The Case for Steel Bikes

For lightweight, top-tier steel bikes, check out Wabi Cycles:
wabicycles.com/
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"Steel is heavy, steel isn't stiff enough, steel is slow." These and other misconceptions plague the world of steel bikes. Although steel is the first material bikes were made out of, bike designers and builders continue to push the boundaries of steel, making them lighter, more durable, and most importantly, more fun to ride. Steel is real and has a dedicated following in a world of bikes made of increasingly exotic materials for good reason. This is the case for steel bikes.
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#stealisreal #fixedgear

[@sepandphan3085]

1 - Ride what you can afford. 2 - Ride a bike your size that doesn't hurt your body. 3 - Slowly upgrade it yourself learning about mechanic and how your vehicle work. 4 - Go outside and feel free

[@singletona082]

Solid advice.

[@comdrive3865]

Medium frame is for most people just under 6ft

[@breddary]

I approve this comment.

[@endoftime0]

I wish 99% of KZbin cyclist would say the same.. they tell beginners to get a 3000$ bike for entry level that's just bullshit

[@kirstenspencer3630]

YES !!!!

[@ThivvyCassie]

i like how steel bikes have generally skinnier tubing than alluminum. makes them easier to pick up and carry when needed

[@BruceChastain]

I agree, that is my main thing I like best about steel too. They just look cool.

[@Nomorehats]

Easier to oick up while being twice as heavy. Okay

[@ThivvyCassie]

​@@Nomorehats I mean my state 4130 is only 20 lbs total and i doubt you're gonna find a 10 lb aluminum bike at the same price point

[@ThivvyCassie]

@Stevie Blue I am aware of this, but an important thing to note here. I was responding to someone saying steel bikes are gonna be "twice as heavy" which is patently untrue. the difference will be a few lbs at most assuming similar quality frames at a similar price point, and from what I have seen of similarly priced aluminum bikes to my steel is that they tend to be around 19-21 lbs. Cannondale's geared bikes cost more than twice as much as mine so it is not something I consider to be relevant to my argument

[@ThivvyCassie]

@Stevie Blue Huh, that's pretty interesting! Pretty good to know since I live in a very hilly area

[@VAMIRACING]

happy to see young folks keeping up the flag for vintage steel bikes. aluminium and carbon just added an oversize look to something that was yet perfect and functional.

[@RFK579]

I’m old , I’ve been riding a fixed gear Waterford exclusively since 98 . To me nothing beats the feel , looks and ride quality of a steel framed bike . Especially a steel framed fixed gear bike . Love your video’s BTW .

[@AverageJoeRider]

'98?! How long has fixed gears been around!?

[@DonSess]

⁠@@AverageJoeRider forever… Or at least since the 1800’s. The first bikes with pedals were all fixed gear… I say “with pedals” because the very first bicycle was just two wheels and a saddle connecting them. Pretty much an adult balance bike

[@curtisducati]

Hope your still riding !

[@timdodd3897]

Yes, nothing like a classic lugged frame.

[@death2pc]

PERIOD!

[@bikeman9419]

I love steel frame bicycles. The ride is like no other. I currently ride a Cinelli Vigorelli. What a dream to ride. It does have a carbon fork which I expect to swap out someday. I did fall into to the trap years ago and bought a high end aluminium frame racer that weighed in at 17 lbs. I rode it 400 miles and hated it. When you are not on the race circuit riding a bike that is a couple of pound heavier is ok. A smooth ride is much better when putting on miles. I’m 64 years old and just finished my calendar year yesterday. I rode 7300 miles this past year on only steel bikes. I can’t count the number of younger guys I smoked on their carbon frame cookies cutter bicycles. I love your video, more younger rider should take your advice. I have watched your video many times just to see those beautiful steel frame bicycles. I will never purchase an aluminium or carbon frame road bicycle ever. Steel for the rest of my life.

[@milindnnn]

thanks for your comment 🎉✨

[@paulmcknight4137]

Right on. You're the first pundit I've seen, mention the uncanny spring -back quality of steel frames, as they work with the rider in a feedback loop. They actually flex and then return the energy, and it all adds up to performance and thrills. The body is completely engaged, and that's what bicycling is all about. The skinny tubing adds to the resilience. Shock waves dissipate along the narrow tubes quite effectively. Not so the fat, rigid aluminum and carbon that followed. Notice how thin seat stays are now? Top tubes going the same way, to absorb shocks before they get to the saddle. Parameters haven't changed since the '60s, except ever more wonderful high tech candy to keep us in love! And don't let's get started on those old, reliable, cup and cone threaded bottom brackets! Threads are making a comeback!

[@ravelbragadasilvaprata2406]

Zach: Can I mention other steel bikes? Wabi: Only if the brands are dead. Zach: Yes Master.

[@fast.biking_freddy]

"that makes me want to throw my leg over and ride it"

[@hellosunshine1090]

Funny !

[@eliotwolfert8488]

i bestow upon you the most prestigious award, the fixed gear hipster king

[@davidcooper6704]

Also if you are touring in a remote location and you do have an accident the frame maybe repairable by any competent welder unlike carbon fibre or aluminium.

[@Genrobi]

Extremely good point

[@the1andonly]

Thank you for making this video. It reflects my experience bang on. I ride vintage steel bikes from the 70's and 80's and it is an incredibly cost effective way to have major fun. My touring bike is over 35 yers old and I'm not afraid to carry 50 lbs or more on rough roads and trails. The ride is just perfect. No need to go to a more "modern" frame, as the lugged steel frames tend to fit me well. More steel bikes should be on the market today, but there is still a huge supply of serviceable old frames. Let's keep them out of the landfills!

