What steel roadbike frame

I’d like a happy medium.

Get a Defy and lower the stem if necessary, I severely doubt that it won’t go low enough for you.

Quite surprised to see you wanting to spunk £700 on a road F&F when you’re usually so proud of your miserly ways when it comes to MTBs!

Mountain bikes see waaay too much slop-gritstone and stone strikes 8)

Buy it and get out and ride. http://www.shinybikes.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=11634&language=en&currency=GBP&gclid=CjwKEAiAmOymBRD0_evS4aTh2hUSJAB7Fkhym1TbWCeRBH_X3kofvj3BhItsul_Zgbiq30xXbHKAcBoCl8nw_wcB

There aren’t two definitive sets of geometry right? Just like on a mountain bike – all the manufacturers dont use all the same angles with the same lengths. There are different styles within. I’d like a happy medium.

Again that’d be the Defy/Synapse/Roubaix, halfway between the race bikes and the audax bikes.

Pretty much all race bikes will handle much the same.
Pretty much all sportive bikes will be slightly longer CS/slacker HA /taller HT.

I think you’re obsessing over details which will make a very minor differences to the actual ride. A steel bike (probably) wont be stiffer than the PX up front, but will have that intangible astetic that the PX doesn’t and maybe you’ll like it and ride it more and forgive it’s handling as character rather than a cheap carbon comprimise. Or you could just buy a Defy/Synapse or TCR/Supersix depending on what FITS, they’ll all be stiff and comfortable in all the right places, then just ride it! It will probably be better in every way appart from not being steel. On the other hand if the bike being steel and comfortable are the defining factors then what you want is an audax bike, bikes which a lot of people do a lot more miles with a lot more speed than you, it’s not about the bike.

On the other hand if the bike being steel and comfortable are the defining factors then what you want is an audax bike,

This.
Get whatever you can afford and fits best then ride it forever.

I went from a race geometry alu frame to a cheap steel audax frame. It’s mostly as quick, more comfy and does me fine for miles of riding. I’m not racing it, I don’t bother taking the guards off in the summer, it hasn’t got any fancy kit on it. But it’s fine.

(that’s not to say I wouldn’t want a nicer one though – skinnymalinky or similar 😉 )

Genesis Equilibrium rides nice and I would guess weights 2.1kg.

Hora I have FOR SALE a very rare Sintesi Pegaso 58cm in good condition, 1.55kg, one of (if not the) lightest steel production frame(s) ever made.

(I take it you don’t want the Supersix then? 😛 )

I just did a quick edit for you Spoonie 😉

Pretty much all race bikes will handle much the same.
Pretty much all sportive bikes will be slightly longer CS/slacker HA /taller HT.

I think you’re obsessing over details which will make a very minor differences to the actual ride. A steel bike (probably) wont be stiffer than the PX up front, but will have that intangible astetic that the PX doesn’t and maybe you’ll like it and ride it more and forgive it’s handling as character rather than a cheap carbon comprimise. Or you could just buy a Defy/Synapse or TCR/Supersix depending on what FITS, they’ll all be stiff and comfortable in all the right places, then just ride it! It will probably be better in every way appart from not being steel. On the other hand if the bike being steel and comfortable are the defining factors then what you want is an audax bike, bikes which a lot of people do a lot more miles with a lot more speed than you, it’s not about the bike.

Does the new defy disc still take mud guards?

Ok, a shortlist of two so far:

Ritchey Logic 2.0
Enigma Ezona

Possibly the Condor but its an outside third.

🙂

Does the new defy disc still take mud guards?

No. Front fork and seatstay bridges are not drilled.

You can however fit two Genetic Carbon Micro Fenders 8) . Mine wears the SKS Raceblade Long fitting brackets all year round. But then it is caliper not disk.

Genesis Equilibrium ti for £1099

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 **** 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 – Member

I’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.

http://cycletechreview.com/2013/reviews/ritchey-road-logic-review/

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…

Winner of bike of the show[/url] at the Yorkshire Bike show 2014
Just remember if its not from Yorkshire its …………….

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!

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.

[/off topic]

I’m well aware.. this is actually getting rebuilt after a respray..

New headset next to old…

New headset in.

[off topic]

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?

Seriously, the Leggero is even more comfortable than the Acciaio.