| Several companies make frame materials of various grades. Sticking
with steel alloy tubing, we have the big three (Columbus, Tange,
and Reynolds) and a number of producers who make their own (Miyata,
3Rensho, Fuji). Different tubes are best for different applications,
so there's always a range. Here are some examples:
Columbus Tange Reynolds
"Sport" Matrix Tange CRMO CRMO
"Racing" SL 1,2 531
"Luxury" SLX Prestige 753
"Heavy-Duty" SP
The categories on the right are purposely vague. The luxury category,
in particular, contains three completely different tube types.
SLX tubing is rifled on the inside with extra supporting material,
making it stiffer and stronger with little increase in weight.
753 is the lightest steel alloy tube made. Prestige is really strong,
easier to braze, and well finished.
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| Columbus SL,SP,SLX,SPX,KL, Blah, blah... Same alloy, different
guages - with and without rifling.
Reynolds 2 alloys, lots of guages and bends with 531, at least.
Tange - Still another manufacturer with probably more alloys than
the other two.
Which is best? It depends. It ALWAYS depends. People can and
do argue for hours and pages. You can get great bikes made with
any of the above.
One of my bikes is an SL/SP mix, the other is SLX. I like the SLX
bike better, but I don't think that the tubing has much to do with
the difference. There are better things to worry about when you
go down to the High Wheeler this weekend. If I got a great deal
on a 3Rensho, I might learn to love Tange.
Go down to CXO1 and find Steve Mandraccia, Stan Manzanares, Roger
Caldwell, or "the Grizz." They'll be glad to BS with you about
bikes and tubes and such.
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At the cheap and heavy end add Columbus Tenax (no, its NOT a decsystem
10 operating system). Harsh riding but strong, great for those who
have any of the following problems:-
a) Chainstays "concertinna" when they sprint.
b) Chain derails from the front ring when they sprint or climb
steep hills.
c) Too cheap to buy a good frame.
d) Like a good deal on price, whether the product is right for
them or not.
e) Have Walter Mitty illusions about wanting to look like a track
rider on the road.
VERY likey that my next bike will be built out of this for reasons
c) through e) above; not because I play accordian with my legs.
Reg
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