new steel can be even better.

I wholeheartedly agree with Pokey.
mid to late 90's steel (or newer) has to be
ridden to be appreciated.
That said, there is something magic (mojo?)
about old lugged steel frames.

Marty

I love my 1991 Columbus SL frame.

I got a 78 model bianchi steel, and an alloy canodale. riding steel is smoother although is quite hevy, but the feel is really good.

Originally posted by abongon
I got a 78 model bianchi steel, and an alloy canodale. riding steel is smoother although is quite hevy, but the feel is really good.

My Lemond BA Reynolds 853 frame weighs under 3 pounds. How much lighter can you get?

My LeMond Poprad with 853 Steel is 2 to 5 lbs heavier than the LeMond titanium bike (Te Te or something). I love the ride of steel. However, my next bike will be a titanium bike.

PBW

And, as I have just learned in my research on a new frame, steel is much more environmentally friendly than Aluminum.

Al requires an enormous amount of energy to turn it from ore into usable metal--much more so than steel. (No, you can't use recycled Al for building bikes--it has to be virgin stuff.) Granted one owns a bike for a long time, so the use of it for a bike frame might still be justified. But, by most accounts steel will endure longer than Al.

I am pretty convinced that I'll buy a steel frame. I only regret that I have never owned Al, Ti, or Carbon--I want to have at least tried them. But, one doesn't throw down a couple of grand just to try something out.

Cheers,
Jamie

Well, what can I say? All I ride are old lugged steel frames. My Chicago-built Paramount is 26 years old, and my Waterford-built Paramount turn 13 this month!:bday:

Personally, I love my steel frames. I had a chance to ride a Ti bike once, but not really enough to compare it's ride, and I have never been on AL at all. I have a good friend who loves his AL bike, but for me, I'll stick with my steel!

Not to mention, you can't change the traffic light on a Ti or Al or CF bike:)

Originally posted by DnvrFox


My Lemond BA Reynolds 853 frame weighs under 3 pounds. How much lighter can you get? That's the biggest load of applesauce I have seen for awhile. Bet if it's a normal size, it does not get under 4 pounds for the frame alone.

Are you planning to race Vegas?

Originally posted by fubar5
Are you planning to race Vegas?


yes, in fact I'm setting up a training program now, to do some in feb or march (cat 5, as I'm a noob), but still have to build up the miles and such.

Originally posted by VegasCyclist



yes, in fact I'm setting up a training program now, to do some in feb or march (cat 5, as I'm a noob), but still have to build up the miles and such.

Coolio. What bike?

Glad to hear of your steel enlightenment.

Mine came from a yard sale bike. Was riding a Cannondale road bike and a GT alu MTB and saw an old Raleigh in great shape. Got it for $35.00 USD. I replaced the chain and brake pads and made it my commuter. It became a favorite of mine.

Not that I am demeaning other frame materials but steel frames really are it for me now.

:beer:

Originally posted by VegasCyclist
it seems to be a quieter bike... al makes noise

No first-hand experience with al, but the noise may be other things. The big noisemakers on my Ti bike are carbon fork roadbuzz and clattering Ultegra STI shifters. After using it exclusively for rec rides for over a year, I dropped back to my Bianchi w/downtube shifters and steel unicrown fork and the first thing I noticed was the pleasant absence of racket.

Originally posted by pokey
That's the biggest load of applesauce I have seen for awhile. Bet if it's a normal size, it does not get under 4 pounds for the frame alone.

Okay, I will give you a pound. That is what I read somewhere, but can't find it on the Lemond Specs page. In any event, it is a nice light bike. I will take 4 pounds any day for my kind of riding.

Originally posted by roadbuzz
No first-hand experience with al, but the noise may be other things. The big noisemakers on my Ti bike are carbon fork roadbuzz and clattering Ultegra STI shifters. After using it exclusively for rec rides for over a year, I dropped back to my Bianchi w/downtube shifters and steel unicrown fork and the first thing I noticed was the pleasant absence of racket.

you might be right considering, that it has steel forks, and friction shifting... in any rate it sure is fun to ride :D

Just weighed my '87 Paramount at the LBS on their digial scale and it weighed 20.3 pounds. That is with the Armadillo tires, which must be at least the 0.3. Also has a triple crankset. With racing tires and double crank the bike would weight just under 20 pounds. Since I could lose another 20 myself, I think the bike is in great shape. We did this weighing before and after switching to a carbon fork. Lost a whole 0.2 pounds. Big deal. If the snow ever melts it will be interesting to contrast the ride with the stock steel fork.

There are a bunch of sub-4 pound steel frames out there now. Some are very close to 3 pounds. New TIG welding and tubing technology and designs are responsible for same. Check out Waterford Bikes and some of the Italian brands we don't hear much about over here (Scapin, Olmo, Pinarello, etc.) and also Guru, a relatively new Canadian brand for ultra-lightweight steel rides. All use the new tube sets from Columbus, Dedacciaci (sp?) and True Temper. Waterford Bikes is the original Schwinn Waterford plant where all Paramounts from the late 70's on were fabricated. Still owned and operated by Richard Schwinn and company.

