Brave man! To buy a frame like you did, to go that deep into the weeds with the repair / restoration / remanufacture: wow: You have my respect. I'm happy it turned out so well for you!
I ride a Steel Colonago Masterlight Frame.52cm Mapei team colors of the mid 90's.......I have over 30,000++ miles on that bike .....Rides as good as day 1....... Steel is Real Baby You have a beautiful Bianchi... great build Thank You for sharing
Your breakdown of bicycle knowledge is very much appreciated. I live here in Miami as well. I absolutely love cycling but I'm a noob. One thing you've mentioned that was spot on is the weight difference as it regards to momentum. I'm 6'2" 185 I own a Cannondale R400 it has stock RSX components with Mavic Aksium Race wheels, with hutchingson gold tires. Now I've always wanted to ride a carbon bike with all the bells and whistles. One day a co-worker of mine brought his BMC teammachine to work. I was blown away with the weight difference between the two bikes. He laughed saying I need a lighter bike. So on lunch break I took his bike for a 3 mile ride. First thing I noticed is that it takes off like a bullet! Not gonna lie I was flying! But I did feel like to sustain the momentum I had to keep pedaling whereas with my cannondale it seemed to hold its momentum through my cadence. I didn't feel like I was wasting energy. I get up to speed and the bike stays there. Especially in a headwind. The carbon BMC required more effort to fight the drag of the headwind. Like throwing a paper plane in front of a fan. But my cannondale was actually fun in a headwind. I could go faster with less effort even on the hoods because the weight of the bike isn't slowed down by the opposing wind. It's simple science when you think about it. So I can understand 100% your rationale with steel frames. But that BMC is definitely fun to ride. That acceleration and top end speed is exhilarating! And I love the sound it makes.
YES YES YES I 100% agree with you on everything you said. I own 4 steel frame bikes and seriously have such a blast on them. Most of the time if not 99% of the time you can keep up with riders because fitness and aerodynamic position is most important. It's rare when I can't keep up but it's because they professionally race. I'm In Vegas with huge hills and I feel like the liveliness of steel bikes springs you to the next pedal stroke, and it seriously feels like that energy you put in gets returned when climbing. I'm definitely subbing to your channel too!
I call my late 80's DeRosa my "Caddy" - it's one of those early types of steel that just dance with you. It's not the best for climbing or sprinting as there's simply too much flex, but for pure enjoyment and comfort to relatively quick, you can't beat it.
I like steel frames over carbon because of the springiness especially for cyclocross and singletrack. I've club raced bikes back in the 80s and 90s and our team bikes were steel Scapins at the time beautiful riding bikes. Over the years I've road magnesium, titanium, aluminum and carbon but I always felt that quality steel tubing road the best.
I like riding metal. I started on steel, moved on to aluminium, and I still ride a Cannondale XS800 on the road and a bit of gravel. But I've never really trusted carbon to last.
Great video. When I started riding/racing bicycles steel was the only material for bike frames. I learned how to read the road through double butted, lugged frames. The feel (language) of a steel frame is still in my head and I have better control of my steel frames than aluminum, titanium or carbon frames. Carbon frames are more 'comfortable' via shock absorbing but that quality effects my speed and confidence because it hides the connection between my wheels and the pavement. Carbon is not bad, I just connect to a steel frame better than frames made of other materials. My bamboo frame was very comfortable but I would never try to be aggressive when riding it.
Love it bro. I’m a 60 year old ex racer. I have ridden all materials but Steel is my choice for most rides. Needs to be the highest end tubing from whichever manufacturer and usually performs consistent and comfortable over a long day in the saddle. Colnago Master light is still my favorite allrounder for pure feel. Thanks for sharing that beautiful steed!
