Steel - the standard-setter
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When it comes to road cycle frame construction, steel sets the standard for ride comfort thanks to its resilience, or springiness, which provides the intangible ‘feel’ that other materials rarely match. A well-made steel frame set delivers a unique ride quality suited to long hours in the saddle while delicately-raked fork blades soak up road shocks that get through even high-tech composites blades.
Steel offers the custom frame builder |
compelling advantages. It can be joined using traditional, relatively low-tech methods, is suited to artisan construction and offers plenty of opportunity for decoration.
Steel frames are durable and rarely fail through fatigue, unlike lightweight aluminium. Provided rust is not allowed to get a grip, a steel frame can last indefinitely. Hallett frames are treated with Weigle Frame Saver to prevent rust on the inside. If damaged, a steel frame |
is easy to repair.
Stainless steel cast lugs and fork crowns will take a mirror polish, as will high-strength stainless steel tube sets from Columbus, KVA and Reynolds. And when it comes to weight, the latest top-end tubesets such as Reynolds 953 and Columbus Spirit can build into a frame of around 1.6kg - close to the level of a mid-range carbon-fibre or titanium offering. |