But for me, nothing will ever beat a lugged steel frame. A ride like no other. Comfortable, fast, stable. Class of the field.

Steel is real and the most comfortable ride in my opinion. I always feel like Al or CF frames need a shock do to the abuse you take. Being from Northern Indiana the roads were never the exactly what you called smooth. I'm checking out GVH Bikes and hope to pick up a new STEEL beauty by the end of the year.

THE NEW STEEL

RunYun

I can feel the difference between my steel roadbike and my al hardtail mtb. The roadbike despite the huge difference in tires is so much smoother. I was considering a new roadbike as the Suntour parts I have are impossible to get parts for (like when I need a new cluster, and I would like STI), but I may just buy a groupset and upgrade this frame. That, and the fact that I will be saving a long time to afford the sort of bike that I would like.

Originally posted by RunYun
I'm checking out GVH Bikes and hope to pick up a new STEEL beauty by the end of the year.

GVH has some good service, I and two of my friends have picked up frames from him.

I love my Steelman ( www.steelmancycles.com ) -like stereo equipment i try to get the best performance for the least buck. so i buy high quality, more expensive stuff and keep it for a long time. My Steelman SR525 is now 4.5 years and 14,000 miles old. never a creak or an unscheduled maintanence from it or the ultegra stuff on it.

BTW: straight steel forks are the real deal as well. Straight forks are sexy and don't need much design to 'dampen'

I would love to have a steel road frame. And I'm really not worried about the rust issue- that is more of a perceived problem than a real problem. Modern steel resists rust better than ever and you can spray the inside with rust inhibitor. A good frame will last 30+ years.

I've been on alu for the last 4 years and like the stiffness. I might end up trying ti next time, the way it looks now, but I'm in no hurry to get a new frame. But, I will say that my steel mountain bike abso-freakin-lutely rocks. I love it. I've thought about replacing her, but can't do it because she's so good on the trail. I don't ride off road as much as I'd like, but I love it when I do because of that frame.

I will purchase a steel bike soon to do a ride-test comparison. I will get back to ya'll with the results.

Steel rocks!

I've had my share of aluminum and steel. For my style of riding, I love steel. I don't see why more people don't make the dedication to steel.

Huh, this is an old thread that was dug up, but what the heck. I like steel. I also ride a Lemond BA like another poster mentioned. The actual weight for the frame is 3.7lbs for a 55cm. Under 4, but deffinetly not under 3.

Anyway, I like steel. It offers a great ride and a classic look. Aluminum, carbon and Ti can all be good as well, but there is just something about steel.

I built up a new Scapin EOS3 (Columbus Niva OR tubing) two months ago. The frame weighed in at 3.16 pounds on my LBS digital scale. That is more than a pound less than my Paramount weighed. When built up with a Campy 10-speed triple group it weighed in at 19.8 pounds, with Ksyrium Elite wheels. Put on a lighter set of wheels/tires and it would get very close to 19 pounds.

I built my Lemond BA up with Chorus lever, cranks and BB. Centaur brakes and ders. Thomson stem and seatpost. Chris King headset. Record hubs with Mavic OP's. 3T The bar, Look 206 pedals and a Terry Fly saddle. Also has two Elite cages on there. Total weight is just about 20.5 lbs. Not bad for a steel frame and parts selected for durability.

slide post some pix!!

My Lemond is 6 years old and rides great. A true temper steel frame, carbon fork & seatpost make my ride smooth as silk on the roads. smoother is better steel kicks a$$

I should be able to post some pics later today or tomorrow.

I'll put them up when I can.

Heres a pic of my Lemond.

Campy Chorus cranks, BB, cassette and levers. Campy Centaur brakes and ders. Campy Record hubs on Mavic OP's. Wipperman SS chain. Thomson stem and seatpost. Chris King headset. 3T The bar. Terry Fly saddle. Salsa seat collar. Look 206 pedals. Two Elite cages, Continental Ultra 3000 tires, a Pedros seat pack and a Cat Eye Astrale computer round out the package. Frame and fork are 02 Lemond Buenos Aires.

I ride on 84 Trek 660 with Reynolds 531cs steel lugged frame and using 100% Suntour Superbe components, this bike when I was racing it weighed 20.1 pounds on an LBS scale. If I converted everything I could to carbon fiber on it, I bet it would weigh in the 18 pound range.

But as Roadbuzz mentioned, with the older stuff there is no roadbuzz (no pun intended). In fact even my freewheel is so quiet there is no ticking when coasting like most other bikes have-not that that's good or bad just quiet. All I hear is wind and birds and...whatever is around you just not your bike.

I've got a Hillbrick steel frame. It's awesome , I wouldn't swap it for any other bike.:)

Paramount Pictures and Miramax have announced of finishing shooting of the final episode for the sequel series to the multy-award winner movie "The Steel" released in 1982. Names to the sequals in order of release:

Steel 2

Steel comes back

Forever Steel

The current series feature Steel Cro, starring also Alu Harsh, Feather Ti, Snappy Carbon and Joy Rider.

Lots of complete steel bikes out there under 20 pounds and plenty under 19,not bad for a great ride.