Thank you Sir. Colnago Master is indeed an epic ride. I owned a Colnago Conic SLX for several years and literally did everything on that bike. Keep pedaling... you are an inspiration
You must be my doppelgänger. I’m the same age. I’ve owned carbon, steel and aluminum (all high end) and I’m a former USCF Cat 3. My first two racing bikes going back to the mid to late 80’s were entry level racing bikes (a Raleigh Technium and a Schwinn Premise). My first high end bike was a Schwinn Paramount I bought in 93. During my racing years I also owned a Cannondale, a Trek Madone, a Scott Carbon frame I set up for TT. When I stopped racing I ended up getting rid of all my bikes except the Paramount. In 2012 I bought a Raleigh International Frame that’s made from Reynolds 873 with investment cast hand crafted chrome plated lugs. It also came with a duel crown chrome fork. I did not build it up to be a racing bike but more of a high end enthusiast bike. I matched the frame with Campy Athena, Mavic Ksyrium elite wheels and a Brooks B-17 saddle. Weighs 18.5 lb. I could have dropped another 2lbs by going all carbon with the fork and components and a lighter saddle but since I was no longer racing I decided to prioritize ride quality over weight. I’m glad I did. It has the best ride quality of any bike I’ve owned though my Paramount is pretty close…which is why I kept it…that and it’s a beautiful bike. I have a science background in biology, chemistry and materials science and I can tell you from my personal investigations that outside of climbing an ultra light carbon frame has little if any advantages on a high end steel bike but the costs are steeply different and I prefer that road feel steels high modulus of elasticity (aka Young’s Modulus) has. With the durability steel has this may be the last bike I buy.
Loved the vid! Been 16+ years since riding. Recently retired and pulled my mid 1990s Landshark custom steel out of mothballs and upgraded it from 1995 8 speed Campy Chorus to 2021 12 speed Campy Chorus. Wow!! I own a Cannondale R900 Aluminum and a Lightspeed titanium and neither compares to the comfort and responsiveness of the steel Landshark!
Thank you for this wonderful video, really enjoyed this, love the passion and can't agree more. I am riding my cinelli supercorsa with sram red/force mix electronic groupset. An amazing feel to ride this bike, definitely not as fast as carbon, but lighter than you might expect. Holds speed, climbs well, accelerates well, is forgiving with ny roads, and above all, I just want to keep riding it, love it so much. I travel and rent carbon bikes for fun, but I always miss my cinelli which always puts a smile on my face.
I am an absolute steel convert. Steel Frame, Steel Arundel cages. Spent 12 years on fancy carbon bikes. Last 2 years on steel, never ridden further, or more comfortably than this bike. Love it. I am going to keep this steel machine and get a Ti frame 29er drop bar next. I am all for longevity, steel and titanium are going to give you that. The rest is irrelevant. I cannot see myself ever getting on a carbon bike again.. Seriously!! Subbed as well. Channel looks amazing!
Your assessment toward the end regarding carbon vs still is spot-on with my own experience with carbon frames and steel frames. I decided to get a Gunnar Roadie, I feel like I could ride all day on steel, even regardless of the road surface.
I have a Roadie and a CrossHairs, which I use as an all-road bike. Gunnar's are great bikes and since I do not race, I have no intention of getting a carbon road bike.
Really enjoyed the video! Very thorough! I just recently got my hands on an 87 Trek Elance that built up with 105 components and replaced wheels with Fulcrum Racing One’s. I was really able to shed significant pounds, but haven’t weighed the bike as of yet. Truth as mentioned “Carbon feels a bit flimsy” I concur with that statement! My Cervelo R1 takes off like a rocket and climbs like a mountain goat. However, it does not have that powerful robust feeling like the old steel Trek. The Trek has become my 1st choice in all my riding situations lately. I’ll my Cervelo just to go out on super jaunts around my neighborhood. The Steel is Real!!👍
Hi Jay! Thanks for sharing about your Elan build and your ride impressions. I hope you enjoy many miles and good rides... Fulcrum Racing Ones are eeally tough to beat👍🏾
Stunning bike! And you're right... there is something about steel. I love my current carbon Giant TCR Adv and just how light and responsive it feels, but my project Peugeot PSN-10 (Super Vitus 980 tubing) feels absolutely alive. It tingles; Somehow the feel of the road filters through so much more. And really, it's not terribly heavy for a steelie.
Always nice to take something unloved and through planning and dedication, create something spectacular that you never want to give up. I did this with my Tesch S-22. Bought the frame off eBay, sent it to a specialist who fixed a couple of areas, and then painted it a deep red. Built it up originally with 9-speed Dura-Ace 7410 and 7700 25th Anniversary components and just recently re-built it with an 11-speed Campy Record group, Thomson cockpit, and Boyd ceramic wheelset running Conti GP5000S TRs. Awesome ride.
Hi James. Thanks for sharing that... I am imagining your build in that red and it sounds stunning. I couldn't agree more. I get a lot of satisfaction from these projects.
Your thoughts on momentum was most interesting. The more I hear you talk about carbon, the more I wonder why anyone rides them. If a bike doesn't have the feeling of the road..... it's just as well might as well be a video game. I enjoy your videos. Last time I rode the hills up around Ferndale was during the N. Fla. State Championships of 1976. It might have been the ABL back then.
