Steel Bike Purchase Advice
09-19-15, 10:52 PM
#51
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That's why I said 20%+ !
Regarding the Grand Premio Elite, I'm seriously considering getting this bike (just trying to find someone who owns one to see it up close).
Are you saying the frame is 631? I thought it was 520. But agree that its a full 105 drive train except for the crank and the RS11 wheels are better than the entry level Jamis bikes which cost more and have a Claris drive train.
Regarding the Grand Premio Elite, I'm seriously considering getting this bike (just trying to find someone who owns one to see it up close).
Are you saying the frame is 631? I thought it was 520. But agree that its a full 105 drive train except for the crank and the RS11 wheels are better than the entry level Jamis bikes which cost more and have a Claris drive train.
09-19-15, 11:47 PM
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09-20-15, 01:10 AM
#53
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The type of steel keeps getting referenced.
What are the major and/or practical differences between say the 520 and 631 just posted?
What are the major and/or practical differences between say the 520 and 631 just posted?
09-20-15, 06:46 AM
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09-20-15, 06:54 AM
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That helps a lot thanks!
But is there one that is generally accepted to be the best in a combination of lowest weight with best strength/durability?
And I often see people reference some vintage bikes with a steel that isn't produced anymore?
If that is the case what would be the optimal steel in a vintage bike and the optimal steel in a new bike.
I realize it may be a bit subjective but just looking for educated opinions so I can make my next purchase
But is there one that is generally accepted to be the best in a combination of lowest weight with best strength/durability?
And I often see people reference some vintage bikes with a steel that isn't produced anymore?
If that is the case what would be the optimal steel in a vintage bike and the optimal steel in a new bike.
I realize it may be a bit subjective but just looking for educated opinions so I can make my next purchase
Last edited by bakes1; 09-20-15 at 07:00 AM. Reason: Add
09-20-15, 07:26 AM
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to buy the bike but it had recently been sold for $450
09-20-15, 07:46 AM
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Total newb here myself, but here's my 2 cents (probably all it's worth).
After riding a single speed for about a year, I decided I needed gears to keep up, so I bought a Surly Cross Check. I like to ride gravel, dirt roads. 4130 steel, Deore group, I like it a lot.
But it is heavy, and the Kenda Slant Six tires don't roll so easy on pavement, where it turns out I actually do the majority of my riding.
So I looked for a used bike on CL and just bought a '98 Lemond Zurich. Reynolds 853 with Ultegra group, in absolutely pristine condition. Probably paid too much for it, but the ride quality difference between the two absolutely blew me away.
After riding a single speed for about a year, I decided I needed gears to keep up, so I bought a Surly Cross Check. I like to ride gravel, dirt roads. 4130 steel, Deore group, I like it a lot.
But it is heavy, and the Kenda Slant Six tires don't roll so easy on pavement, where it turns out I actually do the majority of my riding.
So I looked for a used bike on CL and just bought a '98 Lemond Zurich. Reynolds 853 with Ultegra group, in absolutely pristine condition. Probably paid too much for it, but the ride quality difference between the two absolutely blew me away.
09-20-15, 10:10 AM
#58
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I used to have a '98. 853 was one of the sweetest rides I ever had. Make sure your rear wheel skewer is super tight, as tight as you can get it. Those models had an issue with the rear wheel coming out of the dropouts while riding, it happened to me a couple of times.
