Originally Posted by
Beach Comber
So, basically its not cheap gas pipe, but its not something to covet either. Probably a good ride - would either Bianchi or Columbus want to risk their brand otherwise? But not going to win any awards at the scales. Does that about sum it up?
If it is 25 CrMo 4 as I suspect, it is a European standard that is the equivalent of AISI 4130 chromium-molybdenum alloy. Cromor is 25 CrMo 4 and is seamed rather than seamless, but the weld is highly homogeneous and virtually invisible when the tube is drawn and butted, so for practical purposes it's the same as seamless. The "Tre Tubi" means only the main tubes (top tube, down tube, and seat tube) are Formula Two; the stays and fork blades can be anything including gas pipe. If it's Cromor, it really isn't that much heavier than SL and would be a little stiffer because of the thicker walls, especially the thicker walled down tube (SL top tube is .9/.6/.9 while Cromor top tube is .9/.7/.9, and SL down tube is .9/.6/.9 while Cromor down tube is 1.0/.7/1.0).
SL
Cromor
I'd email Columbus and see what they say.