Loved the video and agree with everything you said. Also really appreciate your taste in bikes! Bianchi, Merckx, Сolnago… . I’ve owned all manner of aluminum,steel, ti, and now carbon bikes. Had a Ti Eddy Merckx road bike for 20 years, sold it last year and got a Ritte Phantom with Reynolds’s steel frame. Love it! Always wanted a Bianchi, love the Celeste. Bought a carbon Orbea Terra last year, had it painted a very similar color. Carbon’s great, but steel is real!
You have a very beautiful bike there, congratulations! Absolutely agree on the feel of steel bikes. Very recently, I finished the build of a Pegoretti Responsorium, with Campy Bora aero wheels, disk brakes and a mechanical Super Record 12 groupset. It is not the very lightest bike (just short of 9 kg) but ride comfort is out of this world and yes, somehow, past 30km/h, it seems to settle in tempo and help me pedal - I described it as a "flywheel feeling" when I spoke to my bike builder just a week ago :) Very different from carbon and even titanium.
I have the same feeling exactly with my Argos Racing Cycles Audax. Jan Heine calls it ‘planing’, but the experience is exactly as you describe, a feeling of flywheeling, a forward propulsion seemingly coming from nowhere.
@@Sills71 My Respo is size 56. Apart from the larger frame size, the little extra weight probably comes from my choice of a seatpost (Cane Creek eeSilk) and pedals (Look X-Track Carbon/Ti). Also Brooks leather bar tape. My little concessions to comfort that add a few grams here and a few grams there :)
Your Bianchi is really a work of art congratulation, colours are just beautiful. I ride both carbon and steel, both built are similar , carbon tubular wheel on both. My Hampsten steel bike is the one I choose first whitout any hesitation for travel like in the Pyrennes. Its a mix of Columbus life and spirit with an Enve fork 1.0 rake of 50. Going down the cols its like being on a rail. I have this bike built by simple curiosoty after all these debates about carbon vs steel and I had no regrets at all. I like my carbon bike but my steel bike is more of "organic feel". I prefer the overall experience of my steel bike which is why I love cycling.
Greetings from Ireland. Nice vid but, no offence, even nicer bike 😉! A man who clearly loves his bikes, you summed up the steel/carbon ride feels perfectly. I can remember being a little freaked out first time i noticed the visible flex at bb on a 531c frame when really applying the power. But that's what steel did - in a weird way it kinda absorbed what you put into it and, stored it for a moment, smoothed things out, and then propelled you forward ... without ever feeling sluggish. Great for descending. (I've over-thought this stuff too 😄).
Greetings Chube1! Non taken. Thank you for sharing your ride feel experience on that 531 frame... it is great to have these awesome machines tonthink about 👍🏾
The 1998 paint scheme of the pirate's mercatone uno team is pure class. Well done at rescuing a neglected bike & putting it back where it belongs. On the road.
Great final build, Luis! Yes, the Boron-enriched Pinella frame is the unsung hero for the brand. Note to mention that the extremely thin steel tubing has Boron added during the smelting process to increase the strength of the tubeset... Boron has been used in side impact crash beams on Mercedes vehicles, etc. Strong and lightweight!
Hi. Great video! I made the switch from Trek carbon to a custom steel frame two years ago (after the carbon frame broke). I love my steel frame more than my carbon because like you said in the video, when me and the bike go over a bump, it's absorbed a lot and more comfortable to "hit" that it was with my carbon frame (and carbon wheels). Carbon was nice and lightweight, but it was almost too stiff for me because between my small height and 155lb body mass. My steel frame is high quality material imported from Italy (Columbus). From day one, I've been using aero alloy wheels (Rim brake HED Jet RC4 black, RC4 Plus, and now Bontrager Aeolus Comp 5 TLR). The HED wheels were 25mm whereas the Bontrager wheels are 23. Overall, I love my setup because I believe between my body mass, and lower center of gravity, 23mm and a steel frame enable me to feel more comfortable for 40, 50, 60+ rides where comfort is a must have.
Absolutely on point with the momentum on carbon. VERY well put. I’ve had a Carbon bike for around 8-years and I would like to go back to metal, I think.
I’m not a Roadie. I’m definitely a gravel enthusiast. I have carbon bike and a steel bike. The 7:57 made me think how my steel bike feels. I thought it was in my head. Going uphill and upwind past a farmers field on broken tarmac. I feel the steel bike holds momentum/stability better in those conditions. I don’t feel as beat up in my steel bike either. I can’t prove it in a court of law, nor scientifically.
