Defenbacher

I'm in need of a new ride (my conversion has served me well for 8 years but its time for a rehab) and it's basically between these two. I know they're not necessarily in the exact same class but hence the dilemma.

Pluses for the Kilo (non pro version, none up for order right now in my size) are obviously the cost, which is almost crazy at $350. Pluses for the Surly are that I can be more active in the build at the bike shop, and maybe bring some of the nicer components from my conversion to the build to bring cost down a little.

So my question to you knowledgeable Kilo/Steamroller riders is what are the biggest differentiation points to these framesets that you see (and, in turn, the stock complete build offered by both). I really dig that '09 Creamroller color but having an extra $350 for components on the Kilo is pretty appealing. But the Creamroller I could be riding tomorrow out the door of the bike shop! Decisions.

Any help/comments are awesome.

brandonspeck

I had a Kilo TT frameset, but I ditched it for a steamroller.
Trust me, you want the steamroller.

Defenbacher

Perfect subject for brain picking. What about the steamroller makes you happier?

brandonspeck

For me it was the clearance. I ride smaller bikes (50cm Kilo) and the clearance was just too tight. I had a 48t chainring with a 16t cog, and with a 25mm tire, it left about half a centimeter from the seat tube. Keep in mind this is probably because I was riding a smaller frame. The steamroller fits my 32mm cross tires no problem, and I even have some clip-on fenders that just barely fit. I had to buy a different brake though, but the FFF chainstays made the deal. I was sort of hell-bent on getting a more aggressive track geometry, but I found that the Steamroller is a perfect balance of tightness and comfort.

As far as completes go, the components on the Surly are a bit better. I've heard god-awful things about the Kilo's wheelset. The wheels on the surly are much better, and Surly themselves make a pretty decent hub. Only thing I'd change on the steamroller is the seat.

seedubs1

Well.....Differences in frames are:
(Looking at the 53cm c-c frames of each)

Kilo=Reynolds 520 (4130 Crmo made by reynolds)
Steamroller=4130 tubing (basically the same **** that's on the Kilo)

Kilo BB drop=6cm Steamroller BB drop=7cm

Kilo HT angle=72.5 Steamroller HT angle=73.5

Kilo ST angle=74 Steamroller ST angle=73.5

Kilo wheelbase=98cm Steamroller Wheelbase=97.9cm

Kilo Top Tube=54.8cm Steamroller TT=56.8cm

Kilo chainstay=40.3cm Steamroller chainstay=39.8cm



You might get a little better fit and finish on the welds and paint job on the Steamroller.....But I'd go with the Kilo because of the higher BB, the shorter TT (for me better), and the steeper ST angle (I like the little bit laxer angle of the HT for street riding).

Frame material is about the same, so it's not a factor. If you want a lighter (thinner walled tubing), you could opt for something with Reynolds 631 like the IRO angus, etc...

And use the money you save to get some bad ass upgraded parts.

brandonspeck

Have you ridden the steamroller? I say have the LBS get you to test ride it. The frame fitting is all preference. I personally prefer more slack seat tube, etc.

For a comparison to the Kilo, try test riding a KHS Flite. I think that has the same geometry (Correct me if I'm wrong)

glacialreign

The steamroller is defiantly worth the extra bit of cash!

Defenbacher

Yeah, I'm really leaning hard toward the Kilo I think. Either of these bikes are going to feel like a Rolls compared to my beater, and an extra $350 for upgrades is nothing to sneeze at.

monsterkidz

^Smart choice. I can't see spending the extra cash for a Steamroller.

PedallingATX

get an IRO Angus/Mark V. For price of steamroller, you can have much better components and better tubing.

palu

I love my Steamroller. One of the big advantages IMO is the FFF. You can fit 38's in there, if you wanted/needed to. If that's not an issue, perhaps the Kilo is a better choice. I personally won't ever buy from BD, but whatever.

Defenbacher

You have a problem with BD?

I'm running skinny tires all the way so that shouldn't be an issue here.

seedubs1

Then get the kilo. There really isn't a reason to get the Steamroller if you're using this on the streets and you're not going to use anything bigger than 28mm's.

Save your money and get some nice wheels, etc...

bikesdirect_com

I am hoping by Late July this question will be much easier to answer









stock - 32c
but plenty of room for 42c or more
and fenders etc

jpdesjar

steamer!