I was quite set on going 853 for a custom 29r frame build, but full 853 is fraught with problems, so I’ve looked elsewhere – especially to Columbus Life (niobium) tubing.

Super strong, thinner walls, triple butted and super light (’bout the same as alu) and apparently a comfortable compliant ride too

Anyone any experience with it?

Why not 853 and a normal tubed back end?

I’m liking the idea of a curved TT so pretty much rules out 853 there too so it only leaves the DT & ST 853…

So “they” can curve a thinner harder steel top tube?

😉 No – not in that thin a gauge tube – TT will need to be different, unless Mark Reilly can give the standover with a straight tube

I still think you ought to build it for me and save me all this grief

Well, developments!

Decided to go full Columbus Life. Going to check if TT can be bent easily otherwise we’ll go 631 for that. Hoping for a 4lb frame, stronger (and alot lighter) than the 853 with big strong tubes too

Chain stays 17″ 😯

I think my Scapin is Columbus Spirit – v light for a steel frame and pretty stiff – but not the most comfy I’ve riddden though.

Is your Scapin a MTB?

Stronger and lighter? Sounds a bit magical to me

properties of tubes

Taken from your link above (Strong Frames)

The extreme strength of this alloy allows Columbus to draw the tubes to thinner specifications than ever before, down to 0.38mm!…This tubing is marginally heavier than aluminum while still possessing the strength and ride qualities of steel.

What’s the magical part?

(We all want a bit of magic in our frames don’t we? 😉 )

The only thing I’ve picked up about tubesets such as Life and Spirit is as they are ultra thin walled, the tubing can be vulnerable to denting from mis handling or stones

Yes Scapin is a MTB (Nope) – no problems with dents etc in 3 years use