Bike frames What Do you like?

Question

I'm a big bike hobbyist. I like messing around with old crappy bikes and making them work like new. I recently got an old Ross Gran Tour and ripped it apart put new wheels, tires, Singlspeed crankset, and 16t rear cog on it. The frame is a bit heavier and is Cro-Mo I think. Do people think cro-mo is still a decent frame material?? Or should I start looking for more aluminum stuff? This will be my urban assault commuter bike along with an old schwinn hybrid I have, but I just thought I'd ask what frames people prefer as an all around frame. cheers

Answer 1

Seems like the old bikes are coming out of the woodwork this week! When I was very young I did exactly what you are doing now,then the bug bit me and now I work in the industry designing the things!

Other than the top of the line Ross (I forget the model) they were all made of high carbon steel- either 1010 or 1020.

Chrome molybdneum is still the material of choice for many riders although it is getting harder and harder to locate and more expensive since the world supply of molybdneum is nearly exhausted. There are other steels which have come on the scene in the past 10 years or so that enjoy high end cult status.

Anyway, it is important to remember that the staggering majority of aluminum frames out there weigh MORE than their steel counterparts. Yes, it is a fact that aluminum is 1/2 the weight of steel, but it is also a fact that it is 1/3 the strength. This means you need more aluminum to make a frame... more material=more weight. For the sake of this answer I am not including highly engineered aluminum frames.

My preference in frame material? Steel. There are few people that have ridden quality steel that would ever go to aluminum, or even carbon fiber.

EDIT- Mr. G... Well said from a person who likes tig welded junk. As I said before, perhaps you should actually take the time to ride premium steel before coming to such conclusions.

Answer 2

Good quality steel bikes are still very popular.  They ride better than aluminum, and the weight penalty is minimal unless you are a serious racer.  My ancient steel 12-speed weighs only 24 lbs, ready to ride.  The 10 lbs of belly fat I lost riding it more than makes up for the heavy bike.  Carbon fiber can crack, and if it does, the frame is trash.  Steel can be easily welded if it breaks, which is very rarely.  The only real downside with steel is that it can rust, so keep any paint chips touched up.

Answer 3

Nothing wrong with cro-moly.  I have bikes that are carbon, aluminum and steel.  Cro-moly deals with abuse better than other materials and would probably be the best choice for 99% of the riders.  A dented steel frame is still ridable as is and can be fixed if needed.  Carbon doesnt dent, it breaks I still ride it but I understand the possible problems and inspect it before and after rides.  If I have any questions about frame integrity I take it to the LBS.  Aluminum dents too but generally cant be repaired and a dent will probably turn into a crack.  For all-around I think steel is the best choice, aluminum second, titanium (if you want to spend that much on a all-around bike), and then carbon.  I know there are carbon fans out there and I am one of them but I would still shy away from carbon for an all purpose bike.

Answer 4

I loved cr-mo. I'd never give away my old cr-mo road bike. But, I don't ride it much any more after getting a good carbon framed bike. That old bike is like a favorite dog that got too old to go hunting with you any more. You keep it around as a pet because it's earned its place in your heart.

HTH

Answer 5

Steel is probably the best 'alround material' for a frame! BUT. . .  

A steel bike is on the whole boring!!! They are a better ride than Aluminium but they are heavier than their Alli' counterpart.  Even top end steel cannot compete with top end Alli' or Carbon Fibre!

Riders of Steel bikes tend to be older riders who hark back to bygone days and perhaps reluctant to embrace new technology.

Hey, when I was a lad most of the older generation refused to consider buying a Japanese car or motorcycle (because of the war!). Take a look at todays traffic and count the Japanese vehicles, times move on and so do attitudes!

A steel bike is a 'bread and butter' bike , but I prefer a baguette with jam!!??

EDIT: I am a Carbon Fibre Fan - If anybody knows how to TiG weld CF, please let me know!  

Don't get me wrong Mirage, I am not running steel down, - I am just saying it's "Horses for Courses" !!

ps. Like Intrepid,-  I still have my old 10sp steel bike (downtube shifters), in the shed.

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