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[url= http://www.freeborn.co.uk/genesis-equilibrium-ti-frameset?gclid=CJOkutqK2sMCFSbHtAod3CEArA ]Genesis Equilibrium ti for £1099[/url]
Honestly, if you're going to spend £750 on a steel frame, spend a few hundred more on a titanium one.
Both the Ritchey and the Enigma are nice but they are both still just mass produced in Taiwan steel frames. You're paying a premium for both because of the name on the down tube. Unless you're also getting great service, such as a professional fitting, bike buil or convenience of them being on your doorstep, I think you're paying a lot for the name.
I don't think there is anything wrong with that mind so this is not meant as a criticism.
The Enigma I'd handmade here.
Unsure about the Richey.
I had an older Ritchey, it is nice, but so is any 1.8kg steel frame.
I've ridden ti also and prefer modern steel for a road bike (OS ti feels dead to me).
If the Ritchey is anything like my P-650b then it'll be made in Taiwan. Blooming lovely though.
Rourke custom framesets start at £865. I'd be scraping the extra pennies together...
lightish - not something thats getting on for a mountain bike steel frame weight
You forgotten this bit then of your OP then 😆
I don't know why you're bothering.
He won't listen you know.
'Defy. Like what a mtb-er would choose.' WTF?
I'm not going custom. Bad enough choosing between colours.
For ****s sake. How the **** do I decide between the two?
The Enigma I'd handmade here.
I was going to question this as their Ti frames are made in Taiwan unless you specify a full custom build, which then attracts a premium. But checking their webstie confirms you're right. Not that built in the UK makes any difference really.
Enigma then. Proper guards on that too.
hora - MemberI'm not going custom. Bad enough choosing between colours.
For * sake. How the * do I decide between the two?
Realise that there aren't huge differences, both are good bikes and you won't die even if you do choose the "wrong" one?
If its Brit-made it'll sway me (I've asked to clarify). If its not its a bun-fight.
Enigma framw only I think, a fork is extra. Ritchey is a frameset.
Look.
Promise us one thing.
If you buy an Enigma from Hailsham (or any other custom frame builder who has spent years perfecting his craft) and for whatever reason it doesn't suit YOU, PLEASE don't come dissing them on here, right.
Thank you.
Promise us one thing.If you buy an Enigma from Hailsham (or any other custom frame builder who has spent years perfecting his craft) and for whatever reason it doesn't suit YOU, PLEASE don't come dissing them on here, right.
Ok, but tbh the only 'bad' thing I've said about the PlanetX is the flex on the front but its stiffer on the rear.
I bought a Sanderson Life- beautiful ride. Its pretty hard to fault a half decent steel frame.
Just to echo some earlier comments I was in Condor a month or so ago looking at a steel bike to replace my Allez at some point before summer. The guy I spoke to was really helpful and knew his onions, based on that alone I know I'll be back there. It's a happy bonus that the bikes and deal offered on a full build were very competitive. Contrast that with my local roadie shop in Kingston who could not be less interested unless you've got very deep pockets indeed and god forbid if you turn up on an MTB.
Also the condor looks the nuts.
Enigma framw only I think, a fork is extra. Ritchey is a frameset.
The Ezona does include a fork.
MrSmith - Member
I’m done on this thread, i just want to see the final bike shot now.
hora ? final bike...
[url= http://aureliuscycles.com/ ]Winner of bike of the show[/url] at the Yorkshire Bike show 2014
Just remember if its not from Yorkshire its ................[img] 
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Its pretty hard to fault a half decent steel frame.
Maybe, but we know you'll manage it somehow.
😉
Awesome thread It's easy to slip into the misconception that riding bikes is simple and uncomplicated. This has reminded me of what a serious and exacting business it is. On the other hand, my total lack of discernment means I can simply just get on with riding… 😉
Realise that there aren't huge differences, both are good bikes and you won't die even if you do choose the "wrong" one?
Whichever one he buys, it'll be the "wrong" one. That is just the way it is.
I'm just building mine up!
[URL= http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w44/calumcalumcalum/2015-02-09%2016.46.10_zpsews8mwin.jp g" target="_blank">
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w44/calumcalumcalum/2015-02-09%2016.46.10_zpsews8mwin.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]
Calum that looks very promising.
One small point of advice. Order in a spare headset. The ones supplied are pretty rubbish and don't last long.
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I'm well aware.. this is actually getting rebuilt after a respray..
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http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w44/calumcalumcalum/2015-02-08%2017.29.13_zpsb6osljpb.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]
New headset next to old...
[URL= http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w44/calumcalumcalum/2015-02-08%2017.28.03_zps6fbiphx2.jp g" target="_blank">
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w44/calumcalumcalum/2015-02-08%2017.28.03_zps6fbiphx2.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]
New headset in.
[URL= http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w44/calumcalumcalum/2015-02-08%2018.55.05_zps9xxi3cfx.jp g" target="_blank">
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w44/calumcalumcalum/2015-02-08%2018.55.05_zps9xxi3cfx.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]
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I was going to say, that doesn't look like a stock colour. Very nice it is though.
There's a wee new bike company called Rocketboy who are doing nice looking frames. Only has an alloy just now but carbon and steel models on the way I believe. Website ain't currently up to milch much the guy also knows his onions. On my wishlist one the steel appears For sure.
Another Condor Acciao for you all. Built last summer. Such a lovely ride although unsure if its the frame or hand built tubeless wheels that make it magic?
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Seriously, the Leggero is even more comfortable than the Acciaio.
This thread does beg the question, if a steel frame will be so good, why did you sell one to get the PX. Odds are that with a 1.1/8 headtube and 27.2 seatpost it'll actualy be heavier than your old one.
As long as it fits ..
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Thisnotaspoon. It was a check to see if I'd like road riding. Bought it did a 32mile skyride on it. It had a 6speed cassette 😀
Hora old chap, i don't know your timescale, but if not in a mad rush i would advise a trip to Bristol for the Bespoked Bike show.
You get multiple choices to empty your wallet and chat to the builders.
You can also quiz the tubing companies as they attened the show too, the man from Reynolds is very very helpfull.
In the greatest tradition of STW, posting what you have!.
I love my de rosa, very comfy, quick and nice to look at, IMO of course. (This is not mine btw, but v similar)
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Also posting what I have, I wouldn't go back to carbon.
[url= https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5583/15248591146_4c6f404f01_h.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5583/15248591146_4c6f404f01_h.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/pet1TU ]20140917_160121[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/27678965@N00/ ]Cheers Drive[/url], on Flickr
Is that bike easie to wheelie?
I can't wheelie a MTB let alone a road bike!
It's pointing slightly uphill and the flat TT makes the seat angle appear more relaxed.
i ended up with columbus sl and xcr, but at a somewhat inflated price ...
still, it is a dream to ride and brings back some fond memories 🙂
[URL= http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd230/glorfingal/20150202_084517.jp g" target="_blank">
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd230/glorfingal/20150202_084517.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]
Isn't that DeRosa Aliminium?
FWIW I am flogging my Sintesi because the ride is not as nice as my Six or Supersix (or previous Roubaix of CAAD10)
I think mrsmith means your saddle position? 😉
First Dibs On your ritchey please
Back to basics, my first road bike was a Genesis Equilibrium, which I really liked, but then I got a Condor Fratello which turned out to be soooooo much more comfortable.
The Genesis Equilibrium might not be as exclusive as some of the lovely bikes mentioned above, but it's a good example of what modern steel road frames can do. And, you'll have a reasonable chance of finding one second-hand, so you can try without losing too much (if at all) should you decide you need something more, or less, 'whatever'...