Bicycle Mechanics - best bang for the buck in steel frames?

Hi,

I am planning on building my own bike in the next 3 months using a camp centaur or ultegra kit.

I want to use a good quality steel frame that is worthy of the components but not crazy expensive like a colnago.

What are your opinions?

I've looked at the frame inventory at GVH bikes....the VINER looks pretty good. The Raleigh professional (steel) seems decent also. I did see a colnago for $795...the colnago crystal. I might consider that also.

Another question: Steel fork or carbon fiber?

Hey rj987652003
Go check out the classified section at roadbikereview.com. I picked up a new '99 Schwinn Peloton frame (Reynolds 853) for $215. I swapped out the stock aluminum fork for a carbon one (got a good deal on one). If the fork had been steel I probably would have left it alone. Gonna put Campy Centaur on the frame eventually. Seriously considered Ultegra for a while but have had Campy in the past (and presently on another bike) so I'm going that route. Don't get me wrong, I like Shimano also (have a perfectly good mid-late '80s Deore XT setup on my Specialized).
Good luck with the frame hunting.

I like Campy too....I'm 80% decided to go with centaur.

Hi,
pick a price. There's lots of nice frames out there. I like Gunnar.
They make really nice, light frames. Ritchey Road Logic is a nice frame if you aren't heavy. But for the best bang for the buck you can get nice complete bikes for a little more, Allez steel or Jamis Quest, or Lemond, for starters

There is a substantial number of "new", unbuilt Paramount frames still in circulation. One of my local shops has a few lugged Reynolds 853 Paramount frames that have the "Hand built in the U.S.A." script on the right chain stay. These are beatiful frames and about as good as they get. The asking price seems to be in the $700 - $900 range. Not long ago there were a couple of these on E-Bay.

There is a substantial number of "new", unbuilt Paramount frames still in circulation. One of my local shops has a few lugged Reynolds 853 Paramount frames that have the "Hand built in the U.S.A." script on the right chain stay. These are beatiful frames and about as good as they get. The asking price seems to be in the $700 - $900 range. Not long ago there were a couple of these on E-Bay.They would be alot better with decent paint. The crap on them seems to chip if looked at wrong.

Try www.vailcycleworks.com un-real how nice a frame they make for the price

Take a look at www.surlybikes.com - they make very nice TIG-welded steel frames in a variety of geometries. They do use a bit older style Reynold's steel tubing, which is why they are a bit heavier and more affordable. Also check out www.somafab.com for a little bit lighter steel frame.

Take a look at www.surlybikes.com - they make very nice TIG-welded steel frames in a variety of geometries. They do use a bit older style Reynold's steel tubing, which is why they are a bit heavier and more affordable. It's just generic DB 4130 cromo.Ok,but a bit expensive for a boat anchor.

I think this is a good deal, especially if you can get it less than the "Buy It Now" price. Don't know how long it will last though.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=22681&item=7101766978&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Scott

Cervelo Superprodigy

With the 2005 models coming out, all the 2004 Cervelos are going cheap.

Cervelo most likely will not be bringing out a steel 2005 model, so snap one up :)

The frame-set comes with a 1" Columbus Muscle fork, a Cervelo carbon seat post and a Cane Creek S2 head set with a Columbus top-cap. You should be able to get one for under $900

All steel or steel carbon both are good. As for the fram I have no clue.

I especially like the steel cyclocross version "THE FRAME" ($700) - It looks all business....just down and dirty hard steel coming right at ya!!! Badass!! I even like the subdued green color they had for an example.

I like their street fighter look" a lot. THanks for the info....I'm going to do my homework on all these companies, but the more I have to choose from the better.

Include "Torelli" in your search. Very nice steel Italian frames - lugged or not - that are painted to your choosing, with steel or carbon forks (You can have the carbon fork painted to match the frame). The ride is top notch and the company provides excellent service. Do it right and build it with a Campy group.

Check out the Gunnar roadie...a real bargain.

http://www.gunnarbikes.com/

I just checked them....looks "hardcore". What's up with all these major companies like cannondale and trek making only aluminum bikes. Who cares about saving a mesly pound of weight. If you look at total weight of rider plus bike....that pound doesn't improve performance that much. The harshness of aluminum more than offsets the performance advantage of decreasing rider + bike weight by less than .5%.

Are the major companies ever going back to giving us a real steel performance bike at the ultegra level?

Here's another vote for Gunnar mine just came in yesterday.

http://www.pbase.com/shadco/image/33868365.jpg

If you like the classic lug look you can get a Gios Compact Pro without a fork for $649 at www.excelsports.com.

what parts are you using to build it up with? How much did that frame cost....I like it's strong, but understated look.

RJ:

Could I suggest, . . . Waterford? I have the RS2200, lugged steel frame. Not many things in life exceed the anticipation, this does. They recently expanded their selections, check them out on the web. Fork, I would go with steel, with a steel frame. Aesthetics. A feeling of life in the front end.

Nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can appreciate a lugged steel frame (stainless lugs are beautiful especially with gunmetal grey paint in the example I saw).

How much did the frame cost? $2000....$2500....

IN my dreams............

P.S I'm thinking of making that picture of the frame lugs part of my desktop wallpaper!!!

you like lugs?

http://www.bohemianbicycles.com/Gallery's.htm

It's just generic DB 4130 cromo.Ok,but a bit expensive for a boat anchor.

I'd like to see the boat you'll anchor with a sub 5 lb bike frame. Hardly a "boat anchor."

Must be a weight weenie. :)

Vincent

Torelli: My LBS just informed me they can't order anymore Torelli frames or complete bikes for now, seems the exchange rate caused Torelli to review their pricing & they may not offer complete bikes in future, just frames. Don

R--
Some words of wisdom:

Carbon bike - Carbon Fork

Steel bike - Steel Fork

its just the way it works...

Skye "Steel is Real" Chamberlain

You should contact every bicycle manufacturer on the planet immediately so they can change their ways.

i have a very comfortable light cervelo. most new frames will come with a carbon fork. lemond makes some nice steel frames, maybe a little more pricey.

I bought a never-ridden 6 year old Lemond Maillot Jaune frame for $200. Built it up with new Ultegra group and used Bonty Race Lite wheels. Ritchey bars, Thomson post, Forte Pro SLX saddle, Speedplays (used) and various other bits. Total cost - less than $950.

It's a lousy picture but you get the idea.

55/Rad

Gunnar frames are made by Waterford. Another "made Waterford" frame to check out, if you like a traditional look, is the Heron at

http://www.heronbicycles.com/

richard