Steel ! - which frame Help

chris217

ok i currently have a reasonable Reynolds 653 1990's steel bike which actually fine, although running an 8 speed group with downtube shifters ( converted from 6 speed at some cost )

i have had light carbon bike for sometime and therefore the jump to steel as my only bike is sending me into a bit of confusion as want to be able to ride for 5 , 6 hours plus but also be reasobnably competive

i want contemporary frame as not really lookng for a retro project although some tempting Columbus frames around.

,my current frame is also a tad too small and the quill stem is too low , so a few annoying issues i want to solve.

my dilema is what choice ?
- 853 frame , currently on offer for under £350, weight about 4 lbs , I would need to source forks
- 725 frame and forks - Genesis , heard good things but is it too heavy for sportives etc also i understand 853 probably better ??
- the more expensive Enigma Ethos are a bit beyond my budget
- Heavier options - Thorn Audax MK3 or Dawes Galaxy

i am actually thinking the 853 deal is pretty good and probably the lightest option ??

any thoughts / suggestions would be much appreciated

Wirral_paul

Just one word really - "Titanium" 8) 8)

chris217

thanks ... but another few words .... too much £££

indysmith

If I were you I'd be on the look out for a used Engima frame on eBay, or just be saving for one!
I visited their workshop a few months ago and have been pining for one ever since.
Also might want to check out one of these:
http://tokyofixedbikes.com/index.php?/p ... wide-open/

And don't rule out the vintage frame option. There's a lot of nice old Columbus frames around, as you said, for very reasonable prices indeed. And a vintage frame does not automatically = a vintage build; I for one love to see vintage steel frames build up with modern componentary!

giant_man

You don't want titanium. Steel feels much better than any ti imo.

Enigma produce good frames in Columbus and Reynolds, but this does come at a price. Your mention of Thorn Audax mk 3 does come cheaper, all depends on budget and what you want it for really.

huuregeil

I think late 90s/early noughties steel frames are excellent, excellent value. I have a ~1998 Columbus Genius frame that I regularly take out and it's a beautiful ride. The frame weighs in at 1.8kg, the steel forks 650g (for a 61cm frame), which is obviously a bit over a typical alu/carbon job, but not massively so. In practice, you don't really notice the extra weight - I'm not sure I'd race it, but for general riding, sportives etc. there's no issue. You gain, massively, in the way it rides, it's smooth and handles brilliantly. This era Columbus tubing (Genius, Neuron, Nemo, EL-OS) is excellent and lightweight, obviously Spirit/853 more so. I'd have no hesitation in picking up a decent secondhand example (£200 tops should buy you a frameset) and building it up with modern bits. Obviously, a newer frame coupled with a carbon fork, is going to be closer weight-wise to other options, so your 853 frame is worth considering but it's clearly a bit dearer. 725 tubing comes in thicker sections - it's stiffer and typically used for touring bikes but it depends on how the builder has spec'ed the tubing, so it's not automatically an ideal choice for you.

bigpikle

keep an eye on the clearance section of the Enigma website as they often have test bikes, canceled orders etc in there at a good price. The Ethos is being replaced with a new version now so you might find some bargains if you contact them?

I have an Ethos and love it to bits - with the carbon forks its a dream to ride and with a mid-range Campag GS its a beautifully smooth and comfortable bike. I also have an Elite with a more lightweight build and love that as well, and together they make a great combo of bikes IMHO

indysmith

The new Ethos is going to be made from Reynolds 853 tubing in an effort to make it cheaper and more accessible. Might be closer to your price range...

Hoopdriver

I agree with the above - check out Enigma and see what deals you can find. I've got one of their steel frames (a bespoke build from their Excellence line) and it is wonderful.

chris217

thanks guys, Huuregeil good points and i think i have just picked up one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Voodoo-Rada-L ... 9470447236

i am hoping it will be ok need to source some forks and may also keep my eye out for the Eyhos.

cheers

on-yer-bike

Check out Condor Cycles in London for good value, columbus, steel frames

napoleond

giant man wrote:

You don't want titanium. Steel feels much better than any ti imo.

Enigma produce good frames in Columbus and Reynolds, but this does come at a price. Your mention of Thorn Audax mk 3 does come cheaper, all depends on budget and what you want it for really.

I'm of a similar opinion, I had a Ti frame and was unimpressed.

I fancy a steel road bike myself one day.

ugo.santalucia

A Colnago Master is probably still the best looking frame and retains the value very well.
A Tommasini tecno is a valid alternative.
Enigma makes nice frames, but the waiting list is the same as a Colnago. Other UK builders can be considered, they're all very good.
Don't get obsessed about the type of steel, the difference is beyond your ability to discriminate. Stainless have lighter tubings, but they cost way more
How about a 1990s second hand or NOS on E-bay? You can get away with 600 for a top end De Rosa or Merckx

Monty Dog

800 Euros will get you sorted with an Italian-built frame from a master-builder like Gios or Pelizzoli i.e. for the same price as a used Merckx or DeRosa, just don't expect to be able to built up a 16lb bike though.