Stainless steel frame recommendations???
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Stainless steel frame recommendations???
I want to buy a stainless steel road bike frame, without spending a whole lot.
Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced SS frame?
Thank you for your help.
Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced SS frame?
Thank you for your help.
#2
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I don't know what you'd consider reasonably priced, but SOMA sells the fillet brazed KVA MS2 stainless Smoothie SS for $2K.
SOMA Smoothie SS
SOMA Smoothie SS
#3
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This is just an afterthought...
Reynolds has announced a new stainless steel tubeset, Reynolds 921, that should be available to framebuilders this spring. The pricing I have for the 921 tubeset is about 20% less expensive than KVA MS2. I expect that once it becomes available in quantity, a number of builders will be using it for stock geometry production frames similar to to what SOMA is doing with the Smoothie SS.
It might pay to wait a bit and see how things play out.
Reynolds 921 Austentic Cold-Worked Stainless Steel
Reynolds has announced a new stainless steel tubeset, Reynolds 921, that should be available to framebuilders this spring. The pricing I have for the 921 tubeset is about 20% less expensive than KVA MS2. I expect that once it becomes available in quantity, a number of builders will be using it for stock geometry production frames similar to to what SOMA is doing with the Smoothie SS.
It might pay to wait a bit and see how things play out.
Reynolds 921 Austentic Cold-Worked Stainless Steel
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You might do just as well with a chrome plated carbon steel frame. Similar look, ride quality, and durability (if you take care of it).
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SS bike tubing is still relatively rare in actual practice. Low supply is keeping prices high. I think Mercian out of England will provide a SS frame for about $2000 depending upon the exchange rate. You can't beat Mercian for old fashioned beauty.
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They stopped taking orders because of supply problems.
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See, that's what I was talking about. They are one of Reynold's oldest and most valued customers. If they can't get the stuff, I would have to say nobody can. Too bad though. Mercian really knows how to build a frame and puts a lot of care into it.
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Call me anything you want, but a carbon fork is my recommendation. What is a "relaxed long fork"? The fork has to be tuned to the frame's geometry for proper handling. If you insist on steel, just get the fork from the frame maker.
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Soma is all out of the SS Smoothie in the size that I want (56cm), and they will not be making any more.
Does anyone have other SS frame recommendations?
Does anyone have other SS frame recommendations?
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Waterford Series 22 Artisan Stainless
https://waterfordbikes.com/w/bikes/artisan-stainless/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/51333504@N03/8314293173
https://waterfordbikes.com/w/bikes/artisan-stainless/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/51333504@N03/8314293173
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Without spending a lot? No. Try Ti. There are several options under $2k.
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#14
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Scott Quiring in Freesoil, Michigan, builds affordable really nice stainless steel frames and has worked with both Columbus XCr and KVA MS2.
His website sucks, but you might give him a call at 231-464-5611 or e-mail him at squiring@sbcglobal.net for details and pricing.
Quiring Cycles
His website sucks, but you might give him a call at 231-464-5611 or e-mail him at squiring@sbcglobal.net for details and pricing.
Quiring Cycles