I have a Pinarello Galileo 2007. It has carbon forks and backstay and an aluminium frame. 10 speed Ultegra, 11-28, and Campagnolo Scriocco wheels. It's like riding on a magic carpet.
I've only ridden a steel bike for a couple ride, but I think steel bike has that "Solid" feeling while you're on it especially in high speed. It's such a mystery, I don't know if it's about the momentum or anything, but subjectively riding on a steel is a whole different experience than alloy or carbon. Definitely gonna add a steel for my next bike someday. I can give you my words for it.
Cool insights. I've been on a Ritchey Road Logic with very thin tubing - best ride quality I've ever experienced. Recently built up a very light carbon frame (Factor O2). In terms how steel handles tarmac imperfections: steel transmits a rounded, low-frequency thump that feels reassuring. Carbon transmits differently: the feel is edgier, higher frequency, more brittle and hollow. Tires, tire pressure, wheels, contact points don't change this core characteristic. Also interesting: the stiffness of carbon also adds subtle discomfort when you're putting down the power; there's almost too much resistance. The planing people speak of with steel contributes to comfort over the course of a ride. It also lets you feel part of the bike, rather than pushing against it.
I’m an avid mtb / atb bike fan since 1985. I have studied all sorts of bikes and frames and ridden many brands. I am 60 now and still passionate about bikes although work does not permit my hobby to be as active as it could be so it is always great to see others doing this. I went from road bikes ( Raleigh to many other US brands back then ) to getting involved in MTB when it was in its infancy. My favourite bike has to be the Titanium Moots and Carbon fibre Ibis Mojo of which I still have since 2007 and have ridden aggressively but it is still true to the cause and has not split and is not showing signs of failing. So when you mention frames, for me the carbon and titanium followed by aluminum made bikes are to die for! Great in depth video. Respect to you!
My first serious road bike, way back in the 80's, was a Bianchi ... and I'm just popping in to say that after all these years ... I am still in love with that Bianchi color, lol.
What beauty! Although I am not at your level of a rider I have always lusted after a Bianchi in traditional "Celeste." But your color scheme is terrific. Now you've made a bit intrigued with steel.
That's a lovely bike. A brave purchase with that broken seat tube! Hats off to your frame builder for the repairs. I need to find me someone who can replace the seat tube on my Peugeot 753 Chorus...
I have two bikes made of titanium,carbon bikes are no longer a option for me...But your love for bikes and sport is something else.Greetings from warm Serbia!
Coming from a Italian cyclist. Thank you for you absolute spot on pronunciation of the words.. Are you sure you’re not Italian? Beautiful bike. You’re a purest! Ciao
New subscriber here. Your vids have inspired me to spruce up my old road bike (2006 LeMond Buenos Aires, steel/carbon). I ride primarily gravel and mountain, as idiots with cell phones behind the wheel has scared me off of road. I'll probably keep to mostly bike paths, but I'm excited about the old bike. I have a lot of history on it, doing triathlons and all the training for those on it. Anyway, I like the content! Cheers!!
Great looking Bianchi.. I still have the Bianchi that I raced on from 1995 to 1999. It is a Racing Department frame made from Columbus TSX Ultra Light shaped tubing. I built it up with Campy 8 speed Chorus. It was a great bike for racing Criteriums. It could carve through high speed turns like butter. The only problem was that the frame was listed as having a "weight limit" of 180 pounds. I discovered that as I tended to inch over that weight limit, up to 190 pounds, after a few years, the bike no longer loved to counter steer through turns. 27 years later, it still rides like butter in a straight line, but is not happy flying through turns. It's still set up with a ITM eclipse stem, and an ITM Pro 260 bar. Celeste frame and Bar tape......PS Chrome chain and seat stays, Look PP76 pedals, and SI Flite saddle.
Greetings from Australia . Absolutely correct steel is real . STEEL GIVES YOU THE LOVE BACK WHEN CYCLING . nothing rides so comfortable l have had them all . Only steel bikes in the garage now . My steel bikes are locally manufactured in Australia . Company name the Lost Work Shop beautiful custom Steel bikes . Happy cycling and great video thanks
Great bike I actually owned a Raleigh clubman with a chromoly steel frame from 2000 ,been seating in a garage for years until this lady put it for sale ,what a beautiful bike and it rides phenomenal
This is one sexy machine! I have a late 80's Pinarello Montello I built with polished Campy Athena 11 speed for that vintage look. I subscribe to the same thought process when it comes to steel vs. carbon.. It's a freight train on the flats and isn't too shabby on climbs. Riders on spicy group rides are shocked it will keep up with ease. It's an absolute blast to ride.
