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steel frame advice

by MT63
Mon, Sep 08, 2014 22:05
9

So after months of messing about I have finally booked my appointment to get a custom steel frame made. It looks like the choice will be between a Reynolds 853 and a 953. The 953 is quite a jump up in price from the 853 so what exactly am I getting, in ride terms, for the extra money. Has anyone out there ridden both and can tell me what they are like. Also there is the option of getting 853/953 steel forks made as opposed to carbon ones. What do these ride like? The last time a had a steel frame bike was when I was a teenager; I'm in my 50s now. So anyone out there who can give me the benefit of their experience would be much appreciated before I hand over my hard earned cash!

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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9 comments

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kitkat | 10 years ago
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I have come to the realisation that the frame is the one thing you should pour money into as you will upgrade the components as they wear out. I am looking at a custom steel with the same dilemma but pretty sure I will take the plunge and go for 953.

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tbelcher72 | 10 years ago
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I have frames made of both 853 and 953, with the 953 frame having both carbon (Columbus minimal) and 953 fork forks made for it. As someone has mentioned earlier I doubt you would notice any difference in ride quality between frame materials, if the frame maker built a frame in each for exactly the same purpose. What you might notice is that the 953 frame would be marginally lighter as thinner wall tubing can be used to get the same frame strength as a frame built with 853.

With regards to forks I mostly use the carbon fork at the moment with the 953 frame just because with modern wheels (Campag Shamal) it looks more suited and the fork is about 400g lighter than the steel one, not that you really notice the weight when riding. The steel fork is a little harsher (I used straight blades, like the ones Colnago use on their master frame) but does look much nicer if I put a standard 32 spoke wheel set with tan sidewall tyres on the bike.

I guess in real terms the real difference is the finish you can get with a 953 frame like titanium you can leave it unpainted, and just polish up the exposed metal, or paint small sections. I will say that the 953 is extremely hard and does not dent easily, as much to my horror the bike has been knocked over a couple of times, yet no damage has been inflicted.

If budget is an issue go for the 853 it is great material to build a frame from, and you will not notice the difference otherwise sell the kids and get a 953 frame made it will out live you. Either way I am sure you will love the bike.

Who is making the frame for you?

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Maggers replied to tbelcher72 | 10 years ago
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tbecher72 wrote:

I guess in real terms the real difference is the finish you can get with a 953 frame like titanium you can leave it unpainted, and just polish up the exposed metal, or paint small sections.

+1 for polishing bits. Steel bikes look great with shiny bits. Polished stays I'm finding are particularly easy to clean up.

for what it's worthn my columbus xcr (953 eqiv) frame is considerably stiffer than my Vitus 172 (531 equiv). Not had them on the scales though.

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MT63 replied to tbelcher72 | 10 years ago
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Hmmm, if I could get a half decent price for the kids I might be tempted. Unfortunately I think I would have to pay people to take them off my hands!

If finish is the main difference I might be tempted to go for the 853 and use the savings on components. As was said earlier the frame builder will guide me but I just wanted to go with a few ideas already in my mind. After having looked around I have chosen Brian Rourke to do the build.

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MT63 replied to tbelcher72 | 10 years ago
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One other issue is that Audax bikes seem to be offered in a smaller range of tubes e.g. only 853 oversize not 853 pro team oversize. Is this simply having down to having to fit mudguard eyes?

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Nick T | 10 years ago
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Surely your frame builder could answer these questions?

If it were me, I'd go for 853. Stainless steel has no value for me, any higher material stiffness from 953 would suggest a thinner and lighter tube in theory, but when you offset the higher cost for it you can easily save that weight with a more expensive/lighter build.

Stiffness is more influenced by tube size and geometry than marginally stiffer grades of steel anyway.

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notfastenough | 10 years ago
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Sounds nice! I suppose it depends what kind of riding you do, 953 being apparently a bit harsher ride but a bit stiffer.

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therevokid | 10 years ago
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personally ... I'd go for the 953 as it's stainless and less of an on-going care
case. As to ride a buddy of mine has a 953 frame and said it's very similar to
his old 753 and my Ti ....

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mzungu | 10 years ago
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TBH - with the same frame I doubt you (or anyone) would notice the difference. Save the money and treat yourself to a nice paintjob 1

Post pics when the frame is made!

Appreciate that's not really an answer to your question, but my 2P.

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