[@weldonyoung1013]

Jorg, you'll want to hold on to that 35-year-old touring bike. They don't make them like that anymore! Had one myself up until two years ago (lost it due to a mammoth pothole), got a touring bike from both Trek and Surly. The Trek is junk. And the Surly does not inspire. About the only option I figure to replace a 35-year-old touring bike is to copy the dimensions & angle, source old style headset, and try to find a builder. Since the mountain bike craze, mass produced bike seem to be made for clowns: twitchy steering; short lenght (top tube & chain stays); and super wide handlebars. Not only that most are fitted with long crank arms.

[@rollinrat4850]

Weldon Young Once the popularity of MTB took hold, large corporate interests took over and little by little started moving production to China and other Asian countries. Why does anyone think anything is produced by underpaid workers? We as consumers, will ALWAYS PAY for what we get. One way or another. Be patient and wise with your money. The Bible states, "A Fool and his money are soon parted" Marketing/sales types believe there's a sucker born every minute. I believe custom frames and hand built wheels are the best value in the bike industry. I get exactly what I want and know exactly who builds it. Ive built custom wheels for 30 years. Now I'm starting to dabble in frame building. Its a whole lot of work, practicing, failure and improvement. But it's incredibly rewarding. There are still vintage steel bikes out there if you look hard enough. I own several. They are becoming more and more valuable to those in the know!

[@weldonyoung1013]

@@rollinrat4850 , can agree with you about custom built wheels. It is the only way to go for 'bullet proof' wheel. As for the bicycle industry being corrupted by the Chinese, that is not the case. The two touring bicycle I state above are from USA companies, though the Surly is made in Taiwan. Before getting the Surly, I also checked over 300 'touring' bicycles on the web. It is amazing how few bicycle could truly be called touring, most on the web are city cruisers. It is almost a dying breed. Could recommend others check what Brodie (a Canadian company) has to offer. Like all modern bicycles, even their's would not fit me because of my extra long arms. Seems no one has top tubes over 60cm. And here is were the MTB craze is most noticable - handlebar width. Makes me wonder why moose antlers are not used. Sure, that way a very long armed ape like me could 'fit' on a modern bike, but at over 60-years-old anything past the town limit is uncomfortable. And the only kind of touring with that kind of range I can think of is guided tours for the once a year cyclist. Kind of sad what touring bicycles have becom to most. I use to knock of 300-km rides in a day on a vintage touring bicycle up until the age of 58. The long stretched out position was just relaxing. RollinRat, hope you stick with frame building long enough to be come proficient at fitting braze-ons without weakening the tubing.

[@rollinrat4850]

Weldon Young Almost everyone makes their bikes in Asia now. Trek, Cannondale, Schwinn and a few others used to make their bikes in the US and they were much better. I've never seen half the quality issues I run into these days. At least this has been my own experience. Their customer service was frequently better as well. Ive been a mechanic and wrenched on bikes all my life. Being a machinist and an inspector I'm keenly aware of manufacturing quality. I'm 58 years young, still riding hard, lots of miles and primarily offroad. I tour in very remote places quite often. I mostly ride singlespeeds on my home trails. I'm still using my older frames mostly. 1/2 of my bikes weren't really designed for trail riding, but they work! I have back, neck and wrist injuries from doing stupid stuff on skis and working my ass off all my life. What has really helped me is high rise stems and dirt drop handlebars. I experiment with different stuff until I find what works. There are lots more options now than used to be the case. Many riders think my bikes look ridiculous but I'm having fun. I don't look at the bike while I ride. Most of these sorts beg off when the ride surpasses 5 hours! Like I tell my customers with fit issues, sometimes when you have an out of the ordinary body type and or special physical needs/issues, the only way to get comfortable and enjoy riding is to hire a fit specialist/physical therapist and or a custom builder.

[@JoseGomez-vn7hn]

Steel frames are like an old American truck. Strong and reliable. And very pleasing to look at.

[@Daniel-yf9iy]

My first bike was a Nashiki Olympic 12 I bout when I was 15 in 1987 and I rode that thing all the time and everywhere. A few years after that I “upgraded” to a Canondale that just didn’t feel as nice, ended up selling it and didn’t ride for years. I just recently bought a Kona Rove DL in butted chromoly steel and love it. I’m looking forward to hopefully as many adventures with that bike as I did my old Olympic 12.

[@jcarlson2727]

used to work in a shop for 10+ years, have repaired thousands and thousands of bikes and seen a lot over the years. Aluminum will eventually work harden and fracture, usually chain stays, but if you're an extremely aggressive offroad rider and unlucky, a head tube. Carbon is great if kept in perfect condition, however, resin is soft and you'll hit it on something eventually. A small crack allows water inside and then let the galvanic corrosion begin - they tend to delaminate over time, and like the video says, tend to catastrophically fail. If you sweat on your carbon bars and have anything aluminum touching them, replace yearly. Not to mention carbon frames in the bicycle world are pretty unregulated and tend to have voids/wrinkles - it's a crap shoot, you never know. Personally, i like carbon for weekend road bikes, but accept it will fail at some point. For every day/commuting, you can't beat steel. The toughest bikes I've owned are all steel. Had several titanium over the years too - but they can work harden and split like aluminum. And they are very flexy! I prefer chromoly. The older Tange tubing is great, Reynolds 520/4130 is great. Had several Reynolds 853 frames - personally i find them a little too stiff but that's me. Hi-tensile is just a little too soft for my taste - it is very soft and is very easy to dent/bend. If i had one frame for the rest of my life it would be some variant of 4130 chromoly, probably tig welded, for weight reasons.

[@markymarknj]

I have a 38 year old Marukin M-420 road bike I purchased new 38 years ago. Its frame is made of Ishiwata 025 ChroMo, and I LOVE IT! I've had the bike overhauled twice since I had it. It's still going strong, and it'll be in my stable until I die.