I really enjoyed this review, I’m a novice rider here in Michigan and weighing my options between a steel frame and carbon road bike, you clip got me thinking wisely for my next choice, thanks.
I was overwhelmed watching this...the content.....is great !! I have nothing exotic here...just an old 1975 Schwinn Continental (steel frame for tall riders) and a 2015 Cannondale Synapse (tall)..... I needed some pure inspiration to get back out there....thanks and keep up the great work....from Pittsburgh, PA.
Great video! I recently bought a new steel frame constructed from high end Columbus tubeset. Full build is the same weight as my carbon bike. I've definitely seen performance gains in my six months with it. Not as beat up from the road as on carbon. So much fresher to ride again the next day. No twitchiness at all, as with carbon frames. I feel so much more in tune with the bicycle and therefore the road.
I am fortunate to have all 4 frame compositions. My aluminum road frame lives on my trainer. After riding the others , it feels wrong. I have an aluminum gravel frame, and it works. For the given purpose, it's great. I picked up a titanium frame this past spring. It is quick & punchy, but it feels cold. It's a great bike, but you pegged it. She feels like she doesn't love me. My carbon roadbike is the woman I had to have. She's complex & has a lot of needs (charging, updates, & must be kept). She's great. Fast, fun, beautiful, & everyone loves to look at her. But, there's the if & I feel like she will hurt me if given the chance. My steel frame is the woman who surprised me, she is beautiful in an old school way. She's simple (singlespeed), but she does alot the way I want it. She sings when the wind hits her right, she makes me want to ride without electronics except my watch for miles. She can move like the others, but she talks to me the whole ride. No doubt she is secretly is my favorite. Now she's not a slouch. She gets looks, but they really don't know just how silky she is. I think I'll take her out today. Thanks!
Thank you for this great post Jeffrey! It has been one of the best descriptions of a bike stable... err, harem that I have ever heard. Enjoy your time with the steelie👍🏾
Awesome video! I have a 2003 Lemond Zurich, and I love riding it. Steel is most definitely real. I did a metric century last weekend on a carbon frame on some paved farming roads and I took a pretty severe shaking. I don’t remember that on my steel frame. You also brought up a great point about inertia. I was on some flat Michigan roads, and I had to pedal nearly the whole time to keep speed. Again, great video! Keep them coming!!
...finally scored an old Landshark, trackshark pursuit. Columbus Max. ... 'holding momentum' is a beautiful attribute to examine. great video.... I hate bicycles now thoroughly after 20 years as a messenger ... salute'
Nice presentation! I've got a one-owner (me) 1970s 20 lb steel classic with all original components that looks and rides great and I'd never modify it. But your presentation makes me wanna keep an eye out for a frame to follow your example.
Great video and bike material tech talk,. I loved my Bianchi Ocelot. Once anyone mentions Bianchi I'm there. The color scheme on your bike is super nice. And yes. Steel is Real
Great video - showed this to my wife so she can see there's someone out there more obsessed with Bianchi steel road bikes than I am. I have one thing to add - I rebuilt my '92 Bianchi Project 5 cross bike into a touring bike, and recently was out on a week long tour with a few pals. One guy rode a carbon frame, and on a very long paved mountain descent with severe crosswinds, he felt like his bike was coming apart, or flexing in the wrong places and making bike handling really tough. Panniers full of camping gear exacerbated the problem, but my Bianchi was solid. Full disclosure - the Project 5 frame is a TANK, making my bike a good 7-8 pounds heavier than his. Thanks for your videos, Luis!
Thanks for sharing Sir.Your Boron is superb,I never left steel with a Wilier Columbus EL/os and a Bianchi Columbus Genius that I treasure like you, I have a Daccordi too ! The Carbon let's leave it to those who want high tech.Marco Pantani he has never had a Boron in the race,amateur he had a superb Dosi Columbus EL,after at Carrera the first season he had a steel custom Columbus MAX then quickly on ALTEC aluminum,I saw him with a chrono bike in Genius,his 98 XL evo was in Dedacciai aluminum 7000.On the other hand in 98 some from Mercatone rode on Boron XL evo as Stefano Garzelli,the Carrera Asics team also used the Boron in 98.Thank you for your beautiful presentation and steel forever !!!
