Author Topic: Another what steel/Ti bike thread...  (Read 5491 times)

Another what steel/Ti bike thread...
« on: 11 November, 2016, 08:16:40 pm »
So i'm in the market for a new bike - requirements are...

11sp Shimano 105 with Hydro disc brakes - steel frame - clearance for 32c tyres.... (Big fan of the 11sp 105 Hydro disc set up so would like this as a minimum).

I've spotted a couple of contenders (Spa Cycles Elan & Fairlight Faran) but was wondering what else is out there as its been a while since I was in the market and there's bound to be a few more i'm unaware of.

So what say you?

Re: Another what steel/Ti bike thread...
« Reply #1 on: 11 November, 2016, 09:09:01 pm »

Re: Another what steel/Ti bike thread...
« Reply #2 on: 11 November, 2016, 09:46:17 pm »
I think there are quite a lot now.

In Ti, the Spa Elan looks nice, though it would be nice to see the geometry. I saw one last week and observed on the arrival of the 44mm headtube whilst I was in the shop.

Colin531 says they have a couple of steel disc frames in development too.

Kinesis offer the ATR and the GF TI disc in Ti - both will accept 32s and the ATR more. Different geometry with the GF Ti being 'more sporty'

The Velo Orange Pass Hunter Disc (from Fresh Tripe or others) is a steel disc bike with good clearance (35s with guards or 38s without, but rides best on 32s)

Surly Straggler if you can get over the silly long top tube

I'm sure genesis have something in steel as well as the datum

I'd pop to Harrogate and ride the Spa, then try a Kinesis and make a choice.

Mike

Re: Another what steel/Ti bike thread...
« Reply #3 on: 12 November, 2016, 06:56:42 pm »
Thanks for the replies - some lovely bikes to think about! (That Velo Pass Hunter looks fantastic!)

I must say, i'm particularly excited about the Spa development of a steel disc bike - my Spa Audax is my current go-to so I do like the idea of another one from them.

I think you're right - a trip to Harrogate is in order soon!

velosam

  • '.....you used to be an apple on a stick.'
Re: Another what steel/Ti bike thread...
« Reply #4 on: 12 November, 2016, 07:59:56 pm »
Burls will do a custom ti with whatever clearance you would like.

Mason do the resolution but am not sure on tire sizes.

There is also Wold cycles by ex Genesis designer Dom, which have a couple which fit the criteria.

Personally I just like Spa bikes even though I have never ridden one!


Re: Another what steel/Ti bike thread...
« Reply #5 on: 12 November, 2016, 08:36:48 pm »
For me, thru axles are a must (partly because I have 142x12 rear hub, partly because I like the feel of thru axles). I have the remnants of a Domane sitting in my LBS. You might want to look at this list http://www.cyclingabout.com/complete-list-of-all-road-gravel-grinder-adventure-road-bikes/

Been gawping at...

http://www.reillycycleworks.com/collections/titanium-frames-bikes/products/gradient

I like the Reilly Gradient, but what happened with Omega puts me off.

The guys at Kinesis appear sound, and I guess they are big enough to stand by their frames, so the Tripster is my most likely choice, with Stooshie possible choice.

Re: Another what steel/Ti bike thread...
« Reply #6 on: 12 November, 2016, 09:26:11 pm »
For me, thru axles are a must (partly because I have 142x12 rear hub, partly because I like the feel of thru axles). I have the remnants of a Domane sitting in my LBS. You might want to look at this list http://www.cyclingabout.com/complete-list-of-all-road-gravel-grinder-adventure-road-bikes/

Been gawping at...

http://www.reillycycleworks.com/collections/titanium-frames-bikes/products/gradient

I like the Reilly Gradient, but what happened with Omega puts me off.

The guys at Kinesis appear sound, and I guess they are big enough to stand by their frames, so the Tripster is my most likely choice, with Stooshie possible choice.

Kinesis are big, or at least the parent is. The parent does the manufacture and has all the special superplastic forming kit etc. They may even smelt Aluminium.

