Recommend me a STEEL frame?
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Ithaca, NY
Posts: 4,852
Bikes: Click on the #YOLO
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
12 Posts
Noooooooo! It rides like crap. I have one of those 853 Pro Team frames and it is by far the worst riding of my 4 steel bikes. The rear triangle is so laterally flexible that the first time I rode it, I stopped several times to check for a flat rear tire. it steers nice, but in the middle of a fast corner, it always feels like it has a hinge in the middle.
#27
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 270
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Best deal is the Fuji Connoisseur from nashbar. $499!!
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...0052_549652_-1
Reynolds 725 and really pretty. I really like the crowned straight blade fork and colors.
I would buy it but I have too many bikes.
Still, it's tempting!
You have a ton $ left over in your budget if you want to upgrade components and still be way under any comparable bike.
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...0052_549652_-1
Reynolds 725 and really pretty. I really like the crowned straight blade fork and colors.
I would buy it but I have too many bikes.
Still, it's tempting!
You have a ton $ left over in your budget if you want to upgrade components and still be way under any comparable bike.
#29
Guitar Master
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Parkdale, Toronto
Posts: 716
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
When the Toronto bike expo was on last month my favorite bike of the show was the Masi Gran Criterium. The MSRP on the 2013 frame is $900.
#30
Senior Member
Any idea where? Or, who? is building these?
__________________
Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.
Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.
#31
Guitar Master
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Parkdale, Toronto
Posts: 716
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sorry but no. This is all the info from the Masi site...
As a modern tribute to this icon, the Gran Criterium incorporates classic lugged joints with Reynolds 525 tubing to deliver lively and dynamic ride qualities unlike any other modern bike. Equipped with traditional downtube shifter mounts option, classic geometry and a timeless green and silver paint scheme, the legend is reborn.
As a modern tribute to this icon, the Gran Criterium incorporates classic lugged joints with Reynolds 525 tubing to deliver lively and dynamic ride qualities unlike any other modern bike. Equipped with traditional downtube shifter mounts option, classic geometry and a timeless green and silver paint scheme, the legend is reborn.
- Fully lugged Reynolds 525 double butted chromoly steel
- Sizes: 49, 51, 53, 56, 58, 60
#32
Don't Believe the Hype
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: chicagoland area
Posts: 2,668
Bikes: 1999 Steelman SR525, 2002 Lightspeed Ultimate, 1988 Trek 830, 2008 Scott Addict
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 21 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Steelman Cycles
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 195
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Co-Motion Nor-wester is a steel with relaxed geometry, but it is a little over your target price. About $1750 for a frameset, and about $3050 for a 105 equipped bike.
Also check out Raleigh, they have a few steel bikes, but don't show prices on their website. I have been looking at the Raleigh Roper. A steel cross bike, complete at around $1500.00
Also check out Raleigh, they have a few steel bikes, but don't show prices on their website. I have been looking at the Raleigh Roper. A steel cross bike, complete at around $1500.00
#35
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 270
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#36
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 270
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#37
Senior Member
Masi are avail everywhere
https://www.masibikes.com/dealer/
Don't poo poo the Fuji, it's a worthy frame. Just because they are blowing it out doesn't mean it's not good.
I would pull the trigger on it but I'm already deep in bikes! lol
couple nice ones I found
Of the two bikes, I would take the Fuji. Reynolds 725 vs Masi 525.
But the lugs are cool on the Masi.
#38
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 270
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I saw the one with record and it does look nice.. but i'd either have to buy a 1" threadless carbon fork (does this exist? lol), use an adapter to run threadless, or live with the threaded setup which is the least desirable of the three.
edit: I'd also have to buy adapters / cable stops for DT.. AND get rid of all the stock parts it comes with.
If I didn't have a SS 29er I'd buy the fuji just for a foul weather/beater bike in a heart beat though.
edit: I'd also have to buy adapters / cable stops for DT.. AND get rid of all the stock parts it comes with.
If I didn't have a SS 29er I'd buy the fuji just for a foul weather/beater bike in a heart beat though.
#39
Senior Member
I understand about going threadless, but 1" forks are not that hard to find. Carbon or steel and usually not that pricey at all- more common in the fixed or old school bikes.
Sorry I don't mean to push that bike, but it's a screaming good deal with a top notch tubeset... I'm just wishing I had room for it LOL
The Masi's are nice, they are pretty and ride nice.
Sorry I don't mean to push that bike, but it's a screaming good deal with a top notch tubeset... I'm just wishing I had room for it LOL
The Masi's are nice, they are pretty and ride nice.
#40
Senior Member
Rodriguez (R+E Cycles) is a well respected frame builder. They've been around since the early 70s. Their frames are widely known in the Northwest and are highly regarded by the cycling community there. After considering several builders, I decided to go with them earlier this year for a custom build. My experience was positive and HIGHLY recommend them. Quality build 100% with high level of attention to detail. They also work really well with long-distance customers. Which of their models are you considering? If you have specific questions about my experience with them, PM me.
#41
Banned
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northern California
Posts: 5,804
Bikes: Raleigh Grand Prix, Giant Innova, Nishiki Sebring, Trek 7.5FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you're certain that you only want the frame, then Soma makes some of the best chromoly steel frames west of the Mississippi.
Just checkout their website:
www.somafab.com/frames
PS.
Why spend more money for approximately the same identical ride?
I like the Smoothie!
