cjroot2004

Hello!

I am always interested in exploring new bicycle frame building materials and techniques. Does anyone know if it is still possible to get tubesets by some of the more obscure, "off-beat" makers? For example: Tange or Ishiwata (Japan), Excell or Vitus (France), or Oria (Italy)? I have worked with Reynolds, True-Temper, Columbus, and Dedaciai before, and I am looking for something different. Thanks!

C R

busdriver1959

United Bicycle Institute, UBI, distributes Kaisei tubing. It's the modern iteration of Ishiwata.

unterhausen

I have this theory that there is an infinite amount of tubing out there somewhere, although it's probably more Columbus and Reynolds than the obscure stuff. I suppose if a factory stopped building with steel tubes, the surplus got sent to a metal scrap place. I never liked Ishiwata that much, it's certainly not particularly exotic

Andrew R Stewart 

I've used Tange, Ishiwata, Excell, True Temper, Reynolds, Columbus, and no name 4130 tubing over the years. Excepting the tube's heat treatment levels they all cut and work about the same. Metallurgy says that the tubing stiffness will be much the same given the wall/diameter being the same. Some difference in butt profiles exist and this is why one might want a different brand. The rest is BS/marketing. Andy.

cjroot2004

Thanks all! That is very helpful. I am a little surprised that the Kaisei Std. diam. tubing isn't offered in a .7/.4/.7 butting profile,

C R

Andrew R Stewart 

Two reasons come to mind. How much demand is there for this size and costs go up as the walls get thinner. Andy.

unterhausen

wow, they're really proud of that Keisai tubing Definitely see no reason not to buy that equivalent Nova tubing, that's so exotic the manufacturer is a secret

Live Wire 

I feel like using a obscure tubeset from a closed manufacturer would be pretty anticlimactic. Either the tubes will be in good shape and build like new stuff or it will be rough and quite possibly out of spec. Either way, it will probably be heavier than needed.
If you want a challenge, try to find some Columbus Gilco or Tange Ultimate Prestige...but be prepared to pay $$$

unterhausen

an old set from Reynolds would be good, I think they shipped it covered in oily coal dust. Of course, I just saw a set of that stuff selling for $500 on the 'bay