Maybe somebody is building them but I have not seen one lately. Why is nobody building steel tri bikes? Seems like there might be at least a small market for the product.
Their is a small market, primarily with custom builders. Serotta, 7, etc.
Styrrell
Funny you should ask. When I first decided to get a new tri bike I contacted Ves and asked him to build me a lugged 853 in DE geometry. He replied saying that the lugs didn’t allow him that much “play” in the geometry, but that he could TIG weld me a nice steel tri bike very easily, for $x. He then went on to tell me about how he used to ride steel, but now rides only Scandium - listing all the advantages that Sc has over traditional steel. I trust his judgement, and ended up going for a Scandium bike (Ocotillo, w/ carbon stays).
I still plan on having him build me that lugged 853 frame though, one day.
Speaking with my retailer hat on, trying to sell a cro-moly tri bike in any appreciable numbers would be extremely difficult.
People tell us they want aero tubes. People tell us they want carbon. People vote with their dollars, we tabulate the votes.
The people have spoken.
I wouldn’t mind having one though.
Funny you mention this. I have a Waterford 650c tri frame that I dont use anymore. Great bike but doesnt fit me very well. I have tried to sell it on multiple forums with absolutely no interest. I ride a softride now, but may build it up again and try to get the fit closer. No one is interested in a great STEEL frameset these days. Too bad.
Rivendell? Didn’t you just get a Steve Rex?
hey dad…what size is that tri bike and what are you asking for it (either as a frame or as a whole).
because the market like Tom says is consumer driven. Whether it is right or not, bike manufactureres for the most part are building bike based on what consumers will buy. Whether or not it is correct or the best option is basically irrelivant. A steel frame in the right geometry with round tubes would more than likely be better than an off the shelf aero tubed frame in most cases. So many bike companies build more to what the consumer buys and not so much to what actually is faster. As long as the consumer thinks it is faster, they will build it that way.
I know this in not the classifieds however;
I have a 53c Serotta Tri-colorado that I am looking to move. 650c.
I will sell built up with Ultegra/Mavic Open Pro(Dura Ace Hubs) or as a frameset.
Kestrel fork.
Best Offer,
Thanks!
Corbinb
Why go steel when Ves can build you a scandium bike which rides just as nice, is more aero, and is a pound or two lighter?
Nothing wrong with steel but if you are dropping some big coin (which you would have to do to get a competitively light steel rig) you want to push the envelope and get something REALLY light and REALLY aero. At least that’s the way I think.
If so, I remember seeing it and I’ve often regretted not buying it. Nothing wrong with a steel rig; in fact, I think a lot of arguments can be made for owning one.
Happy new year,
Scott
Check Steelman in Redwood City, CA. They’re custom, but he knows tri. Tim Sheeper rides one, and so do several people on his team.
Re: Steve Rex
Perfection Cyclery in Walnut Creek works with Rex on custom bikes. One of my friends just bought a pair, one for him, one for his wife.
Good names in cycling get around.
Steelman is in Redwood City. Love his bikes… I have one of his road and mountain frames.
Jim
Because they are not sexy, high tech, and expensive enough, even though they may be superior in some ways. It’s the same reason triathletes spend over $1000 on a disc wheel when a homemade cover on a spoked wheel is cheaper and lighter.
Thanks jman. my bad. Some time back I was thinking about a new bike and Steelman was one of my coach’s suggestions (Tim Sheeper who swears by his Steelman and rides pretty damn fast). I thought he said I’d have to go to Walnut Creek for a fitting.
At my age, I get confused easily…
If somebody could produce a production steel frame with either 650 or 700 c wheels with good geometry that weighed less than 4 lbs and sold for less than 800 bucks, would you buy one?
I probably would.
Why go steel when Ves can build you a scandium bike which rides just as nice, is more aero, and is a pound or two lighter?
I did go Scandium. Or were you referring to my future plans to have him build me an 853 rig? If that’s the case, then while I agree that Sc would be lighter than lugged 853, and may possibly even have certain other advantageous properties over 853, you simply can’t deny the beauty of lugged steel, or the soul of a handcrafted, filet brazed, lugged steel ride.
The new Porsche 911 is far faster and handles way better than a 50’s vintage bathtub, but I’ll take the 356 any day.
"I’ll take the 356 any day. "
Damn right about that. I owned two of them in the early 80’s, a 60 coupe and a 61 Super 90 convertible. Still kick myself for ever selling them because there is no way I can afford one today. Real Porsches have air cooled rear engines. Anything else is a Porsche only in name IMO.
You’re right about lugged steel frames. When I retire from tri I’ll have that custom steel lugged beauty as the rest of my life bike.
True Temper S-3, fillet brazed (waaaaay better looking than the finest double-pass TIG weld), custom geo (duplicate your favorite tri brand), lighter than a lot of the aluminum offerings our there, far more durable, stiff, and best of all…the ride of steel.
I don’t have one, but he’s on my short list for my next tri bike (props to Ves as well, but I’m a steel guy). The price is a tad about your mark, but still not bad at all.