Steel - the standard-setter
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 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 Frame Saver to prevent rust |
on the inside. If damaged, a steel frame is easy to repair.
In terms of weight, the latest top-end tubesets such as Columbus Life and Spirit can build into a medium-sized frame of under 1.6kg - close to the level of a mid-range carbon-fibre or titanium offering. |