[@jthepickle7]

"Frame weights, in a vacuum, is insignificant." Agreed. My 1983 Serotta is beautiful, stiff, dependable and, again, beautiful. Does it compare with 'modern' bikes? - Hell YES!

[@Mottleydude1]

I used to know a couple of torch burners who worked at the Celina, Ohio Huffy plant who worked with Ben Serrota back in that time when Huffy was building bikes for the Le Vie Claire team. Ben was hired to be the project manager and most of those bikes were made in his shop. The Huffy guys from Celina went there short term to help train Ben’s torch men and to help them complete the order on time.

[@scottbalsai]

Cool. Yes, all I have are old or "vintage" steel bikes. We have two 1987 bright yellow Schwinn touring Paramounts (another for my wife) from the Waterford, Wisconsin factory that are both three by 7's (one is converted from a 3x6). Both are made from Columbus tubing. We think those were the last of the Paramount touring frames ever made before the Paramount factory started focusing on racing frames only. I have a 1983 Mondia 2x6 with Reynolds 531 tubing. By far my prettiest frame. I have a Bianchi Osprey 3x7 steel bike for fishing and gravel. I have a Schwinn Paramount Series 50 Mt Bike from 1994 with Prestige tubing. And lastly, I have a Team Marin from 2000 made of Columbus Zona tubing. (My wife also has a 1970's-'80's red Celo Europa 2x6 of Columbus tubing.) The bikes I ride regularly all have fork tube extensions (or Zoom stems on the older bikes with quill type headsets) with 4 inch riser bars to raise up the handle bars for my arthritic neck. All of these bikes are mounted with Mt. bike break levers and shifters as well because being up so high puts my hand farther away from the old down tube shifters. So having them on the handle bars is safer and more efficient. Go vintage steel.---!

[@daniel9453]

I remember when I was living in SF I had this sexy full carbon pinarello road bike and my buddy pulled up on his new steel road bike that was sized waay larger than mine. I lifted his bike to my dismay it was severely lighter than my bike. I learned a real lesson that day.

[@alfonsoalmendariz3325]

Great video. My son rides a 1985 Murray that I upcycled years ago. It's a department store bike and hi tensile steel, but it still rides great 36 years later. The only work that I've done to it is swapped out the steel rims for aluminum rims. When the rear derailleur failed, I had Ray's Cycle in Vacaville install a new one for $45 parts and labor.

[@jpl-yl8fi]

About 6 years ago, I had a Pinarello Amatore pista in blue and it was one of the best steel frames I've ridden since!

[@ladamyre1]

I agree 100%. Of course it was an easy sell, my pride and joy is a 1979 Schwinn Le Tour. I'm 6' 5" tall so it's about as small as I can get away with: 27" wheels. But I get it about "Blue" wanting, needing, begging me to ride her; and she always pleases. She weighs in at 34 lbs, but I lost that extra 14 lbs off my waist riding her so... BTW I'm 62 years old and feel as strong as I did when I was 40. Bicyclers live to be 100. Keep going Zach: "Never give up! Never surrender!"

[@jamesowen418]

I like to live unreasonably dangerously every time I ride the old Spinergy wheels, or my old Giant Composite bike from the '90's.

[@jcarlson2727]

cadex?

[@jamesowen418]

@@jcarlson2727 well... CFR, so yeah same thing.

[@TL243]

Earth metal bikes are awesome! Steel has gotten me across country three times and ridden thousand more hours fixed and geared!!! Go Zach. Dig the Taiwan vibe bra.

[@BartAnderson_writer]

Ridden steel for the last 60 years so I'm used to it and like it. One doubt I have about the video is the assertion that carbon frames won't last. Word from experts seems to be that recent carbon frames will last indefinitely unless they receive a heavy blow.

[@lovenottheworld5723]

I've had two plastic bikes. One in the early nineties when nobody else had one. I got over it. Only steel from now on.

[@Masiman01]

Amen!! great vid . very well articulated. Love the San Rensho, Beautiful Bike!!

[@rjhayward1]

I have a 2004 De Rosa Neo Primato, Campy Chrous CT and I love it.

[@jr7077]

Bravo. I just bought a Pashley-Morgan 110, Reynolds 725. Utterly wonderful steel bike.

[@hyperfox805]

Not me bro! Steel is what I ride. I can strip it, paint it and restyle it. And its gonna last forever so long as it doesn't rust out.

[@keycapslapper7080]

The whole rust thing is so overblown imo. Just remember to grease your seatpost and don't leave your rag in there

[@singlespeedchronicles7640]

Yup, I've already lost 1 high quality steel frame (Lemond Poprad) to rust.... Too many rides in the rain???

[@johndef5075]

I rustproofed inside mine and keep it in a dry basement. The rust it had when I bought it hasn't gotten Any worse in 20 years.

[@rollinrat4850]

After ever heavy rain ride, pull out your seatpost and turn the bike over. Leave it like that a few hours. Use lots of grease in the seat tube head tube and bottom bracket shell. You gotta take care of your shit!! Use frame saver in your frame to protect tubing. Don't pressure wash your bike!! DONT store your bike outside!!!!! My 'rain' bike is a cheap steel Raliegh Thats 43 years old! Fenders help immensely to keep yourself drier and save the frame from constant spray, road salt etc.

[@hankarnold9355]

If you live very near to salt water, rust can destroy steel very quickly. I have had direct experiences with that. Cure for that is aluminium.

[@josephakendrick529]

An interesting and nuanced discussion of steel. Good work. Thin-walled steel, in particular, in standard gauge is very lively. I have a brand new build, back from the frame maker only 6 weeks, which climbs like the stuff of dreams.

