Originally Posted by
Double0757
i agree with the design and how is put together.
Loved my former 1986 Bridgestone in steel (its now my son commuter)! My custom made tandem Belinsky is superb tandem in steel. The power transfer I get from my 1983 Cannondale is the best of all. The acceleration and comfort from my Carbon 2007 Scot is pretty good.
I was thinking, design, tires and drive train being the same, what material bike would combine all the properties I like from my favorite bikes? I don't know enough to know if a steel bike needs to be geometrically different to a Ti bike for them to be comparable in comfort and stiffness.
I see Belinsky makes TI sport tourers. Judging by my tandem, that would be a possibility. Rivendale was Bridgestone at one time, so that would be an option for a more economically steel bike. I will forgo aluminum for its jarring road effect and the carbon for its lack of customization and the mental anguish (real or not) that comes in thinking that with the next fall, or rock, or Baba with his rust bucket bike on the train commute is going to chip and maybe compromise the structure integrity of your carbon frame. Double O
I also have a steel Bilenky sports touring tandem and LOVE it. I hate to say this, but I would recommend against dealing with Bilenky, as much as it pains me to say it. I know his people, I really like his people, but I have regretted it each time I've dealt with him...I think he's a poor business man and his customer service is often problematic. I know of several people who have had problems getting bikes from him. I was very unimpressed with his ti work as well - the welds are not as neat as some others and, while it might be just aesthetic detail, I want close to perfect when I'm dropping coin for custom. I don't think Bilenky is detail oriented enough.
I think there are builders who are more professional that I would recommend dealing with - like Kellogg or Dave Kirk. If I wanted a steel sports tourer, I'd call Dave Kirk. Chris Kvale is also well regarded; there are a LOT of well regarded people out there. This forum's 65'r is someone to talk to.