Best Steel frame?

What whatever is claimed to be the best frame is a matter of bicycle religion, personal preference, what you need the bike to do, the skills of the builder, and so on. The Merckx MK is not doubt a good bike. But the number of builders using steel is huge: Richard Sachs, Vanilla, Speedvagen, Demon, Kirk, Strong, Alchemy, Bilenky, Cherubim, Cielo, Cyfac, Waterford, Pegoretti, Gilmour, Della Santa, Walker, Hampsten, Indy Fab, Ryan, Serotta, Sycip, Colnago, Signal, Nagasawa...... I think the best thing to do would be to look at pictures of steel bikes that others have had made or that are production bikes and see what tickles your fancy. IMHO, one of the nice things about steel bike makers is that the vast majority of them are small, custom builders which allow you to get a bike that's pretty damned optimized for you. Take a look in the The Manufacturer Thread as there are some steel bikes in there. By all means if you come across a picture of a beautiful frame, add it to that thread.

I have a Reynolds 631. Love it. I hear great stuff about Columbus.

San Rensho.

There are some some very cool vintage nos frames from pinarello etc for sale on the net BUT they dont comply to todays safety standards anymore. EN etc... They might even over-exceed them but they were not designed with them in mind. (Thats written in Sheldon Brown somewhere). They are cool but maybe the forks might be a bit too "elastic" etc... Plus if they are used things to consider are probably fatigue damage that they might have sustained and corrosion is also an issue with steel frames.

They still look very cool though. [IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/biggrin.gif[/IMG] Especially if you just keep the frame and change everything else to a new groupset. [IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/smile.gif[/IMG]

On the other hand there some new steel frames. There are some which have branded tubes from manufacturers like columbus etc but they seem to be very expensive. Since steel is also 3 times stronger then aluminium these frames have very very thin walling with the butting and all that goes on on their manufacture. So the bike is strong enough (for the loads that manufacturers take account when they design a bike which its a bit "uknown" which ones they are...) but if for example the bike gets knocked on a light post it might get dented it in an inrepairable way and new high end steel frames are not cheap. The stainless Cinnelli XCr for example costs a few thousand euros...

On the other hand there are some nice generic cro-mo frames. Some brands which make them are trek (They make a nice steel Cyclocross frame) and Surly (also a few nice cro-mo bikes) there but from unbranded tubes. Its written on the Surly website that the bikes are produced in Taiwan. (Like quite a lot of the bikes lately).

But its interesting to check where the tubes are actually from. For example a nice audax bike (The bike brand is "Tifosi" and its written in the description that the tubing is the "company's columbus" tubes. So the tubing might be sourced from a reputable manufacturer but without the branding which might be saving some money on the final price of the bike... [IMG]/img/vbsmilies/smilies/smile.gif[/IMG])

Some good builders are mentioned above.

Torelli sometimes slips under the radar as modern steel race frame. My favorite, the Nitro is a pound lighter than it's 80's counterparts, and available with a 1-1/8 threadless steerer for contemporary forks and stems: http://www.torelli.com/frames/torelli/steel/nitro-express.html

The best? I dunno. But it's red and I-talian and farkin' sexy!

The best steel frame? Reynolds 953. It has ultra thin wall tubing (0.5/0.3mm) but since it is such a hard material, like armour plating, it is very resistant to denting. And of course, rusting.

Reynolds 631 i Love it.

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Depends on your weight or how durable you want the bike to be, really. If you're not on the higher end of the weighing scale, your average steel frame would do, since it's built for your average man. If you want a sturdier one, or you need a frame that can support your added weight, you can always go up the tier in frames, just so you can be confident that the bike would be able to support you without injuring you in the long run. If your wallet can handle it, I say why not give it a shot?

Hey there! You've raised some great points about considering weight and durability when choosing a road bike frame. For those looking for a reliable and robust option, steel frames are indeed a solid choice. They offer good strength-to-weight ratio and can be more forgiving on rough roads.