[@AndrewLohmannKent]

I have a wonderful old steel bike, what I mean is that it flies when you touch the peddles. People say of high tensile steel bikes is that the bike feels "alive", this is very true. It was made in early 1946 so the Reynolds 531 steel was a new aircraft steel that was reserved for the war until then. What makes it so efficient is the long wheelbase so that the bike seems to fly over the bumps in the road (still break spokes of cause and most of the front spokes have been replaced). The transmission is very efficient Sturmey-Archer 4 speed thin oil lubricated which makes the bikes transmission much lighter than most bikes and the same as a super bike. The tires are high pressure 1 1/4" (32mm) wide this also makes a difference. These Raleigh bikes were sold to last 100 years with an indefinite guarantee on defective parts. The gears change as easily as a switch none of the hassle of a derailleur gear and were available in close medium or wide spacing at the time. My hub is the wide spacing but the sport cyclist Reg Harris used a Medium spacing hub on this bike. Every time I have got on the bike over the past 50 years since dad gave me his bike there has been a lovely wow this bike just wants to go feeling about it. The bike is a Lenton sports.

[@truthseeker8483]

A nice bike, I remember 3 speed Sturmey Archer hubs working quite well and much better than the equivalent Shimano 3 speed hubs

[@AndrewLohmannKent]

@@truthseeker8483 Modern bikes are generally lubricated with grease so they don't roll so easily at speed. British bikes made 3 speed hubs usually are a bit more notchy still easy though there is an internal alignment issue I understand. My four speed changes as Sturmey-Archer describes you keep peddling or applying slight pressure in a forward direction and the gear changes in a moment. With the most reliable type the three speed you usually need to move the peddle backwards as you change gear. The oldest 1902 ones don't slip if the cable is not correctly adjusted, I understand. They are heaver than 1Kg of hubs like my more modern 1950 hub. blog.andrew-lohmann.me.uk/2018/10/lenton-sports-bicycle.html

[@joestar6194]

MAN! GREAT AND PRACTICAL ADVICE!👍

[@rollinrat4850]

I wrench in a shop. Ive messed around with bikes and the bike community for 50 years. Consider this: In that 50 years I've encountered maybe a dozen steel frames that were damaged beyond repair, mostly because they just weren't worth the cost to repair. I wrenched in high end shop for 5 years. In that time Ive seen literally dozens of carbon frames relegated to the dumpster.

[@shwndh]

RollinRat Yep. Dozens of cyclists, hooked on the feel of carbon, back in the market for a new bike.

[@hellosunshine1090]

Nice real world informed take. Then I guess the next thing to ponder is how long until major bike brands offer Steel bikes (again) ? I say 'major' because the average consumer is fortunate to have an LBS near them.

[@rollinrat4850]

Mother Goose Lots of the big companies still make steel bikes, but mostly lower end or touring bikes. I'm just skeptical of large companies... too much bottom line, corporate greed from my point of view. I was a mechanical inspector once upon a time. I'm also a machinist and perfectionist of sorts. I see the larger bike industry's issues every day in the shop and we carry a couple of the better brands. There are quite a few good alternatives from smaller companies such as Soma, Surly etc. Surly In particular are sold in lots of shops. Some of these you can affordably custom spec your entire bike, especially if you can do your own assembly.

[@hellosunshine1090]

@@rollinrat4850 Cool yeah I'm aware of Surly good suggestion. Sad to say all our road bikes are Aluminum or Carbon. I had a steel Benotto that was too large for me (poor bike fit @ sale time) so I gave it to my tall friend as he can ride it proper ! I was only saying major companies as once they move that direction the whole industry can shift. We bike nerds can do something forever as a 'sub-culture' but it is always cool to see things spread "further up & further in'" to borrow a CS Lewis line. Ride safe my friend - David in Texas

[@rollinrat4850]

Mother Goose The Somas are really nice too. Very well made. The welds are surprisingly nice! That's what I would buy on a tight budget. You can find their frames on great deals quite often. My friend just got a 'Smoothy' road frame for about $250. It's got Tange Prestige tubing and fits pretty big tires for a roadie. That's the 1st thing I always look at. Big volume tires make rough roads and even a little dirt quite tolerable.

[@littlebittathisnthatfirear8048]

Brother.... Im not subbed to a single cycling related channel at all.... But you won my soul over when you told the world not to be fat while stressing the weight of their bikes.... A true hero.

[@scottward4316]

Very enjoyable. Wife of 31 years bought me a Centurion 12 speed in like 1993. I love it. Only ride occasionally, but have taken great care of it. Royal blue, with white handle wraps.

[@saltydog888]

You are an expert on bikes and a really good talker/explainer. Good stuff👍👍👍🏼👍🏿

[@wordsmithgmxch]

Thanks, Zaxh. THAT cleared the air a bit! And, gotta say, the Reynolds Bob Jackson in my cellar is looking better all the time! Only, here in Switzerland, things can get -- news flash!! -- kiinda HILLY, and the Jackson is a 2x5, end of story. I could hack that 40 years ago, but today, I ride a much less attractive, still-ancient, Al 3x8. But when I was in (flat, flat, flat) Hamburg a couple of months ago, I couldn't stop drooling at all the real deal, ancient steel on the street. Oh, the thinness! Oh, the lightness (though maybe only perceived)! And those thin, elegantly curved fork blades! In the aircraft industry, there's this term: ramp speed. That's when a plane looks like it's doing 350 knots just sitting out on the tarmac. Old bikes had it: RAMP SPEED!!!

[@wasupwitdat1mofiki94]

I agree with practically everything you said. I once was a weight weenie and all it got me was parts that would break a lot and end up having to replace more often. My last bike purchase was the most expensive at more than $8000 and because of that expense I wanted a bike that was going to last so I chose Titanium. I now have a beautiful 19 Lbs. bike that rides like a dream and as long as it doesn't get stolen will last the rest of my riding days.

[@jonhaslam3699]

Had a Chris King “Cielo” for 6 years now. Absolutely stunning. Fantastic ride, fairly light 16.5lbs and a man with a welding torch can repair it if the need ever arises. I had 2 Trek Madones crack on me and I’m very careful with my rides and riding. Would wholeheartedly recommend.

