Hey fellas, I'm about to pick up a frame from one of my all-time favorite custom builders from where I grew up, who has since passed. The frame is a 63 ST and 60 TT (CtC). I am about 210lbs at the moment. Is this a bad idea? I actually want a springier ride as I have a very stiff steel frame already. This will be for long solo rides at a more relaxed pace. I have read that many people considered the limit for SL tubing ~180lbs. SLX should be a bit stronger with the rifling, but what do you guys think? I can't ride it first, and I know Columbus often recommended SP-based sets for larger frames/riders. Thoughts?

I think if I were over 200, I'd be taking those weight limits pretty seriously. Maybe for racing in a controlled environment, like a track, you might flirt with disaster a little, but not for a daily rider. But I could probably ride that frame pretty safely, I'm 6'2 or 6'3" & weigh about 175-ish. The only reason I don't have a frame like yours, is they're probably fairly rare-ish, I'd think. I ride a 63cm SP frame now, & it's definitely a bit of a chore, especially uphills, LOL.

IMHO, SLX is too whippy for larger frames/larger heavier riders. In the mid-to-late eighties, many framebuilders put the SLX frame size limit for production bikes at ~58cm; for larger frames they went to a mix of SL and SP (SP down tubes).

The helical reinforcements in SLX and SPX is limited to the butts; the long center sections of the tubes doesn't have the reinforcing. I believe the only Columbus tubeset with the helical reinforcements along the whole length of the tubes is TSX.

No idea. I just loaned a 56cm Tange 1 bike to a 6'2, 275lb man. He loved it, looked good riding it.

I've never been able to tell the difference between my SL frame and my SLX frame, and I'm every bit of 180. I've also been known to ride very hard on occasion. My friends who push 200 don't seem to care, either. My suspicion is that legal liability is one issue, and perhaps some gigantice TdF rider may want to be careful. Relaxed solo riding? I really don't think it will ever be an issue other than here. If you decide to race criteriums, do mountain descents, or go pro, maybe reconsider.

This is my opinion, and in no way assumes legal liability for any one riding any frame any time under any conditions. Also, if the NSA is reading this, they can bite me, my bike, and go sit.

Here's the 1988 Schwinn catalog sidebar for the Paramount. Bianchi was doing the same thing (SL/SP mix) in even smaller size frames.

The weight limits on SL/SLX tubing aren't because the tubes are likely to fail if you exceed them, but rather because the frame may be unacceptably flexible. If you're looking for a more flexible frame, this may work well for you. Are you able to test-ride before buying it?

That said, standard practice was to use SP/SPX in those larger frame sizes, or at least for the down tube and chain stays.

Great info here, thanks.

This is a frame and fork from an out of state seller. No riding is possible, and I've never tried an SL/SLX frame before. I have a stable of aggressive Cannondale racers, and a Ultra Foco steel bike already. I want something soft and comfortable, but don't want it rubbing brake pads under a hard effort. This tubeset was meant for racing, so it can't possibly be THAT flimsy. I think I will take the chance, but want to hear more from those who know this material better. The frame is a utter work of art (will post pics here) so I would be happy with it just mounted on my wall if all else fails.

Making me nervous. I'm 6'5" 215, about to obtain a 63cm SL/SP frame.

Its coming! Dallas might pick it up on the 5th!

I've just started riding my new-to-me 1987 63.5cm (ctt) Marinoni Sport Touring built with SLX tubing. (Pictures when I've finished the build to my satisfaction.) I weigh just over 180, and have to say that this is a fantastic riding bike, although I'm not a "strong rider" these days. Last weekend I came down the same 40-mph hill that induced a pretty scary shimmy on my former '76 64cm Masi (and is fine on the Rambouillet with OS tubes or Miyata 912 with standard size Tange tubes). I haven't noticed any rubbing or other evidence of significant flex, but there might be some "planing" going on uphill with the Marinoni (a good thing, according to Jan Heine) - it feels like I can ride a gear higher. That descent and every other condition feel fabulous on this bike.