On the other hand, if you're looking for something even sturdier or need a frame that can support more weight, you might want to consider higher-tier materials like titanium or carbon fiber. These materials can provide increased durability and rigidity while still offering a comfortable and responsive ride.

Ultimately, the best frame material for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. So, take the time to consider your options and choose the one that fits you best. Happy cycling! 🙂

Ah, the classic case of frame material indecision. I can relate - I've been known to over-analyze my morning cereal choices. But hey, at least you're not alone in the aluminum-to-steel switcheroo. Many cyclists have made that pilgrimage, seeking the fabled comfort of steel.

Now, about that Merckx - I see you've found a gem there, but size matters, my friend. A bike that's too big can lead to discomfort, poor control, and increased risk of injury. I'd suggest checking out local bike shops or online marketplaces for a size that suits you better.

And remember, while the Cervelo might be faster on paper, the Merckx could very well provide a more enjoyable ride. After all, cycling is about more than just speed - it's about the experience, the connection between rider and machine. So, keep hunting, and may the winds of fate guide you to your perfect steel steed. 😉

When considering frame material, it's essential to remember that the "perfect" bike is highly subjective and depends on your riding style and preferences. While steel, like your Merckx, is renowned for its comfort, carbon fiber, often used in Cervelo bikes, offers unparalleled stiffness-to-weight ratios, making it a popular choice for racers.

However, you've raised a crucial point about bike fit. A bike that's too large can negatively impact your riding experience, regardless of the frame material. To ensure a comfortable and efficient riding position, consider consulting a professional bike fitter. They can help you fine-tune your bike's setup, allowing you to make the most of its unique characteristics and maximize your enjoyment on the road.

Ultimately, whether you choose an aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, or even titanium bike, the most important factor is that it feels right for you. Embrace the journey of finding your perfect bike, and don't forget to enjoy the ride along the way.

While frame material certainly plays a role in bike performance, it's important to remember that finding the "perfect" bike is subjective. Steel offers comfort and carbon fiber provides stiffness, but bike fit is crucial regardless of material. Consult a professional bike fitter to optimize your bike's setup and maximize enjoyment. Don't forget to embrace the journey of finding your perfect ride.

I totally agree that finding the "perfect" bike is subjective and involves more than just the frame material. While steel may offer comfort and carbon fiber provides stiffness, it's essential to prioritize proper bike fit. Consulting a professional bike fitter can truly optimize your setup and enhance your overall enjoyment. Additionally, exploring different options and embracing the journey of finding your ideal ride is part of the excitement of cycling. It's all about finding the balance between performance, comfort, and personal preference! ‍♀️

Your journey's excitement lies in exploration, not just bike fit. Frame material's impact is overrated; it's the rider's connection with the machine that truly matters. Don't let the carbon fiber craze blind you from the joy of a well-fitted, less "optimal" bike. Embrace the ride, not just the specs.

I beg to differ with the notion that frame material's impact is overrated. While the rider's connection with the machine is indeed crucial, it's equally important to acknowledge that the frame material significantly influences this connection. A well-fitted, less "optimal" bike may provide joy, but it might also limit performance and efficiency.

For instance, a carbon fiber frame, often regarded as the "optimal" choice, can offer superior stiffness-to-weight ratios, translating into quicker acceleration and better power transfer. On the other hand, a steel frame, while comfortable, might not provide the same level of responsiveness.

Moreover, the frame material also impacts the bike's longevity and maintenance requirements. A carbon fiber frame, for example, is more susceptible to damage from impacts, while a steel frame is more durable but prone to rust.

Therefore, while the rider's connection with the machine is paramount, the choice of frame material plays a significant role in shaping this connection. It's not just about the joy of riding, but also about maximizing performance and efficiency. After all, isn't that what we all strive for as cyclists? 🚴‍♂️💨