[@thomaswalz3515]

I concur. I'm a former staff member of Bicycling Magazine, and Bicycle Guide Magazine, 1982/86. I rode the best of the best from that era, from Japan, Italy, France, England, and quite a few handmade in. USA. Each country has its strength and weaknesses. The most amazing bike of all was a Pinarello, the same model that Alexi Grewall used to win the '84 Olympic road race... it had that perfect springiness... you could never ride that bike fast enough... it pushed you to ride faster... I wanted one, but could never afford it. I saw your 3Rensho... Yoshi Kono is a great builder. I have a bike made by him that was a prototype for Specialized, when they were thinking of adding bicycles to their accessories product line. Of all my bikes, I've the most miles on this one. Specialized had the magazine road test it, I rode it, was smitten, and also surprised that they would sell it to me, with front and rear racks and panniers... I still ride it, a lot.... no index shifters either.... like playing a fretless sting instrument. My other favorite bike is a Bruce Gordon... like the Pinarello, it just jumps... I've a custom Fat Chance from '85, one of the few that were made back then. It is a very light bike, made with a Tange tube set... Thanks for this video...

[@rollinrat4850]

Thomas Walz Very nice!! It sounds like we're from about the same era! I believe custom built wheels (my little business) and custom frames are about the best long term values in the bike biz! Bruce Gordon was a fantastic builder. I think he's retired now. My builder, Paul Sadoff at Rock Lobster worked with him over the years. I used to own a Ron Cooper, a Hetchins and a Raliegh Professional among many others. My riding buddy had a beautiful Eisentraut back in the day. All wonderful bikes for different reasons. Now I'm mostly into offroading and underbiking! Roads are best used to get to the dirt! These days, (when I can afford them) I'll buy as much local made frames and other stuff from people I personally know. The handshake is important to me and also being able to oversee the process. Ive been starting to build my own frames and forks with another friend and its a ton of work and a real learning experience. You cant learn without failure!! Ride on! And ride too much!

[@DigitalProclaimer]

1. I buy what I can afford 2. I ride what I enjoy 3. I don’t care about what other riders think Frame material is at the very bottom of my list.

[@trajtemberg]

👏👏👏👏

[@ninjatunes]

preach! your bike your ride.

[@tomatostakefabrik9429]

Exactly

[@kevinmarron5231]

However, steel is the most ecologically, conducive, or responsible! Unless of course, you choose bamboo! Keep up the good work, peace, and God bless! 👍✌🙏😇

[@tommyj7766]

Very well said, I just ordered my first single speed bike all for the price of £223 🙂 i await its arrival 😁

[@michaelchin3550]

Wonderful breakdown on the case for steel bikes. Thanks! I own a Colnago Masterlight Wordperfect from 1990. Love it and ride it constantly. Like you, the elegant craftsmanship of my steel ride makes me want to throw my leg over the bike and ride. I even have my bike next to my bed. LOL.

[@watsonroadster3707]

Still riding my Benotto 850 I bought in the summer of 1987...Columbus high tensile Zeta tubes...Still rides great!!!

[@freedomwon2004]

Thanks for the video Zach. All of my favorite bikes have steel frames.

[@casgian3272]

Bring back more 'fixie points'!! I understand you feel bad being negative, but I don't think you should, especially because viewers have to volunteer their builds knowing they'll be poked fun at. I know those videos in particular allowed me to explore the culture of fixed gear riding and to get an idea of best practices for fixed riding and components, but in a lighthearted and funny way.

[@marty9464]

I've ridden steel, titanium, carbon and aluminum bikes over the years and each has it's own pro's and cons. That said, I strongly believe that titanium is the ultimate frame material if it's well constructed. They're fairly light, relatively indestructible, don't rust and can be a stiff and smooth as anything ever produced. That said, my carbon Trek is the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden (important at age 60), and I had a road bike years ago made from Tange Prestige tubing that just squirted with each pedal stroke.... probably the most fun bike to pedal. Aluminum seems to be a neutral material that isn't nearly as strong as steel or titanium, but works well off the shelf but won't last forever. To menthe ultimate commuter would be an old titanium frame, with a cheap paint job (to hide the fact that it's titanium, and solid wheel set that's not too flashy..... Just my experience over the past 40 years !!!

[@obliviondio]

Wabi doesn't use titanium therefore it won't get mentioned.

[@robertdewar1752]

I have no real experience with Ti frames. I did buy one, but never got round to building it. I have read that they tend to break easy, usually cracking or welds giving up?

[@pastagreyhound]

I own 22 bikes. Everything from basic chromo, to Reynolds 853, carbon, aluminum and of course--titanium. My personal preference is titanium, then steel (any type, really), carbon and lastly, aluminum. I built a 1x9 urban explorer up from a 1990 GT Xizang, which is a 26" MTB frame. I'm a big dude--6'4", 250 and can average 15mph on it all day. It's light, quick and comfortable. Two of my road bikes are titanium, a 1996 GT Edge, and the 2013 reissue heritage edition. Both are crazy comfortable. The carbon GTR is unforgiving and harsh. Of course, much of it has to do with tire size and pressure, saddle and rider weight.

[@carstenkumaripaakjr8149]

I have an alu fixed gear conversion I build up for the purpose of being a winter commuter, but steel definitely has my heart! I'm currently building a fixed gear (full makeover from a raw cromolly frame) to be my summer bike- may the summer be long and great!

[@spondoolie6450]

Been riding a (dented) aluminum 21 speed road bike with carbon forks. Decided to buy a used single speed steel bike with horn handlebars as a second bike. I have been hooked on modding out and riding the steel bike and haven't ridden the road bike since, lol. BTW both bikes feel about the same weight in current setup.