Originally posted by shokhead
Lots of complete steel bikes out there under 20 pounds and plenty under 19,not bad for a great ride.

Mine weighs in a t 38.5 lbs. And, boy, did I love it! Riding is absolutely effortless. Slices through air like a hot knife through butter. Single gear. You don't It cost me peanuts. Dunno what all that bike stuff out there in the shops is for... Anyone's interested?


Den Brewers

Originally posted by denbrewers
Mine weighs in a t 38.5 lbs. And, boy, did I love it! Riding is absolutely effortless. Slices through air like a hot knife through butter. Single gear. It cost me peanuts. Dunno what all that bike stuff out there in the shops is for.

Den Brewers

My understanding is that you have purchased and are riding the very best available in Latvia. That in only a few short years they will have the weight of their new bicycles under 35 pounds and will also have three gears. Their wonderful technological advances are going to allow all Latvians to skip right past having only two gears and go directly to three. A small step forward for mankind and a giant step forward for bicycledom.

What is the least expensive, descent quality steel frame road bike?

Who all makes steel framed bikes?
Does anyone make relaxed geometry steel framed bikes?

Cervelo,fuji,lemond,masi,specialized,jamis,iron horse,scattante which is a supergo brand and bianchi which supergo got all the rest of the 2002's and are selling for up to 40% off.Thats a few.

yeah Supergo always has good eals on steelies... I almost went with a Cervelo, but after testing a Lemond... I went with that... well at least the Frame and fork.. now I just have to get the rest of the components... I'm so jealous of the rest of you Lemond owners.. you get to ride yours now.. I'll probably have to wait until the end of summer.... until then I get to ride my early 90's Centurion Tange Steel bike that weighs in at 28 lbs... I figure once I build up my Lemond.. it will be right around 19 or 20 lbs... hopefully that will translate into some nice speed both up and downhills :-)

What Lemond frame are you getting and how do you plan to build it up?

Originally posted by ParamountScapin
My understanding is that you have purchased and are riding the very best available in Latvia. That in only a few short years they will have the weight of their new bicycles under 35 pounds and will also have three gears. Their wonderful technological advances are going to allow all Latvians to skip right past having only two gears and go directly to three. A small step forward for mankind and a giant step forward for bicycledom.

You're too kind.
:beer:

Yeah, we've got all of sorts of'em down 'ere. Might pick one up for you, if you're interested. :D

I forgot to mention, though, I do 32+ mph on it. Average, that is. And not on the incline. No motorapacing, no towing, no overgearing. Just sheer power delivery to them pedals and the rear wheel...

What it's like riding my old bike? It's like... er... cramming your mouth full of hot buttered toast after going hungry for days... it's like waking up and realising it's the weekend... it's like the better moment of sex.... It's just.... pure.... selfish plearure.

Just to add to the concensus... I've ridden pretty much every kind of frame material going, and I don't just mean around the block. The best frame I have ever ridden is made by Terry Dolan of Gt. Britain out of Reynolds 753 tubes. She flies! She corners or rails! She responds! And she doesn't beat you up even after 5 hours in the saddle. I like Aluminium and Carbon for the cold months when I worry about condensation inside the precious steel tubes but in the summer it's steel all the way.

To be fair, I also like my TREK 'US Postal' model, but you have to take the stock frame (same as Lance does they tell us) whereas you can have steel 'suited' to you like a glove. (if you and/or the builder know your/his stuff) But nothing is as good as my '753'. I don't know why Reynolds discontinued it. I've not ridden an 853 that was as good as my 753 but then the ones I rode were not custom-built for me by a Master Craftsman like Dolan. So that makes a differerence too.

Maybe, we make too much fuss over the material. Maybe it's all about getting a frame built for you by a Master. (and there are several in the USA that are as good as any in the world) Still and all though, an engineer friend once said to me "... if steel was invented this year it would be hailed as the new 'miracle' material. But because it's been around for so long people take it for granted." Oh, and as for the weight difference, I think that's overblown too. The difference between a top-of-the-line steel frame and any other material is not very great. Maybe a pound, maybe more, depending on frame size. Hell, shed 5 pounds off your body and you'll be waaayy further ahead, and have more money left over too, like as not.:)

How much difference in feel is there among different types of steel? In particular is 520 any good? How much advantage is there in 853 over 520? What is the deal with the so-called 853 select, which as far as I can tell means being sort of cheap and only using 853 in the three main tubes?

A similar question involves lugs- - do lugged frames feel different/better? Does it matter how good the weld is?

I think the newer steel,853 is light because the tubes are so thin,0.7 i think i read.For example,a fuji marseille is about 18.7 pounds for a 54.I'm not sure what the difference in ride between the steels.Weight is the biggest difference.

I like my AL bike just fine. However, I'm going to get an older steel bike as a project bike. Soon I'll be able to do a side by side comparison.

I'm hearing a lot about steel hear in this forum. Yet a lot of the anti AL stuff is based upon percieved failure ~ that hasn't been shown.

But I think that I'm gonna get a steel bike, just for fun. Wait, that's why I have a bike anyway!