Hi-ten

[Radius]

Is it so bad that's it's simply not worth buying a (new) bike made from hi-ten? What's actually wrong with it?


(thought I'd keep it brief and simple )

 

[MajorMantra]

It's heavy and not springy. I have a rubbishy old road bike at home made of the stuff and it's like lead compared to a decent steel (531, 520 etc) or aluminium frame. I wouldn't buy a new bike made of the stuff but for a cheap old hack it's ok.

What are you thinking of getting? It's not one of those awful 'courier' FG/SS bikes is it? Because even leaving aside the frame material those have truly awful components.

Matthew

 

[Radius]

Cheers for that, heavy isn't what I'm after. And it is a fixie, but it ain't a 'Unipack' bike.

 

[fossyant]

Hi-Ten - generally known as gas pipe - bog standard steel used on cheap frames. You need a cro-mo really !

 

[Landslide]

Strength to weight ratio's not as good as better steels (e.g. 531).

Cheap, strong, light. Pick any two...

 

[handsome joe]

I had a Claud Butler racer in Hi-Ten. With a good pair of tyres it wasn't too bad, but if i had to choose i would go for better quality steel.

 

[tyred]

I have an old Hi-ten MTB and it feels like it's made from lead.

 

[MajorMantra]

Cheers for that, heavy isn't what I'm after. And it is a fixie, but it ain't a 'Unipack' bike.

SE Lager or something? (Sorry, I just like guessing.)

If you're after a cheap new fixed gear, you might take a look at Edinburgh Bicycle's new Revolution Track which is about £350 and has a 7005 frame:

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebw...QRY=C107&f_SortOrderID=1&f_bct=c003155c002912

Alternatively you can get used Langsters (especially in London, they're everywhere) for between £150 and £250.

Matthew

 

[punkypossum]

Sorry, totally OT, but I have never managed to work it out - how do you actually brake on a fixie?

 

[Landslide]

Personally, I use the brakes.

 

[MajorMantra]

Sorry, totally OT, but I have never managed to work it out - how do you actually brake on a fixie?

Pull brake lever, or lock your legs and skid/skip. The only difference between braking (with a brake) on a fixed gear and braking on a freewheel equipped bike is that you have to keep turning your legs as you slow down. If you forget the bike will soon remind you.

Matthew

 

[jimboalee]

I rode several 200km Audax on a Hi-tensile Peugeot Iseran.

Took it steady, didn't go mad. Completed.

 

[jpembroke]

lean down and grab the chain

 

[Radius]

SE Lager or something? (Sorry, I just like guessing.)

Was looking at that as well, but that's not Hi-ten, it's Chromoloy. The Hi-ten one I was wondering about was an SE something else.

If you're after a cheap new fixed gear, you might take a look at Edinburgh Bicycle's new Revolution Track which is about £350 and has a 7005 frame:

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebw...QRY=C107&f_SortOrderID=1&f_bct=c003155c002912

Alternatively you can get used Langsters (especially in London, they're everywhere) for between £150 and £250.

Cheers for that link, could well be an option. Don't particularly want a Langster since you can hardly cycle 10 feet for seeing one these days, as you said.

 

[MajorMantra]

Was looking at that as well, but that's not Hi-ten, it's Chromoloy. The Hi-ten one I was wondering about was an SE something else.

Cheers for that link, could well be an option. Don't particularly want a Langster since you can hardly cycle 10 feet for seeing one these days, as you said.

Maybe I was thinking of the SE Draft actually. Have you seen this?:

http://www.londonfgss.com/thread9085.html

Not 100% complete but probably the best list out there. Personally I think buying used is your best option as in London there are huge numbers of FG/SS bikes changing hands. Just be careful of nicked ones. I paid £270 for my Genesis Flyer here in Edinburgh but the market is far larger in London so you should be able to find something just as nice for less.

Matthew