Steel frames

Bergkamp

Hi there,

Does anyone have any good advice in terms of steel frame selection?

Genesis use Renolds 520 frames and Enigma a Columbus steel frame?

Are there any steel frames in particular, which should either be avoided or any which you would definately sugest i should look for?

Any comments are much aprreciated.

Cheers.

billy whippet

i'm no expert, but have found that weight does make a big difference - I have 2 lightish (for steel) weight deda tubed Condor steel frames (about 1800 gr I think) which are a delight to ride - wheras I have a heavier old SLX frame that feels, well, heavy... but obviously depends what you want to use it for. Money no object i'd go for a fixie inc steel frame (expensive) or perhaps an enigma... otherwise condor are great

dennisn

LUGGED steel frames have been around for many years and have more than proven
their worth and durability. It would seem that most of the Italian frame makers still put
out a lugged steel model(some with a welded steel one also). Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase just about any one of their upper range models. While the new materials like carbon and titanium seem to be very popular I doubt you will find a BETTER
frame than the traditional lugged steel.

Stellite

Independent Fabrication use the columbus tubing in their steel frames. I have an old Reynolds 531 frame an its a great ride. Im planning to build a steel frame from scratch and will be using Columbus tubing.

If you get the new Rouluer magazine there is an exelent article on Reynolds tubing.

Have you considered the Planet X Ti frame? Currently with 20% off. That would be a great frame for the price.

Hope this helps

Paul

balthazar

It's a relatively easy material to work, with inexpensive equipment. Consequently, it's possible to set up building steel frames with minimal overhead. This makes steel well suited to those who may be drawn to smaller, local, cottage industry. The odd, the peculiar, and the interesting may all be catered for by small-scale steelworking framebuilders.

Once, most club riders all would have had at least one frame made by their local builders, with some of those builders making frames of such high quality that they drew from further afield: Dave Yates, Chas Roberts, Paul Donahue, come to mind. I have a frame hanging in my garage which was beautifully silver soldered (from Niva OR) by Dennis FIeld. The internet is blind to him, though plenty of older riders hereabouts remember.

Pay no attention to the badge on the tube, except to marvel at it. All the guff spoken about CFRP frames today was once spoken about steel tubesets, aided and abetted by the manufacturers who knew to get people emotionally attached to a sticker: 753 was "harsh", SLX "supple, lively" (the internal rifling, you know), 531 "dead". You know better than that. Make it a human transaction: get a frame from a builder you respect, whose previous bikes you like, and visit later when it's all built up to show it off.

darren H

Local builders should be supported
Yes you may pay a bit but you get craftmanship and quality and most of all good service.
There are loads of steel tubes available.

The better and lighter the tu ethe more you pay basically, simple as that.

Enigma, Mercian , Rourke, Yates to name but a few. All very similair
They give you the chance to own a one off frame made and painted to your own spec.

My Stainless steel 953 frame is an amazing ride. Im being measured up at Rourkes for an 853 winter frame.
Ive tried Mercian but the waiting time is forever

Bergkamp

Thank you for all the useful advice.

I have contacted Enigma and am awaiting a response with regards to a likely cost.

Unfortunately cost for me is a factor and I am also looking at the Genesis Enigma, which uses a Reynolds 520 frame, with Shimano 105 group sett and a carbon fork for £1000.00. This seems good value for money, I will be test riding one for a couple of days and can assess the quality, weight of the frame etc. then.

I would prefer to use a small independant manufacturer such as Enigma, however i think cost will have to prevail in the end.

Cheers,

balthazar

Have a look at Bob Jackson. Their frames are surprisingly inexpensive, they may be able to match that.

balthazar

Inexplicable double post. Sorry.

Bergkamp

Thanks for that, I will check out their web site.

Cheers!

prawny

balthazar wrote:

Have a look at Bob Jackson. Their frames are surprisingly inexpensive, they may be able to match that.

+1 I've only ever heard good things, I thought they'd cost a fortune.

Chip \'oyler

balthazar wrote:

Have a look at Bob Jackson. Their frames are surprisingly inexpensive, they may be able to match that.

I have a 631 Bob Jackson. Purpose built as a winter trainer, oversize tubes, mudguard eyes etc and made to measure too

It's superb

cougie

My 853 frame rusted through twice. Once on the chromed chainstay (looks gorgeous- but it will corrode)

Once on the seat tube when a rag was left inside the tube after a respray :-(

You can get all the tubes replaced - but it may not be the cheaper option.

Monty Dog

FWIW Reynolds 520 is a fairly basic tubeset and you'll probably find that only the main tubes are butted. It might be worth spending a little bit more for a slightly higher grade tubeset - it will be lighter and the frame will feel more responsive - straight-gauge tubing can feel a little 'dead'

balthazar

Bob Jackson Frame + forks = £400.
105 groupset @ Merlin = £400. (Campag Veloce = £340, if you prefer)

Ordinary (good) 32 hole wheels, with straighforward rims and Shimano hubs are routinely available online for circa £100. Stem/bars/seatpost/saddle at £25 each takes you to £1000, leaving just the tyres and bar tape to buy; scrimp here or there and you've brought in an equivalent bike to the Genesis at the same price, only this one's a Bob Jackson! Also, if they build it for you, they might do a better deal on the components.