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11-11.-2007, 05:24 AM
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#1 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 5
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Which decade produced the best steel frames?
Hello,
I have been looking around for an older classic steel road/touring frame for a long time. I am hoping to convert it into a single speed commuter or a racer depending on the components. I have heard from some very knowledgable members here that the old steel frames are really the thing to look out for. My question is ; did any decade produce better frames than another ie; how do the 70,s compare to the 80,s or 90s. Were the any frames that stand out above the others that I should keep a lookout for? What differences would I feel between riding a classic steel frame to an off the peg from any major manufacter today, in terms of feel, speed, handling? p,s, I used to have a lovely Koga Miyata (which cost me 200$) with tange infinity frame and campy record parts probably mid 80s, it was heavy but very stable and smooth, yours sincerely, E.B |
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11-11.-2007, 06:09 AM
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#2 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: South Western Ohio, USA
Posts: 1,770
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Re: Which decade produced the best steel frames?
Quote:
__________________
One life, one chance. Don't waste it! |
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12-11.-2007, 03:25 PM
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#3 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Boulder County, Colorado
Posts: 505
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Re: Which decade produced the best steel frames?
Quote:
It really depends on the builder. Some hit their peaks around the first bike boom, some maintained their standards, and some didn't hit their stride until the mid 1980s. For a commuter or single-speed I wouldn't be too concerned about this. Here's a summary of the general trends, though. - Early 70s, relaxed road designs with fender eyelets on dropouts - Mid 70s, eyelets disappearing, lots of specialized criterium and time trial frames coming from UK and US builders. 6-speed freewheels with 126mm axle spacing becoming popular. - Late 70s, early 80s, return to classic road designs with updates--rear stays and top tubes getting shorter, shortened Campy rear dropouts, angles getting steeper, and braze-ons coming into vogue. - Early 80s, lighter tube sets like Columbus SLX, Reynolds 753, silver soldering, rear stays getting shorter still with elimination of chainstay bridge, and total elimination of all bolt-ons, including brake and shift cable guides, bottle bosses, front derailleur clamps, and pump pegs. 7-speed freewheels on 126mm axles. - Late 80s, lighter tube sets and vertical rear dropouts. 8-speed cassette hubs on 130mm axles becoming available. Of course, manufacturers were selective about the trends they followed. I would concentrate on just finding a frame that fits. |
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