Framebuilders - Columbus Zona v. Columbus Life/Spirit

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whitekimchee
10-21-11, 12:24 PM
Debating on which tubing to use for my next build. The frame is going to be lugged and is going to be used daily on the streets.

I keep reading that Life/Spirit is lighter and slightly stronger than Zona but is susceptible to dents because it uses tubing that has very thin walls. And we all know no one likes dents. I care more about durability than weight.

Also on another note, what is the difference between Life, Spirit, and Spirit Keirin? Is it just the weight?

Leukybear
10-21-11, 12:42 PM
I would ask in the framebuilders subforum here at bikeforums ;)
AllenG
10-21-11, 12:47 PM
Moved from SS/FG

tuz
10-21-11, 01:22 PM
Yes Spirit & Life are a bit stronger than Zona, thus they can be drawn thinner. Durability is dependent on who is doing the welding/brazing and what the rider does, but yes a thicker & stiffer tube is usually better in that regard.

If the frame is lugged, then you are probably stuck with the "spririt for lugs"; it's the only set with long enough butts.

As for the differences between the tube sets, weight is one, but so is tube diameter, wall thickness & butt lenghts. Never heard of Spirit Keirin.
Nessism
10-22-11, 05:32 PM
I'd go with the thicker downtube option within Zona, .8/.5, since that will add a little extra stiffness. Spirit for Lugs has nice long butts so that would be a good choice for the top tube. Mix and match.:)
mudboy
10-23-11, 08:38 AM
Is Zona cro-mo or nivacrom?
unterhausen
10-23-11, 12:44 PM
Zona is nivicrom. I haven't managed to dent my Spirit for Lugs bike at all. I'm guessing that the shaped Spirit might be easier to dent