Barchettaman

My Merckx Corsa Extra, in Columbus SLX / size 59cm, weighs 2970 grams (frame and fork), just short of 6lbs 9oz.

Barchettaman

Rob English, steel frame, Edge fork (carbon!) 3 lbs 13.6 ounces (1748 grams)

it was a spectacularly clever build for a guy on WW forums called BMANX. Well worth a look to see how a talented builder integrates modern tech into a steel build.

D1andonlyDman

That's a big frame. Most Columbus SLX frames in the sizes I'm used to (53-55 cm) weigh about 5 and a half pounds.

In any case, let's say that the newer steel frame, size for size, might weigh 2 pounds less at the frame than the SLX bike. If the newer bike weighs 6 pounds less, around 2/3 of that is due to modern wheels and components obviously chosen for weight - not the frame.

Barchettaman

Absolutely.

I think it's pretty feasible to build up a vintage SLX frame to approach the current the UCI weight limit, without having to go too mental on parts.

3kg frame fork
1.5 kg wheelset
700 g tubes / tyres
1.1 kg 10-speed Sram Force
carbon post

oops, I think I'm going to go a bit over with the threaded headset/stem/handlebar/saddle still to come!

Chrome Molly

Nah, just go with a 1 inch threadless full carbon fork.

SimplySycles1

I think everyone reading here agrees that your question is comparing apples to watermelons. On a custom every dimension from your forearm length to the bikes intended use is taken into consideration making the bike comfortable and as a friend once said "comfortable makes you efficient and efficient is fast"

Barchettaman

If I could find a pantographed Eddy Merckx carbon 1" fork I would!

The fork weight isn´t too bad, only 760 grams. What would a superlight exotic 1" carbon fork come in at? Easton EC90sl at 360 grams, maybe? 14 ounce saving....

Fortunately I´m not going down the weight weenie route, this hobby is mental enough as it is without seeking out superlight parts!

RobbieTunes

Quite intentional, if that's a good word for it. I did not weigh the frame, but I have weighed the final product.
Without cages, pedals, or Garmin mount, the bike weighs 16.34 lbs. All the components are used, simply what I found.

It could easily be lighter, under 16 lbs:
1-Swap the Ultegra shifters for DA
2-Cut off the Thomson seat post, or swap in a carbon post, cut to length
3-Swap the Thomson seat post clamp for a good carbon one (my cheap carbon one failed)
4-KCNC chain
5-KCNC cassette
6-Hylix stem in lieu of the Zipp
7-There are lighter wheels out there, and lighter tires.
8-Lighter saddle. bulldogge knows of which I speak.
9-Swapping the Pulsion crankset/BB package for a Helion cranksest/BB package.
10-Lighter headbadge, use the Hustle decal instead of my skully metal one.

I don't think that would make it any more fun to ride, and whats a half pound under my not-so-light carcass?



This bike was built for appearance, and with a full matching group (the quality of the ride was taken for granted.) The photo is not current.
The RD is now a long-cage (via mapleleafs_13), the crankset is now a compact NOS Campagnolo Century Grey Centaur; the cassette is 11-29.
The saddle is nw a padded grey/white Bontrager Inform RL, tires are new Continental GranSport 25's.

I did remove some weight, as the original decals had 3 red stripes running diagonally above/below the ST and DT logo. Seemed a bit much.

The weight of the build never crossed my mind, and still doesn't. I dig this bike. Other riders ask if it's heavy. I say no, it's "pinstripe fade, baby."

If you want a bike that looks like this, at 16 lbs? Ellis Cycles showed one at NAHBS, with 9-sp Anniversary DA. I think it was 16.17lbs.

photogravity

Interestingly, my mid-1940's L. H. Brookes frameset with a headset installed (frame and fork) made with Reynolds 531 double butted tubing, weighed in at 2833 grams, a snick shy of 6lbs 4oz. Granted, the frame is a bit smaller which accounts for some of the lower weight, but it has a headset installed, which adds a little bit of weight.

Chrome Molly

Columbus minimal 1 inch steerer fork weighs 330g before trimming, so that's approaching a 1lb savings for the fork vs your 760 gram model. The stem is likely to save another 100-150 grams, so that's starting to add up. Not sure if threadless is for everyone, especially on a classic Merckx, but it's an option for you in the future if you decide to get it as low as it will go...

Barchettaman

Looks like some substantial savings are to be made on the front end!

I think I´ll concentrate on getting some weight off the rider first!

4funbikes

Some vintage steel has also been subjected to a life of more use and potentially abuse (for lack of a better word).
For instance;
I purchased a reasonable quality handbuilt frameset (sl,sp or something of the like) from the 80's a few years back. The bike was ridden regularly on the road until the late 90's at which point it was upgraded and relegated to life on the trainer. 10+ years or so of fairly regular use on a trainer is what I believe to be the cause of the bike being a complete noodle.
I've not looked in to the matter much, but I can only assume years of the rear wheel in a fixed position, mashing on the pedals with the BB essentially swaying in the breeze can change some characteristics.

In all perhaps one more variable in the comparisons here.

RobbieTunes

Adam Eldridge


Kind of a new "template" thing going on, eh?

gomango

Robbie,

Your Wraith is a real hot rod.

Spot on my friend.

Barchettaman

That Wraith is an absolutely splendid build, Robbie!

the sloping top tube seems to be pretty standard these days. Rob English did some pretty trick work on the black frame, with integrated cable runs and seat post. I think a Thomson post is 'grafted' on the top.

bmanx got the English build down to 6 KG, so just over 13lbs.

RobbieTunes

Seems like "boutique" builders are not the only ones getting a word in on modern steel.
This looks a lot like iab's Cinelli XCR. One wonders how much heavier the paint makes it....
I like his a bit better, but I highly doubt there's much to dislike about this one.

RobbieTunes

Wow. That Stronglight Helion crankset, one of the lightest around.
They have a 19mm spindle, so I'm not sure where to find a BB.
I contacted the seller of one of those recently, he just said "European" BB.
I left it at that, knowing that "confused" is not a good starting point.