Wow! Thank you Jean Paul. That was amazing information you shared. I have always wanted an EL/OS and will own one someday. Congratulations on those wonderful bikes.👍🏾
I am 65 years old now. I crit and triathlon raced my 2000 Bianchi Veloce and 22 years ago I could go on that bike. I have 2004 Bianchi XL carbon, which I took to Italy and Ireland for 5 years, and while I like the bike it nowhere near is as balanced or as comfortable to ride. It does however climb like a scared squirrel. Thanks for the video and nice to know you can replace tubes on steel bikes fairly simply.
I had a Bianchi back in the 70’s and then I had a Bottechia with Columbus tubing and presently ride a Fuji Roubaix with carbon forks and stays and I have a Vitus 979 which is a story in itself! I love your story and always hold Bianchi in high esteem!
I never rode the road bike until I purchased a used Faggin Italian road racing bike, from 1996! Used, and not, in the good condition! Full Shimano 105 groupset,and..the Columbus SL tubing! Imagine my surprise, when I discovered,that steel bike can be almost like overly stiff! My first road bike,and, I decided to turn it into the single speed! Riser handlebars,one speed,and when money allows,a lighter, better set of wheels! Road racing bikes,are not for me! Drop bars,are not for me, actually,for the first time in like an decade,my neck hurts,my arms are numb,and my back,omg 😱 I own a street attack bike,which is pretty light,I built it from the scrap parts that I had,and that bike feels,and is,a lot more agile,and comfy then Faggin! Luis,the video was a pleasure to watch!🙂 Greetings from Croatia, Europe 😊
Thanks for your video. I was a proud owner of a Bianchi XL/ Boron 2002? with campy centaur 10 speed. I used it for years then lent it out to a friend. Got it back in a couple of years and then gave it to a young man who was interested in getting into cycling. We turn it into a build project so we could work on it together. If I could find another LX/Boron frame I may build it into my steel bike again.
I have ridden on titanium, aluminum, carbon,combination carbon/aluminum and enjoyed all those rides. But like you, there is something about the feel of steel on the road. Sturdy and compliant on the road. Then again, I don't own just any ordinary steel bike. I have a Colnago Masterlight. LOL.
Fab build! Not faster, not lighter, but it rides like a steel bike. No vibration at all. Smooth! You can really get a steel frame down in weight. My Genesis 953 steel racing frame was 8.1kg built up. I rode the same 11-speed super record group set for 7 years. It never missed a beat. New cables and blocks every year!. I have only just parted with it. I switched to Rohloff rear on a steel frame and fork touring setup. It's an 18kg ride. But it will carry a loaded 80 kilos and me.
@@thegoodwheel Yeah. Twas a great bike. I obtained a Thorn Mercury for touring. Removed the racks, use it for everything. I cannot recommend a Rohloff 14 speed enough. There amazing!
👍👍 to steel holding inertia. I live in the midwest, and noticed a while ago that I could descend our rollers faster than guys on aero frames who outweighed me by a lot. The only thing I could chalk it up to was steel not bleeding off speed whenever you stopped pedaling.
I was lucky enough to ride my friends Vanilla during a high pace group ride, pacing at 22-23mph on the flats and multiple California Highway 1 climbs. Bar none the best frame I've ever ridden, every peddle stroke felt like I was being sprung forward, handled decents like it was glued to the road and soaked up all the chatter. I currently have a Moots Vamoots, Kelly Bonestock and a Colnago C40. I'd take that steel Vanilla frame over any custom Titanium or Carbon frame without hesitation. Sacha at Vanilla Cycles is a wizard. Impossibly long wait list but if you ever have the chance to nab one on the secondary market don't hesitate. Great video. Liked and subscribed.
@@thegoodwheel You should give The Paceline Forum a chance (If you haven't already) Moots frames and fully built bikes pop up in the Classifieds pretty often. If you're looking for rare frames that forum is probably one of the best resources. It's not uncommon to see Pegoretti's, Crumpton's, Seven's, Lynskeys, SpeedVagen's, Curtlo's, etc for sale. Tons of groupsets and really nice wheelsets. Good pricing, people are highly knowledgeable and very friendly. Just be prepared to spend because that forum is dangerous for bike aficionados!