Just checkout their website:
www.somafab.com/frames
PS.
Why spend more money for approximately the same identical ride?
I like the Smoothie!
Last edited by SlimRider; 10-14-12 at 11:38 PM.
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Posts: 7,048
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 509 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
8 Posts
Rodriguez (R+E Cycles) is a well respected frame builder. They've been around since the early 70s. Their frames are widely known in the Northwest and are highly regarded by the cycling community there. After considering several builders, I decided to go with them earlier this year for a custom build. My experience was positive and HIGHLY recommend them. Quality build 100% with high level of attention to detail. They also work really well with long-distance customers. Which of their models are you considering? If you have specific questions about my experience with them, PM me.
#43
Sore saddle cyclist
Look at Lighthouse near Santa Barbara https://www.lighthousecycles.com/
Someone above mentioned DeSalvo, also very nice frames.
You should also scan the inventory of GVH Bicycles in Oregon, they carry lots of very good steel bikes and great prices. These guys are very good to work with, https://www.gvhbikes.com/inventory.html
Someone above mentioned DeSalvo, also very nice frames.
You should also scan the inventory of GVH Bicycles in Oregon, they carry lots of very good steel bikes and great prices. These guys are very good to work with, https://www.gvhbikes.com/inventory.html
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NE Indiana
Posts: 8,692
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1128 Post(s)
Liked 257 Times
in
207 Posts
Bikes Direct has a fantastic steel lugged bike called the Motobecane Gran Premio Pro with Reynolds 725 instead of lower grade steel found on steel bikes in this price range, and Ultegra components. They are sold out currently and are waiting for 2013 shipment, you could e-mail them and find out when or even if they'll be restocked which I think they will be because they sold a lot of them. See: https://bikesdirect.com/products/moto...premio_pro.htm
Also Soma makes a nice looking steel lugged frame bikes called the Stanyan, or the San Marcos that will cost you about $800 for the San Marcos, and the Stanyan is a bit less at under $625; these are prices as frame and fork only. They both use Tange Prestige tubing which is very good steel, the San Marcos was designed by Grant Peterson of Rivendell and is a touring frame while the San Marcos is a road and light touring bike.
See the Stanyan: https://www.bikemania.biz/frames/soma...rame-and-fork/
And the San Marcos: https://www.modernbike.com/itemgroup....FQqZ4AodfFMAkg
Also Soma makes a nice looking steel lugged frame bikes called the Stanyan, or the San Marcos that will cost you about $800 for the San Marcos, and the Stanyan is a bit less at under $625; these are prices as frame and fork only. They both use Tange Prestige tubing which is very good steel, the San Marcos was designed by Grant Peterson of Rivendell and is a touring frame while the San Marcos is a road and light touring bike.
See the Stanyan: https://www.bikemania.biz/frames/soma...rame-and-fork/
And the San Marcos: https://www.modernbike.com/itemgroup....FQqZ4AodfFMAkg
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 151
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's out of your budget but I would strongly recommend Eric Estlund, who runs www.winterbicycles.com. Beautiful bikes, and I have one on order so not recommending someone I don't know. A little cheaper is Bill Davidson who makes great steel bikes in your budget.
For your dreams, you should check out Dario's frames. www.pegoretticicli.com. They are well north of your budget, but still, worth the price to get the legend.
For your dreams, you should check out Dario's frames. www.pegoretticicli.com. They are well north of your budget, but still, worth the price to get the legend.
#46
working on my sandal tan
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CID
Posts: 22,640
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Mentioned: 98 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3873 Post(s)
Liked 2,574 Times
in
1,581 Posts
If you're certain that you only want the frame, then Soma makes some of the best chromoly steel frames west of the Mississippi.
Just checkout their website:
www.somafab.com/frames
PS.
Why spend more money for approximately the same identical ride?
I like the Smoothie!
Just checkout their website:
www.somafab.com/frames
PS.
Why spend more money for approximately the same identical ride?
I like the Smoothie!
#47
Decrepit Member
Waterford can put you on a custom Gunnar Roadie frame (TrueTemper OS2) for $1250 (stock size is $900).
#48
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 20
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
+1 on the Soma. I built up an ES last year, really like it. ES is more relaxed/upright geometry than Smoothie. Frame and fork together were ~$550.
#49
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Arlington, TX
Posts: 13
Bikes: All-City Mr. Pink, Specialized Langster, Specialized Hardrock Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'd love a De Rosa! I think if I spent that much though I'd probably spend a little more and go custom Ti from like Eriksson or ... (insert xyz colorado builder here).
Did just find this.. https://allcitycycles.com/bikes/mr_pink
bb30 so I can use my force cranks.. not sure where Columbus Zona tubing lies though in terms of overall quality and stiffness?
Weird geo on the Mr Pink too.. The 52 is almost as big as my 54 which is more like a 55 honestly.
Did just find this.. https://allcitycycles.com/bikes/mr_pink
bb30 so I can use my force cranks.. not sure where Columbus Zona tubing lies though in terms of overall quality and stiffness?
Weird geo on the Mr Pink too.. The 52 is almost as big as my 54 which is more like a 55 honestly.
#50
Steel80's
I bought a Connoisseur last year for around $325. Built it up with no quality issues. Only thing is you need a longer reach front brake on that fork. I built it with a mix of Campy, started with DT shifters, migrated to 8-speed Ergo. It's a comfortable, stable ride. I've put probably 2K miles on it.