here is my 853 reynolds frame built up with 2006 centaur record hubs on open pros. not ww but should ride very nicely!!

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Here is my steel bike - A Colnago master extralight in Mapei team issue. Nothing fancy just dura ace 9 speed group.Just like the way they have it back in the Mapei era.

I know you meant CF specifically, but also in the context of the remarks about Raleigh. My point was to show that IMHO, even though Raleigh as a brand name had long ago fallen out of favor with many of the cycling cognoscenti, I can say that when they brought back their "Heritage" line in 2002, they did a very good design job on those frames - regardless of price or where they were built.

So by extention, I'm only guessing that perhaps the '07 Team frame above is a very good frame as well. But as you said, there's no telling until you ride a frame yourself.

I am willing to at least give one a spin to find out. I'm less concerned with name-on-the-downtube-bling-factor as I am with excellent performance at sane prices.




As a rule, neither do I. Or at least I've developed an ability to "read between the lines" somewhat. I approach reviews/opinions with a good deal of skepticism - even those from riders on bike forums that actually own the stuff. But I do have some respect for Bob Roll's opinion, even though he may have some "commercial" interests involved too.

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Aero beats weight - unless you're slow!

I have 2 Mercians, both hand built Reynolds 531:
1982 King of Mercia
1955 Road and Path

I rode a steel frame last season but I had to give it away. It was pretty light in size 56 but I didn't manage to get it on scale. The frame was Columbus Spirit with Muscle rear end but I would have preferred all steel frame. Here's one pic of the bike (that setup was temporary) http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/800354/

I have some plans that I'll build a steel frame myself but it's still on drawing table. Most likely I'll use Columbus Spirit tubes on the main triangle and possibly Life at the back. It will be slightly sloped to make it little more rigid.

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http://demarere.blogspot.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

does he look much like this? Mine is a mix of 9speed record and various parts. Not a good photo really.



Weight is really not WW at all, just over 10kg. I have a new deda quill stem in 140mm to make it look more original and some record hubs & ambrosio singles. Rides nice but I like my modern bike more.

I've only had lugged steel road bikes. Bianchi Premio, Cinelli Supercorsa, and a second hand custom frame. I recall riding a cannondale in the late 90s and it was pretty uncomfortable. I should try them again. When I started racing cross this year, I bought a used redline aluminum frame. With fat tires and a carbon fork, it's pleasant to ride. It starts chattering on rough pavement, but the bottom bracket is noticeably stiffer than my steel bikes. I suppose I'll get a CF or Aluminum frame for my next bike, but that will be a year or two. I don't know the weight of my current bike, despite my lurking of this site. But it's damn light for a lugged steel bike. Full Carbon fork, Campy record, and Easton CF bars, and Schmolke post help offset the weight.

schmalex, better pitures! bike looks very cool.

You disliked it with the CF stays so much that you just gave it away? It is a nice looking bike.

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Aero beats weight - unless you're slow!

Man, that frame is big. What size is it?

alienator, it is 61 * 59cm. I have the fsa post with lots of setback as it's just small by around 1cm in the TT.

I am around 195cm tall. Cranks are 180mm & stem 140mm.

EDIT: I think the older steel bikes tend to put you more over the bars? The set back gets the postion better due to the seat tube angle.

I had some steel bikes lying around and then the fashion changed so I sold them and bought some a carbon stem with the proceeds

seriously, I have:

Pegoretti Marcelo
Independent Fabrication Deluxe (853/Nivacrom) SS 29"

and another Marcelo frame ready for a fixed project.

Long story short...It was a sponsored bike, I moved to Canada, had to give that bike back as I won't be racing too much in Finland next summer. Price for that frame was bit steep so I decided to let it go and look for better deal which I haven't found yet.

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http://demarere.blogspot.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Too bad they didn't cut you a better deal. Maybe good tho' because now you can look for the frame that you really want.

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Aero beats weight - unless you're slow!

This I my steel Pinarello:
http://fairwheelbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1551&start=15