Excellent video. The free prize at the bottom of the steel (and Ti) bike frame box is the integrated rear derailleur hanger (modern single speed friendly steel frames excepted). Maybe I’m a replaceable derailleur hanger Jonas but I’ve been involved in 5 instances of derailleur separation on aluminum and carbon frames. All resulted in destroyed rear wheels and derailleurs, 2 (carbon) frames ruined (broken seat stays) and three riders hitting the ground when the back wheel STOPPED at speed. Agree 100% with your assessment of steel frame characteristics, love my Colnago Master, Willier Superleggera and Ti LeMond. The replaceable (made to break) derailleur hanger moves carbon and aluminum frames to the fuzzy area at the edge of applicable for the average consumer and 99% of the riders of these bikes have no clue they’re riding a potential time bomb.
Thank you for sharing your experience Marty! A friend recently snapped his derailleur hanger in the middle of a group ride... fortunately did not go down. But it can definitely be catastrophic. Very nice collection of bikes you have! Enjoy them 👍🏾
The fact that you didn't just bought a bike but got an old busted frame and got it repaired make this bike even more interesting. I personally like how my steel bike handles and how it rings when going over bumps and transmit informations. I can't say I prefer it over everything else though because I've never ridden carbon or titanium bikes. I've been on a fairly good aluminium bike though and it felt direct and responsive but it didn't speak the same language as my Fuji. Almost like it was muted.
I like how the steel communicates the vibration, sound and song of the road to me. My awesome 42mm Babyshoe pass extra light compass tires are so sweet with my steel frame. The combination of giant tires with high-end materials with low rolling resistance is magic for me. :) I feel like I am riding on clouds with great speed and handling-and a great connection to the road.
Brave man! To buy a frame like you did, to go that deep into the weeds with the repair / restoration / remanufacture: wow: You have my respect. I'm happy it turned out so well for you!
Thank you Griffin!
I ride a Steel Colonago Masterlight Frame.52cm Mapei team colors of the mid 90's.......I have over 30,000++ miles on that bike .....Rides as good as day 1....... Steel is Real Baby You have a beautiful Bianchi... great build Thank You for sharing
Thank you Vezzo55! You have one of the most desired frames and paint schemes. Very iconic. I hope you continue enjoying it. 👍🏾
I love this episode and your passion for this bike. Your description of riding a steel frame is spot on.
Lifetime bike guy here. This video rocks! 👍
Thank you Hat! I appreciate that.
Your breakdown of bicycle knowledge is very much appreciated. I live here in Miami as well. I absolutely love cycling but I'm a noob. One thing you've mentioned that was spot on is the weight difference as it regards to momentum. I'm 6'2" 185 I own a Cannondale R400 it has stock RSX components with Mavic Aksium Race wheels, with hutchingson gold tires. Now I've always wanted to ride a carbon bike with all the bells and whistles. One day a co-worker of mine brought his BMC teammachine to work. I was blown away with the weight difference between the two bikes. He laughed saying I need a lighter bike. So on lunch break I took his bike for a 3 mile ride. First thing I noticed is that it takes off like a bullet! Not gonna lie I was flying! But I did feel like to sustain the momentum I had to keep pedaling whereas with my cannondale it seemed to hold its momentum through my cadence. I didn't feel like I was wasting energy. I get up to speed and the bike stays there. Especially in a headwind. The carbon BMC required more effort to fight the drag of the headwind. Like throwing a paper plane in front of a fan. But my cannondale was actually fun in a headwind. I could go faster with less effort even on the hoods because the weight of the bike isn't slowed down by the opposing wind. It's simple science when you think about it. So I can understand 100% your rationale with steel frames. But that BMC is definitely fun to ride. That acceleration and top end speed is exhilarating! And I love the sound it makes.
Cool story... it's trying to find the balance of acceleration and momentum👍🏾
The Bianchi celeste and yellow is the most beautiful colourway of any bike.
Thank you Duncan, Many would agree with that👍🏾
Great narration and story. I agree with you that steel frames do a great job of dampening the road; they are comfortable on longer rides.
Thank you Dos Gos! They most certainly do.👍🏾
Good for racing longer events like half ironman distance and grand fondo? Or better to get titanium?
YES YES YES I 100% agree with you on everything you said. I own 4 steel frame bikes and seriously have such a blast on them. Most of the time if not 99% of the time you can keep up with riders because fitness and aerodynamic position is most important. It's rare when I can't keep up but it's because they professionally race. I'm In Vegas with huge hills and I feel like the liveliness of steel bikes springs you to the next pedal stroke, and it seriously feels like that energy you put in gets returned when climbing. I'm definitely subbing to your channel too!