Re: Another what steel/Ti bike thread...
« Reply #7 on: 12 November, 2016, 09:35:56 pm »
Thanks for the replies - some lovely bikes to think about! (That Velo Pass Hunter looks fantastic!)

I must say, i'm particularly excited about the Spa development of a steel disc bike - my Spa Audax is my current go-to so I do like the idea of another one from them.

I think you're right - a trip to Harrogate is in order soon!

If you visit Harrogate and want to look at a non-disc Pass Hunter then drop me a PM

Mike

Re: Another what steel/Ti bike thread...
« Reply #8 on: 17 November, 2016, 08:07:39 pm »
So I mailed Spa cycles with a question asking if they planned to make a steel version of the Elan with 11sp 105 and hydro disc brakes.

On Monday I got the reply saying they have 2 x prototypes in the shop - steel frames and fork ala the Elan - one a 50cm and one a 54cm (my size).  The 50 was built up with a 10sp 105 triple but the 54 with the 11sp 105 double with trp spyre brakes. (Not a deal breaker at all). I was told that if I was to pop down and try it then they could sell me that.

Well today I went there, and brought this beauty....



From the short test ride it fits the bill perfectly and was a great price to boot. Let's hope they go into production soon!

There was also the most amazing one off stainless steel Audax. It was built with Ultegra, H Plus Son wheels with Ultegra hubs, Schwalbe one tyres and was also a 54cm....





I can't wait to take then both for a spin!

Re: Another what steel/Ti bike thread...
« Reply #9 on: 17 November, 2016, 08:30:00 pm »
So I mailed Spa cycles with a question asking if they planned to make a steel version of the Elan with 11sp 105 and hydro disc brakes.

On Monday I got the reply saying they have 2 x prototypes in the shop - steel frames and fork ala the Elan - one a 50cm and one a 54cm (my size).  The 50 was built up with a 10sp 105 triple but the 54 with the 11sp 105 double with trp spyre brakes. (Not a deal breaker at all). I was told that if I was to pop down and try it then they could sell me that.

Well today I went there, and brought this beauty....



From the short test ride it fits the bill perfectly and was a great price to boot. Let's hope they go into production soon!

There was also the most amazing one off stainless steel Audax. It was built with Ultegra, H Plus Son wheels with Ultegra hubs, Schwalbe one tyres and was also a 54cm....





I can't wait to take then both for a spin!

You bought.two at.once. Chapeau!

The stainless Audax looks superb. Good choice.

Mike

ChillyPanda

Re: Another what steel/Ti bike thread...
« Reply #10 on: 17 November, 2016, 08:48:57 pm »
So I mailed Spa cycles with a question asking if they planned to make a steel version of the Elan with 11sp 105 and hydro disc brakes.

On Monday I got the reply saying they have 2 x prototypes in the shop - steel frames and fork ala the Elan - one a 50cm and one a 54cm (my size).  The 50 was built up with a 10sp 105 triple but the 54 with the 11sp 105 double with trp spyre brakes. (Not a deal breaker at all). I was told that if I was to pop down and try it then they could sell me that.

Well today I went there, and brought this beauty....



^^^ love the colour scheme. Did Spa give any indication of the price for the production bike ?

Re: Another what steel/Ti bike thread...
« Reply #11 on: 18 November, 2016, 10:58:47 am »
Yes i got them both at the same time, went there (with my wife no less who saw the prices....) with the intention of just the Steel Elan but when i saw the Stainless Audax and saw it was a one off (and in my size) i though it better to ask forgivness than permission.

Re: Another what steel/Ti bike thread...
« Reply #12 on: 18 November, 2016, 11:42:41 am »
Yes i got them both at the same time, went there (with my wife no less who saw the prices....) with the intention of just the Steel Elan but when i saw the Stainless Audax and saw it was a one off (and in my size) i though it better to ask forgivness than permission.
Now that's what I call 'retail therapy'  :thumbsup:

Re: Another what steel/Ti bike thread...
« Reply #13 on: 18 November, 2016, 02:53:19 pm »
Nicely done. Hope you have much fun on them.