[@TL243]

Hard to find now Adams but 853 was my ride of choice. The tensile flex really made the bike very efficient for my weight and power range. Took the bumps well and loved the overinflated 28 tires.

[@rollinrat4850]

853 frames are really nice!! Im going to build a frame out of an 853 downtube and chainstays and the rest from Japanese Kaisei ultralight tubing. Its going to be a dirt randonneuring frame for really long rides.

[@charlesmansplaining]

After owning bikes made from all these materials over the last 35 years my last bike purchase was my Titanium road bike I've been riding for the last 2 years. I too have moved away from carbon all together because it doesn't last and is a bad value, and is actually scary when you know how easy it fails. I love the ride of my Ti bike and the beauty speaks for itself when I catch people eyeballing it or their comments wanting to know more about it.

[@johnmcclain3887]

I like steel frames, got an old tange 1, because I'm old, and hope to get older, and steel frames last. This frame seems to be early 80's, hand built, and the 10 by 2 700 by 32 weighs in at about the same as yours. It's a 22 inch, would rather a 23, but it's the nicest bike I've ever owned, and cost less than four hundred to build. It's mixed "Campi equipment" very lively, responsive, feels like it wants to roll. I've ridden aluminum several times, and test rode a carbon, and both felt sluggish to my taste. Thanks for some very interesting conversation, it's good to see young people like yourself enjoying the same old things we did, fifty years ago. You grow attached to your personal bike, you know all it's quirks. You've got some beautiful bikes you show, thanks again.

[@jezztech]

totally agree with everything you say ! Still riding my 33 year old BH Campagnolo,Columbus Aelle tubing, & My 30 Y O, Puch (Bianchi ) Mistral ,Columbus SLX tubing, had them both from new and its just great fun keeping these Old timers on the road in near perfect condition. Vintage Campagnolo parts can always be rebuilt one more time, not to mention simplex retro levers and non index shifting , bravo !

[@rollinrat4850]

jezztech Nice! Old bikes rock!

[@meadows408]

Good discussion, I've never owned a carbon bike but maybe someday. I had never heard of planing before but what you described is true for me, I have 10 bikes, 6 steel, 4 aluminum and I have experienced planing on all of them. Some days it just seems like I could ride forever when that exact gear/cadence combination is found, its hard not to accelerate and just keep going. Thanks.

[@elbowroom3663]

Been up in the air about purchasing new bike. Still riding old Cannnondale from the 80s. Shifts on frame. Believe you have convinced me to go steel.

[@earlybird3]

Gunnar Roadie, just absolute pleasure to ride. Fast, great handling, solid as a BMW seven series riding downhil @ 50 mph. Everything about this hand crafted steel bike inspires confidence and joy when riding.

[@CycoPatPonfe]

I have a 1981 Daccordi and 1984 (95% Italian) Benotto my rims are Araya! Other than that I Love my classics! Just want to share that! Ride your bike!

[@MikeHunt-gy4pt]

thanks Zach finally made me make up my mind and buy a steel frame affinity lo pro. gonna put my sugino 75 cranks on it and get some h plus son rims laced to philwood hubs. cant wait to own this dream build :)

[@aygwm]

When I rode my steel Stinner for the first time, I knew I wouldn’t ever want to ride a carbon bike again. It felt so ALIVE.

[@ramonsanabria1472]

That was really good , makes a hell of alot of sense ! 😀

[@jensroeckendorf382]

Hello, now I am building my new old vintage racing bycicle with columbus steel. It is a cinelli bike. I ordered the around 40 years old bike frame from Italy. It makes fun to build and to ride. My usual bike for every day is a modern steel bike with a rohloff gearset. It makes fun to build and to ride. Thank you for this video!!

[@homeelectricco]

Love my 1973 Gitane (steel) … still looks almost new

[@mattkrueger1983]

I have a 71 TdF which I bought new 4/1/71 ( I have the receipt) . It has more miles on it than I care to count. It has been upgraded over the years and it rides like a dream. Old french steel , can't beat it.

[@ibiskreg]

I have 15 bikes, most with carbon fiber or titanium frames. However, my go-to bike for longer rides and for rides when I just want to enjoy myself is a steel Pegoretti Duende.

[@haroldrull4943]

Got a vintage 1973 Colnago Super, Columbus SL tubing. Weighs 20.2 lbs complete with pedals,pouch and H2O cage. Like the ride of it since it was upgraded to Dura Ace 7400 STI, TOL components. Solid on the road….❤❤❤

[@GreenAlien2023]

Just got my first steel road bike. Have barely ridden it yet and I already love it

[@davidbraxton1725]

I have a Dave Scott centurion restored. I ride 7 to 10 miles daily. Good topic, great perspectives. Thank you

[@essentiallocalleads5392]

Best road bike ever owned is a De Rosa Replica 1957 with lugged "Speciale" Columbus tubing.....have done 203 miles w/ 13000+ ft of elev gain in one day. Sweet bike!

[@allnoyz7895]

Very good. Thanks. This is one of the most intelligent bicycle vids around.

[@sunbeamlands7]

Two Waterford made Gunnars and an Indy Fab Crown Jewel demonstrate my love for steel. Owned everything as I have been cycling since the early 80's (jerseys were wool and the soles of my shoes were wood; 6 speed was new-ish). Steel has a feel that I guess I love and am used to. Carbon looked sexy, but it never felt lively in the same way. Personal preference of course as all materials have pros and cons. The emphasis on weight and "the latest technology" keeps the bike companies in business; the average rider will never benefit from the incremental improvements in weight, etc. Most folks in the US barely ride their bikes. Those that do ride are usually doing casual group rides for coffee or beer. Amateur racers represent the smallest segment of bike owners, but we all believe we should ride bikes built for that very narrow discipline. I can tell you my Indy Fab is the absolute best road bicycle I have ever ridden. It's special. My Gunnars are used for gravel and more relaxed, possibly loaded road riding; they have the same liveliness and comfort but less "racy" in the geometry. I suspect I will own these three for the rest of my life! Oh, and they're all beautiful and made in the US!

