Steel, stainless steel frames

[Festina_Lente]

I'm looking at getting steel bike frame built. And I'm wondering if anyone can help me understand the differences of the various techniques, materials and design.

A lugged brazed frame or a welded frame? Is there any practical difference?

Tube manufacturers Reynolds, Columbus, Dedacciai? Any opinions, tubresets to avoid etc?

I understand tube profile and the final geometry is important, any tips are appreciated.

 

[fossyant]

All down to budget. Columbus XCR and Reynolds 953 stainless are the most expensive.

Steel frames can be built as stiff as you like or as compliment as you like. That's where the frame builder comes in if you want bespoke.

You are talking anything from £300 for an off the peg Reynolds 525 to over £2k for a bespoke 953/XCR.

 

[fossyant]

Lugged and/or braised frames are generally a much neater finish than welding.

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

This book "It's all about the bike" is a very good and inspiring read for anyone wishing to build a bike. Robert Penn describes in full the process he goes through to select, and have built, his dream bike. He chooses steel and goes into great detail as to why he chooses "Rourke" to build and design his frame to his needs and size. Bike fit is also covered in detail.

I found it to be a great read and very inspirational. In fact it made me want to have my very own bike built from scratch and to last me a long time.

 

[mattobrien]

My LBS has a custom build stainless steel Cyfac frame. I was there when it arrived and can vouch that it weighs next to nothing. It is a thing of beauty and is inscribed with their name and Cyfac's, on the chain stays, English one side and French on the other. Inside of the chain stay obviously.

I believe the frame was in the region of 3k. The frame has been made up into a bike and is on display with Campag EPS and deep rim carbon wheels. It is a thing of joy and if I had a few thousand spare, a forgiving wife and room for another bike...