Road Cycling - Steel Frame Race Bikes

Do all the Professional racers ride on carbon & aluminum bikes? Does anyone still race on a steel frame bike?

I don't like carbon for some reason, maybe because I can't afford it, or am afraid of breaking a carbon frame because I'm too heavy.

Do all the Professional racers ride on carbon & aluminum bikes? Does anyone still race on a steel frame bike?

I don't like carbon for some reason, maybe because I can't afford it, or am afraid of breaking a carbon frame because I'm too heavy.

I believe I've seen some Team CSC riders on Cervelo Super Prodigys which are steel. Also, don't forget about titanium. If you're on a tight budget you can sometimes run across generics like Zion Phoenix or closeouts on the Mongoose titanium frames for a reasonable price. Good luck on your search.

- Ralph

I am now using a Steel Lemond Zurich but I am afraid of breaking the frame. I guess it is mt track record of breaking 1 AL frame and 2 carbon frames.

Richard Sachs has a long list of people waiting for him to build them a steel bike and his bikes get raced. there are plenty of great steel builders: steelman, paul taylor, otis guy, the brothers sycip, and waterford is building a 15 pound steel bike. lots of other great steel builders out there. ;)

Do all the Professional racers ride on carbon & aluminum bikes? Does anyone still race on a steel frame bike?

I don't like carbon for some reason, maybe because I can't afford it, or am afraid of breaking a carbon frame because I'm too heavy.

I think it is a myth that "heavy" riders will break carbon frames. Before I bought my 2004 Lemond Zurich, I was considering the Trek 5200. I e-mailed Trek and asked them if a 6'3" 240lb rider, who doesn't race but rides nearly 200 miles per week would have any problems with the frame stressing out.

Their answer was an emphatic NO! They said the frame is guaranteed for life and a rider my size would have no problem.

But, after riding both, and based on the recommendation of several people whose opinions I respect, I opted for the Zurich. It has all the qualities of steel, but is lighter and more responsive. According to the Bicycling magazine test, the only way you can tell it is a steel/CF hybrid is to keep checking as you are riding.

At $2200, the Zurich with its all Ultrega grouppo is fantactic. The Buenos Aires is a few hundred less and has the same frame with a mix of 105 and Ultrega components.

Salsa makes an all steel frame, but I don't know the cost, and Seven has one that is about $2500 with Ultrega components.

Also Torelli has several steel bikes with lug construction in the bottom bracket to give it greater strength then a fully tig welded frame and the frames including forks weigh from 3.6 (Countach) to 4 pounds; and a tig welded one (Express) that is 3.50 pounds.