[@trajanoskimagare]

Zach you have the best reviews about fixies and single speed bikes. 👌

[@tonystoops7802]

Got a Schwinn supersport from 1984, all steel, still good 😃

[@nz6065]

Excellent Zach ! Back in the day ( mid 90s ) when I was racing as a Cat 3 road , I came into a little money so thought to buy a new race bike ! Went to the local race bike shop and test rode 3 different bikes 1 ) Carbon fiber 2 ) Titanium and 3 ) a Pinarello with Columbus SLX or Pinarello Dedaccai steel tubing . The Steel Pinarello blew the others away in handling, road feel , sprint responsiveness and COMFORT !

[@brodieben1]

Stll riding my Raleigh Grand Sports from 73.That brooks saddle still looks good.However,the rear quick release broke on me just b4 christmas. I got a used GT VIRAGE for 10 bucks about a month ago and,im gonna get it ready to go and,save the raleigh for my ride like the wind days. By the way,the virage is 7005 heat treated aluminum😕Now you have me worried! But i have taken it apart and,have it about 75% done.Didnt see any worrying issues though.Just have to get the rear wheel replaced.Good video👍

[@rollinrat4850]

brodieben1 I use my mom's old '77 Raliegh Sprite as my rain bike. It now has old Campy Record wheels and is set up fixed. It still uses the old steel cottered bird head cranks and the bottom bracket still runs smooth. Old bikes rock!

[@DrGIzmoBRad]

Thank you for your excellent commentary on the advantages of using a steel bike frame. You pretty much covered everything on the subject. The only thing I'd add is that steel seems to have optimum stiffness, damps transient vibration while being economically affordable. Currently riding a 25+ year old custom 58cm track bike w/ Reynolds 'Competition 531' steel tubing, full Campy drive train, hubs & rims, 3TTT drop bar & stem, and a Brooks Pro leather saddle. Also running a Suntour Superbe Pro front brake with a bar end shifter w/o its' ratchet as the brake lever. To answer your request on what types of steel ... I'm familiar with Ishiwata 022, Columbus SL, & Reynolds 501 / 531. All are quite good, but the 531 feels the best to me. Where can I send you photos of my ride?

[@johnwelch557]

I ridden since 1956. Owned all types of bikes. My favorite is an '87 Centurion Dave Scott model. Smooth and fast with NO concern for road ripples, washboard, etc. My CF bikes just hang around waiting.... Thx!

[@DrPilly]

Love how you break it down!

[@oldtrikerider]

I've got 11 bikes all of which have steel frames. Their year of manufature goes from 1947 to 2009. The best riding bike of the collection is a 1950 Bates BAR. Two of the bikes have been in wrecks and needed repairs; no problem. Mark Nobilette repaired them and they are as good as new.

[@ichbrauchmehrkaffee5785]

mate, those brake-levers are just absolutely gorgeous

[@Robert-zn9ub]

I have a 1991 Schwinn Crosscut. It’s all steel lugged frame is exceptional quality and a blast to ride!

[@philippeetienne166]

Very good Video Sir. I am over the discussions with some of my riding buddies about whether to remove the second water bottle or not or removing the saddle bag carrier etc....because of the extra ounces that they weigh|||IAs you stated, if you are so serious about optimum speed with micro minimal weight.....loose some body weight. I own a few bikes that I really enjoy riding. The newest a Composite Carbonfibre Giant TCR Ultegra Groupset...., Two Europa Cycles (made in Australia Reynolds 531 Chromoly Steel running Shimano 600 Tri Color Groupset (made1994) and a Repco Superlight (70's)Columbus steel with Shimano 600 Groupset. With the Covid 19 Lockdown in place I have taken to bringing all the steel bikes out and given them a full maintenance that they deserve. I am continuously amazed as to how beautiful and Sexy the Steel bikes look. The Giant is a beautiful bike no question......but the steel bikes just have this unique appeal that seem command your attention. In so far as the riding goes, I use the steel bike for commuting (a 70Kms round trip). So smooth....fantastic absorption and great comfort. I would never swap them. Really debating upgrading from the downtube Indexed Shifters to a 10 speed Brifter......but totally undecided as to whether to keep the bike fully authentic or not!!!!

[@genegroover3721]

Just excellent! Well done. Nothing left to say.

[@scootergeorge9576]

Back in the early seventies I owned an "International" bicycle with Reynolds 531 chrome moly steel frame with brazed lugs. Campy accessories. a great value back then at about $125 on sale in a shop in thousand Oaks, CA.

[@truthseeker8483]

Universal were a good quality brand, I miss the one I had many years ago

[@scootergeorge9576]

@@truthseeker8483 - International, like the trucks.

[@truthseeker8483]

@@scootergeorge9576 Oops haha :-D

[@fcallophoto]

Well, I'm more worried about my components rather than my frame. I ride a CrMo frame, it's lightweight and resistant but I'm always worried about my hubs and fork, especially now that I have tannus tires and parts of the road here in my country are a nightmare. I used to ride steel and now that I've tried it again, it feels so stiff and resistant but great.

[@miked51]

I grew up on steel and it still holds a place in my heart. Through my cycling career I have ridden everything. Usually as it was just coming out. Aluminum for BMX in the early 80's. Carbon Trek machines of the early 90's. But, I stayed with steel as a mountain biker and roadie for a long time because of the feel. I still own a Jamis Dragon anniversary.