I dunno. I'm 6'3", 200 lbs, and ride a 64cm(c-t-c) 1980ish Colnago Super. 27.2mm post, and the light weight of the large frameset suggests it's an SL tubeset. I LOVE the way it rides. I do wonder if the down tube is SP, but as I said, it's very light for it's size. 2076 grams for the bare frame:

I would be surprised if the frame wasn't an SLX/SP mix. That seems to be the tried+true approach.

I'm 6' 2" and 200 lbs. I ride a 57cm SLX frame. It definitely moves around, but not in a bad way. Very springly and lively. Begs to be ridden fast. Plenty stable on desents as well.

Definitly think about getting the frame.

EDIT: Just read the OP comment about comfort. I've done a ton of centuries on SLX, and it's great for the long haul.

+1!

Awesome! Makes me feel better. Looks very similar to my (soon to be) '73-'74 63cm Colnago Super. What did you build yours up with?

With SUPER Record, of course. The frame set came from Berlin. Most of the panto came from a complete donor bike - which became part of a big swap with Drillium Dude. He swapped some SR bits for the NR bits already on the light blue frame. There is also some custom millium by Jon Williams (Drillium Revival.) Pics of the complete saga here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/3915149...7630523654960/

As noted more than once, there is a chance the down tube is actually SP/SPX (common practice on large frames).

In any case, I'm probably about the OP's height (I generally ride 60-63cm ctc frames), and significantly heavier.

I've been doing most of my recent riding on a Reynolds 531c bike, pretty lightweight stuff a la SL. It's not a problem.

I'm with RobbieTunes here: if you have some extremely serious riding planned, maybe take pause; for typical riding purposes, don't sweat it.

If a frame with less stiffness was your goal, I suspect you'll get your wish and no trouble. If it's too flexy, you'll know for next time.

I'm 6'3, and I weigh every bit of 275#. One of my rides is an '86 De Rosa, 63cm or 64cm, with an SLX sticker. (My guess is it has SPX downtube and chainstays, but I don't know.) It's great.

Get the frame. Immediately. You will regret it if you don't.

Thanks. I too wonder if the frameset is a mixed tube one, but we'll never know now.

Agreed.

I was in the 220s last year at this time and I routinely rode larger framed SLX specced bicycles and loved them.

Likely they do have some SP or SPX, but that's a good thing imho.

I am currently in the 170s and still love SLX.

Nice all around tubeset.

Nobody has Asked yet. So I will. Who is the frame builder ?

A Mike Mulholand Cyclops. Made and painted in house near Toronto. Pics when it arrives.

Who cares, as long as you like how it rides?

Go ahead, make us all cry. If it's too flexy and you decide it's not for you, it's my size & I'm 162#- PM me!

The Panto bits are incredibly beautiful. So awesome. Would take me forever/ cost a fortune to gather all of that I bet.

My old and worn Colnago Super is Columbus SL and it's 62 cm c to c in the seat tube. I have weighed 250 lb - now I weigh 210 lb and it's still a nice bike to ride:

I'll be a bit of a contrarian and say that the larger frames beg for SP or SPX or even CROMAR.

The size of the frame, more than anything else, determines the overall stiffness. A bike model that has the "just right" amount of stiffness in a 56cm size with a 165 lbs rider can present too much flex in a 63cm size with a 210 lb rider. I'm not saying that the bike will fold in half, but too much flex while sprinting or climbing can noticed. If it matters, or not, is up to the cyclist and the style of riding he enjoys.

I have two larger frames, one is a 62cm Trek 970 in SP and the other is a 63cm Serotta Nova Special X in SPX. I'm 215 lbs.

The 62cm Trek 970 in SP is very stiff. It sometimes feels stiff and a little buzzy riding at 15 mph but always feels just right at 19 mph. I average 17 to 18 mph, so the bike is smooth enough for most of the ride. It does climb and sprint like a muscle car, rock solid and quickly.



The 63cm Serotta Nova Special X in SPX is just right. It provides just a trace of stiffness while riding at 14 mph but feels just right and a little plush at 16 mph. It does climb and sprints even better than the Trek, with a touch of dampness. I contribute the variation to the builder and not the tubeset. The Trek is a hardcore Criterium bike while the Serotta is a stage-race or club-race bike intended for longer distances.



If you can find a frame with SP or SPX, buy it.