Hello,

I am interested in a new project. It will have a steel frame and its use will be 200-300km Audaxes and club rides during weekends. I can get a Colnago Master XLight frame and fork for about 3000 maybe a bit less. From a google search i found that the price for frame fork and seatpost of Speedvagen is between 3300-3800 depending if it is custom size or not. Anyone know which of the two frames is closer towards its value ?

Thank you

I don't think any stock, steel frame is worth that kind of money. Custom steel is, I think, quite a bit lighter than the so-called Colnago Master XLight. If I were going to spend like that, I would check and see what a custom builder could do for me. So I guess I am saying Speedvagen over Colnago, but I still don't think you have to spend like that to get that kind of result. I know Mercian in England is building with the absolute top ranked steel alloys now and makes a product unmatched for beauty, performance and comfort. Definitely NOT Colnago.

I agree (with a modification).

Depends what you want. A master is one of those things many want to have owned at one stage, and they are very nice, especially in red / white.

If you want something either more custom (more clearance, different geometries, different handling), then obviously a custom bike will get you that. If you want the cachet of something made for you, that can make a difference to some.

Personally, I'd suggest full custom or a custom-geometry model from a more local builder. Style-wise, I settled on Ira Ryan and he built me something similar to a modernized master, with some other touches and faster steering. Breadwinners are nice, as are Speedvagens, Fireflies, or -- more on the artisan side -- something from someone like Chris Bishop would be nice.

It really depends what you want. Both bikes you suggest would do you well for what you describe. Only issue with Masters is the paint can be very inconsistent; I have friends who have returned one or two before they got one they felt was up-to-standard.

I've owned a Mercian. If I had any interest in a steel road bike, I'd definitely be looking at a pro lugless in 853 at half what the OP is planning on spending.

Here we go.

Between the two I would pick the Colnago. Higher resale value especially if you dont plan on keeping it forever. I personally like the Ritchey steel frame in gun metal color. Looks nice with deep carbon rims.