[@bryeteubermenshe5558]

Hi, do you know the Trek 7900 Multi-track? The 7900 is the bike I ride, and I love it. I've been riding it for about three years now. It was a huge upgrade from bikes I grew up riding and I'm always interested in learning more about it. (my 7900 is from 1996, I think)

[@terrancefields4414]

Great article! I am riding agin after many years and I like 10 speed Columbus and 531 bikes. That tells you how old I am. I am enjoying my Centurion 12 speed Ironman. Great riding bike. I couldn't stand the thought of buying an exercise spinning wheel for therapy. It feels great to ride a bike again after thirty years.

[@brianchisnell1548]

My bike boom bikes are Schwinn Super Sport and Sports Tourer. Both '71s and both Sierra Brown. Full of bling. They get a lot of attention!! So comfy to ride! Hand brazed chrom-mo frames.

[@Ziess1]

Stiffness isn't always the best thing. It hurts your knees on long rides because the applied force is high over a short arc length compared to a flexible frame. People make the mistake of confusing flexibility for hysteresis. A good example of the difference is a strip of latex rubber compared to vulcanized tire rubber. The latex is less stiff than a tire, but it releases its energy more efficiently after being stretched than the stiff tire rubber (Latex whips back to its original shape fast = Low Hysteresis; Tire Rubber doesn't return to the original shape as fast = High(er) Hysteresis)

[@milindnnn]

excellent comment and observation

[@themagus517]

Don't forget that when steel fails you can repair it. I've got a 96 Kona Cinder Cone that snapped near one of the rear dropouts. Took it to my local frame builder who put a new one in. That frame builder was Witcomb Cycles - before they closed.

[@mrski4945]

Great, GREAT! Video. I love steel. You hit all the points on steel 100%. Most people that criticize steel frames do so because of lack of knowledge. Out of Carbon, Aluminum, and Steel, I love steel the most. Never had a Titanium bike, but with so many beautiful Steel frames out there, I'm not missing anything. Thanks for this video, really enjoyed it!

[@kurtbargar1618]

Two things I would like to add. I ride a 1973 Holdsworth, Reynolds 531. The rake on the fork is very forgiving. And there have been spots without paint for 30 or more years and just light oxidation, it cleans up nicely.cheers.

[@knellotron]

Disagree on the looks. Aluminum can be hydroformed, and carbon can be shaped to anything, so frame detailing and styling can get pretty wild. Steel bike designs are always a combination of tubes, which is more limited.

[@jeppep95]

I like the vintahe estetic of steel frames but this is a pretty good point

[@thomasmuller986]

steelframes = Helvetica / carbonframes = comic sans

[@johndef5075]

You're right but vintage bikes still look better to me. Some of the carbon bikes are hideous. Just my opinion. But Im all for anybody riding whatever. Its a great way to get around and stay in shape.

[@rollinrat4850]

Beauty IS in the eye of the beholder. Isn't it? I care most about function, quality and longevity. I care little about what the bike looks like. I don't look at them while I ride. I could care even less about what anyone else thinks they look like. Vanity for solely vanities' sake is foolish.

[@bradcomis1066]

The trouble is that with a world of possibilities there is a world of problems. It is hard to mess up a frame built with all round tubes- everything inherently matches. Carbon and aluminum bikes can look amazing when designed well, but there aren't a ton of great looking carbon bikes out there (they sure as hell do exist though).

[@ashrafishak]

I enherited my late dad's steel Raleigh road bike frame and matched it with a 3 by 9 mountain bike gears. Its such a fun bike to ride; for excercise or just to commute from one place to another. I call him Wheely McSteely 😄.

[@bradfordeaton6558]

I love steel bikes, I have 6 of them from a 1951 Lincoln 2speed kick back to a mid 80's Trek 330 that Ive redone several and to my '98 Trek 520 touring bike that I've also rebuilt several times. I also have a 1972 Raliegh "Sprint 27" 3 speed, which rides well but the quality control at that time was poor, at least on the cheaper bikes and I have a mid 70's Browning that I'm restoring. I've ridden on other stuff but I prefer steel, I trust it. It's nice to hear someone speak it's praises...thank you.

[@josboersema1352]

After watching your video I realize my mistake. I had put my steel race bike in a spare bedroom. I have now placed it in the the living room, where it belongs.

[@mikemaxwell2591]

You are absolutely correct and good to hear. The feel of steel is amazing.

[@simondr70]

What a homage , awesome Zach .

[@JFinlay007]

I am a little nostalgic. As I only cycle vintage Raleigh road bikes. I have a 1982 Raleigh T.I. Raleigh Team (Reynolds 531 frame-set); Bought for £40, spent around £140 restoring. And a 1985 Raleigh Record Sprint (Reynolds 501 CrMo frame-set); Bought for £110, spent £200 restoring. The only down fall is the brake performance. They look great and are easy to re-build & maintenance. I'm nearly the same age as both of my bikes. If money was not an option!; an Italian Colnago Vintage late 70's or early 80's steel road bike would be fantastic. Any model!, they cost thousands of £££, a Colnago Master, Colnago Mexico, Colnago Super. They are the Ferrari of the bicycle world! Gorgeous looking bikes.

[@Virtual_Plaza]

Hello from Russia, i'm agreed with you, recently purchased a frame made out of reynolds tube steel, but right now found an interesting content. Thanks for your understandable accent.

[@ranman1959]

I love the ride of my steel bikes. I've got a couple of vintage Schwinns and a more modern Raleigh Tamland 1. The other bikes I have are aluminum and there is no comparison. I give up the weight for comfort.

[@alanhaddy7499]

Excellently done

[@thomasjefferson182]

I was in freakish good shape about two years ago. It was fun whipping past electric bikes and carbon/aluminum bikes in my 1986 chromoly Schwinn Prelude 😎

[@lennymclean.]

Great advice there Zach, instantly like you for that, pal.

[@billmyers991]

I was privelaged to race a Ritchie P-21 in the early 90's and it's still the best hardtail I've ever ridden