Thoughts on some steel bikes.
 

I've been looking at a few different bikes and would like some input from anyone who's ridden any of them. I'm looking at the Raleigh Record Ace, Masi Gran Criterium and the Bianchi Vigorelli, all 2011 models. What would your choice be and why? Also, recommendations are welcome, however, I'm not looking for a custom frame I have to build up with components. Thanks

What type of steel are they? Is there one that fits you better than others? What components - too lazy to look it up.

I remember seeing the Record Ace - looked very nice.

Well, I googled 'em all. Based on the color, I'd go for the Masi.

I don't see any particular reason to go with steel these days, other than aesthetics.

$2000 for a metal bike with 105 seems spendy to me. A Giant Defy 1 with full 105 is around $1400 yes?

There are others.

I don't see any particular reason not to go with steel these days, other than lemming-like adherence to trends.

I like salsa cycle's frames. My casserole is a wonderful bike. I hope to build up a cx frame one of these days.
I also plan on building up a sport road frame for my wife and want to use a salsa frame or maybe something from Soma.

In the interests of clarity: I'm not necessarily saying "steel is bad" or "don't buy steel." I'm saying there is no reason other than aesthetics to restrict your choice of frame materials to steel.


Steel road bikes aren't as common, so you have fewer opportunities to test ride.

Restricting yourself to steel reduces your options. (Though that may not necessarily be a bad thing.)

In the case of the Masi vs most aluminum road bikes: Lower cost for equal functionality.

I've used a wide variety of bikes, and currently own both steel and aluminum. I really don't see any difference between the two based on just the frame material.

fixed the links for ya ^

There's no real reason to NOT get a nice quality steel bike. Of the ones you listed, I like the Raleigh. Good component spec and a nice frame. The Masi comes in at a close second.

Not to shill, but I'd be remiss if I didn't point this one out: Lugged Reynolds 725 frame with full Ultegra and Ksyrium Elites for under $1500. Get new bars/stem and saddle/seatpost and it would be a really sweet ride for well under 2 grand.

Otherwise, if you are considering the Masi at nearly 2 grand, why not consider building up a Soma Stanyan? Build kits are readily available at good prices, and if you are not comfortable building it yourself, your LBS should offer a service to do just that. Just sayin' ;)

I'd re-order the list a little bit. The Bianchi has the nicest frame. I really like the looks of the Masi. It's a shame they took the storied name of Masi Cran Criterium and used a 525 frame. But then I feel about the current Masi the way others feel about BikesDirect. Some names have meaning and what happened to Masi is a shame.

CanyonEagle is correct about the BD bike. Best deal of the bunch by far and is a clean looking bike.

I have a LeMond with Reynolds 853 frame which I like alot. LeMonds are gone but if you can find a 853 frame you'd be on your way to a really nice bike.

Totally agree here. On the one hand, it is good to see the name out there on the streets again, but a big piece of Masi's soul is missing. It seems that the "brand" is trying to revive the old mystique (eerily similar Downtube decals and the "Gran Criterium" name) with Taiwanese implementation.

Still, I feel that some of their offerings are easily on par with other bikes in the same price catagories, with a little panache - similar to Bianchi, which has made the same transition to Asian manufacturers while trying to preserve some of the "heart" of the company.

By all accounts Masis are nice bikes and frequently good deals. I don't care where they're made but the fact that the Masi family still makes bikes in Italy but can't use their name here in the US b/c of legal shenanigans is sad.

At least BD buys defunct names.

I've owned many steel, alu, Ti and carbon bikes. I cannot disagree with this more....

And for the record, my current steel bike, built up with Dura Ace 8 speed gear and some custom wheels, weighs exactly 3 ounces more than my carbon Orbea Orca with the Record group and 1500 gram wheels did.

saw the Raleigh Record Ace in Velo Pro here Goleta (they prolly have them in SB also...)
very nice looking bike with an excellent mix of components.
the Geometry looks very traditional Raleigh road race - square, with updates to account for new style components/drive train.

But 520 tubing is not gonna be the latest and greatest - not even close, same, same for the Masi with 525.
and is gonna be more 'traditional' in overall weight - prolly 20.5 to 21-ish lbs for a 56 cm.
I would opt for a 853/953 frame and then build it up, and maybe get below 19 lbs.

The Bianchi Vigorelli seems old school Italian road race DIMS - nice! and with 631, it's definitely a major step up in Frame. Prolly come close to the Raleigh in weight (but still a bit lighter...) because the components are 105 and so a bit heavier than ultegra.

I really liked the 'look' of the Raleigh, even though the frame is mass produced and not really finished by 'hand'. But I would prolly opt for the better frame, 631, and 'under-square' DIMS of the Bianchi.
Steel forks are 'kool', but real-world riding - the crapon fork wins hands down...
The Shimano WH-R500 are good solid wheels and make a great training, day use wheelset (I have a set and really like them...).
Bianchi also seems to have rack bosses on the seat stays, a nice touch for a multi-day, sag supported bimble.
Shimano 105 doesn't bother me, and would do great service until such time as upgrade itch hits... which it always does...
Masi Gran Crit - duke out with the Raleigh...
prolly all nice riding bikes
I'd almost never opt for a Bianchi, except in this case... nice, modern real world machine

I have a steel Waterford with 9 speed DA and Ksyriums. It weighs 2 lb (16.2 vs 18.2 lbs) more than my 10 speed DA Cervelo with Zipp 303s. The ride is similar and the weight only matters on climbs.

As you have experience with all of them, I would be interested in your thoughts on the different materials since you find them different. Do you have a preference or is it just depending on the intended use?

Have you looked at Jamis bikes? They have some nice looking steel. Especially their Eclipse model. I kind of want one myself.