Modern Steel vs Classic?
09-24-08, 04:17 AM
#1
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Modern Steel vs Classic?
Looking to point my parents at a decent grad gift, and I'd like a classic steel bike; however, most of those are ludicrously expensive. An alternative would be home-grown modern steel from Marinoni. So, can anyone provide insight into the similarities or differences between the following bikes?
1. Colnago Master X-Light
2. De Rosa Neo Primato
3. Cinelli Super Corsa
4. Marinoni Piuma
Oh, the Piuma is TIG'd Columbus Spirit tubing...
1. Colnago Master X-Light
2. De Rosa Neo Primato
3. Cinelli Super Corsa
4. Marinoni Piuma
Oh, the Piuma is TIG'd Columbus Spirit tubing...
Last edited by kergin; 09-24-08 at 04:25 AM.
09-24-08, 04:57 AM
#2
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only thing i can point out, they are all top notch builders using steel from Colombus or 853 reynolds.
all of the bikes are based on the classic Europeon geometry like a 73.5 seat and 73.5 head angle
maybe some others input can be more helpful
all of the bikes are based on the classic Europeon geometry like a 73.5 seat and 73.5 head angle
maybe some others input can be more helpful
09-24-08, 07:06 AM
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My vote is for a custom built Marinoni. Italian bikes have a nice bling factor but a hand built bike built for your sizing requirements will trump them anytime.
Anthony
Anthony
09-24-08, 07:31 AM
#5
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Graduation Gifts from parents are usually something that you're going to use for the job you'll be getting soon that will finally stop the massive cash hemorage they've been experiencing for the last couple decades.
A steel city bike with fenders and lights as you'll be putting in some long hours at your new job.
A steel city bike with fenders and lights as you'll be putting in some long hours at your new job.
09-24-08, 07:49 AM
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Ahh, that bike (fenders, lights etc) sounds like a job for a Marinoni Ciclo or Fango. Columbus Zona is supposed to be nice!
09-24-08, 09:42 AM
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Why not a Waterford built 953? Afterall a graduation gift should last a long time, and it's not that much more than the Colnago.
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09-24-08, 12:48 PM
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Graduation Gifts from parents are usually something that you're going to use for the job you'll be getting soon that will finally stop the massive cash hemorage they've been experiencing for the last couple decades.
A steel city bike with fenders and lights as you'll be putting in some long hours at your new job.
A steel city bike with fenders and lights as you'll be putting in some long hours at your new job.
09-24-08, 12:55 PM
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How about a Surly @ around $1k for commuting, plus a $2k carbon bike for other occasions 
09-24-08, 04:26 PM
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Steel is steel, is steel. Any top builder of steel bikes uses appropriate tubes for the given design of the bike, its size, and its intended purpose. Folks who buy a bike for urban commuting or loaded touring need beefy tubing, people who ride only on tracks, or only in short time-trials on smooth roads can use ultra-light tubing...neither type of tube is "better" than the other...each is "better" for a given rider and type of riding. The difference for a 180 pound rider? Pushing 200 pounds of bike and rider down the road feels remarkably like pushing 202 pounds of bike and rider down the road...
Many good buildings "mix and match" steel from two or three suppliers on one bike. Focus on WHO will build your bike, and trust him to use the best tubes for that particular bike.
Many good buildings "mix and match" steel from two or three suppliers on one bike. Focus on WHO will build your bike, and trust him to use the best tubes for that particular bike.
Last edited by alanbikehouston; 09-24-08 at 04:30 PM.
09-24-08, 05:10 PM
#14
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I endorse both the Yamaguchi and Gunnar options.
on another forum, the GIOS compact came up and I would certainly be looking at it if I was buying.
made in Italy and half the price of a Master XLT
on another forum, the GIOS compact came up and I would certainly be looking at it if I was buying.
made in Italy and half the price of a Master XLT
09-24-08, 05:18 PM
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09-24-08, 05:24 PM
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I'd throw my hat in for Gunnar for something reasonably priced. I had a Roadie and it was an awesome frame! Otherwise Marinoni is nice and would be my choice from the list. Otherwise I love Waterford and Indy Fab as well for steel.
mmm...I love steel.
mmm...I love steel.
09-24-08, 05:51 PM
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Smartcyles.com (which advertises right on this BF page!) has a ton of classic steel frames at very reasonable prices. I have a 12 year old lugged DeBernardi Columbus that still rides as nice as the new CF frame I built up this year......
09-24-08, 06:30 PM
#20
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I have no experience with the models you mention in your original post, and I know this would be a gift, but I've found that you can get an outstanding classic steel frame for much less than a modern steel frame that may/maynot be as nice so if economics enter into your decision I would recommend a classic steel frame.
09-24-08, 07:25 PM
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09-24-08, 08:00 PM
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My vote would be either a Gunnar or a custom Curtlo.
The Gunnar is Platinum OX and is made by the same folks that make Waterfords.
The Curtlo is made in Winthrop, Washington by Doug Curtis. He works only in steel and will pretty much do whatever it is that you want.
Sounds like you have some great folks.
Ride Safe
The Gunnar is Platinum OX and is made by the same folks that make Waterfords.
The Curtlo is made in Winthrop, Washington by Doug Curtis. He works only in steel and will pretty much do whatever it is that you want.
Sounds like you have some great folks.
Ride Safe
09-24-08, 08:38 PM
#23
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Looking to point my parents at a decent grad gift, and I'd like a classic steel bike; however, most of those are ludicrously expensive. An alternative would be home-grown modern steel from Marinoni. So, can anyone provide insight into the similarities or differences between the following bikes?
1. Colnago Master X-Light
2. De Rosa Neo Primato
3. Cinelli Super Corsa
4. Marinoni Piuma
Oh, the Piuma is TIG'd Columbus Spirit tubing...
1. Colnago Master X-Light
2. De Rosa Neo Primato
3. Cinelli Super Corsa
4. Marinoni Piuma
Oh, the Piuma is TIG'd Columbus Spirit tubing...
2. pretty (w/ steel fork)
3. heavy (fork crown not as "classic")
4. eww...canadian...and quebecois at that
09-24-08, 08:40 PM
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I build frames as a hobby and of the choices listed, I'd go for the De Rosa. A little more rare than the Colnago and the geometry is a little more mainstream. The Cinelli used small diameter tubing which is not as nice as the OS tubes on the other frames. The Marinoni would be a good choice if you have custom fitting needs, but otherwise I'd go for the classic brand.
