![]() It can provide a strength to weight ratio that is equal to many aluminium frames. Reynolds 631:This is the successor to the 531 tubing and provides a supple ride quality as well as an excellent fatigue life, making this a good material for an endurance bike. More modern tubesets are now produced, but it is still available on special order for vintage frames. Reynolds 531:This was first introduced in 1935 and set the standard for steel frames right up to the 1970s. Columbus, Dedacciai and others have their own grading systems. There are many different grades, so this will just be a quick run through of the main offerings from the British tubing manufacturer Reynolds. This is worth paying attention to because it has an effect on how the ride feels. Left to its own devices, aluminium can chemically bond itself to steel, making it impossible to remove the seatpost by force.Īlthough the tubes may all be made from steel, there is a large number of different grades of steel that can be used. If the paint of a steel frame is scratched, lead oxide paint should be applied swiftly to prevent rust.Īluminium seatposts should be removed and regreased before and after every winter. The paint protects the outside of the tubes, but a rust inhibitor should be applied to the inside of the tubes on a yearly basis to prevent any build up. If you’re pairing a steel frame with a carbon fork - or you’ve chosen steel for the custom fit as you want a dependable frame that will stand the test of time - then discs do present a compelling option.Ī steel frame will last a lifetime if properly looked after. Disc brakes, with their powerful and consistent stopping capacity, definitely have their advantages in a range of situations. That’s not to say that rim brakes are the only option for steel bikes. > Everything you need to know about disc brakes If you’re choosing a steel framed and forked bike for its ride, rim brakes will really maximise this quality. This extra material reduces the amount the fork can flex and leads to a harsher ride quality. The forces that disc brakes exert - particularly on the front fork - means significantly more material is needed to withstand the power of disc brakes. Steel delivers its ride quality by the way that it flexes. The frame builders with their time earnt expertise will be able to discern how your bike should be constructed from a conversation about the exact feeling you want from your bike.Īside from questions of aesthetics about whether discs look the part on thin tubed steel frames, there are real practical - and physical - elements to consider. Not being aware of the exact numbers measurements you want from a frame needn’t present an impediment. The geometry can be tailored to further compliment your riding style, whether that’s shorter chainstays and a steeper head angle for agile handling, or a slacker seatpost for more relaxed cruising. There’s more to gain than just the perfect fit. You might think that having a custom-built frame is somewhat superfluous, but it can have a significant effect on the quality of your ride - potentially even more so than the frame material. Ovalized tube shapes allow for refinement in where the bike is strong and where it is forgiving. They also allow for a frame that is both stiff when it comes to power transfer through the pedals, but compliant when it comes to road chatter. A lightweight and stiff set of tubes can result in a heavier and more flexy frame than one made with nominally heavier and more compliant tubes, if constructed in the wrong way.īutted tubes have varying thicknesses that allow them to be stronger where they need to be and saving weight elsewhere. It’s not just the material that makes a difference to the ride, the way the tubes are put together has a large effect as well. What to consider when buying a steel frame But the best part is that the gear cables are never left exposed, the housing runs the full length of the cable, shielding it from all the dirt and grime and greatly increasing the service life in tough conditions. The cable housing is external, which makes it easier to access when replacing a cable. The cable routing is designed to play well with electronic groupsets, but it does particularly well for mechanical. There are mudguard and pannier mounts, providing the option for more traditional touring as well as bikepacking. The frame is optimised for 32–40mm tyres, offering its usage beyond just long road miles and even gravel and bridleway trails. ![]() ![]() A combination of Columbus, Reynolds and Dedacciai tubes combine to make a lightweight and compliant frame. At the other end of the spectrum is the Endeavour, coming from the East Sussex brand Enigma.
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