Thank you NewOldSteel! Sounds like uou are having a lot of fun out there.
I call my late 80's DeRosa my "Caddy" - it's one of those early types of steel that just dance with you. It's not the best for climbing or sprinting as there's simply too much flex, but for pure enjoyment and comfort to relatively quick, you can't beat it.
Hi Rob! Thank you for sharing that. It sounds like that bike puts a big smile on your face 👍🏾
Beautiful bike!I love this old road bikes, Italian bikes are a must!
Thank you Manny!
@@thegoodwheel you're welcome
Great presentation!
Framing, audio, video, editing, B-Roll, and even mic placement is on point.
Thanks Harold. Coming from your professional abilities, this means so much to me.
An answer to the title before watching the video in my opinion absolutely YES!
I like steel frames over carbon because of the springiness especially for cyclocross and singletrack. I've club raced bikes back in the 80s and 90s and our team bikes were steel Scapins at the time beautiful riding bikes. Over the years I've road magnesium, titanium, aluminum and carbon but I always felt that quality steel tubing road the best.
I completely agree Anthony!
That is one great looking bike!!!
Thank you. Watch for a follow up video on it today.
I like riding metal. I started on steel, moved on to aluminium, and I still ride a Cannondale XS800 on the road and a bit of gravel.
But I've never really trusted carbon to last.
Thanks for sharing Brian👍🏾
Great video. When I started riding/racing bicycles steel was the only material for bike frames. I learned how to read the road through double butted, lugged frames. The feel (language) of a steel frame is still in my head and I have better control of my steel frames than aluminum, titanium or carbon frames. Carbon frames are more 'comfortable' via shock absorbing but that quality effects my speed and confidence because it hides the connection between my wheels and the pavement. Carbon is not bad, I just connect to a steel frame better than frames made of other materials. My bamboo frame was very comfortable but I would never try to be aggressive when riding it.
Thank you Jeff! You are echoing very well what so many have shared with me. 👍🏾
Love it bro. I’m a 60 year old ex racer. I have ridden all materials but Steel is my choice for most rides. Needs to be the highest end tubing from whichever manufacturer and usually performs consistent and comfortable over a long day in the saddle. Colnago Master light is still my favorite allrounder for pure feel. Thanks for sharing that beautiful steed!
Thank you Sir. Colnago Master is indeed an epic ride. I owned a Colnago Conic SLX for several years and literally did everything on that bike. Keep pedaling... you are an inspiration
You must be my doppelgänger. I’m the same age. I’ve owned carbon, steel and aluminum (all high end) and I’m a former USCF Cat 3. My first two racing bikes going back to the mid to late 80’s were entry level racing bikes (a Raleigh Technium and a Schwinn Premise). My first high end bike was a Schwinn Paramount I bought in 93. During my racing years I also owned a Cannondale, a Trek Madone, a Scott Carbon frame I set up for TT.
When I stopped racing I ended up getting rid of all my bikes except the Paramount. In 2012 I bought a Raleigh International Frame that’s made from Reynolds 873 with investment cast hand crafted chrome plated lugs. It also came with a duel crown chrome fork. I did not build it up to be a racing bike but more of a high end enthusiast bike. I matched the frame with Campy Athena, Mavic Ksyrium elite wheels and a Brooks B-17 saddle. Weighs 18.5 lb. I could have dropped another 2lbs by going all carbon with the fork and components and a lighter saddle but since I was no longer racing I decided to prioritize ride quality over weight. I’m glad I did. It has the best ride quality of any bike I’ve owned though my Paramount is pretty close…which is why I kept it…that and it’s a beautiful bike.
I have a science background in biology, chemistry and materials science and I can tell you from my personal investigations that outside of climbing an ultra light carbon frame has little if any advantages on a high end steel bike but the costs are steeply different and I prefer that road feel steels high modulus of elasticity (aka Young’s Modulus) has.
With the durability steel has this may be the last bike I buy.
Loved the vid!
Been 16+ years since riding. Recently retired and pulled my mid 1990s Landshark custom steel out of mothballs and upgraded it from 1995 8 speed Campy Chorus to 2021 12 speed Campy Chorus. Wow!!
I own a Cannondale R900 Aluminum and a Lightspeed titanium and neither compares to the comfort and responsiveness of the steel Landshark!
Wow! I hope more people beging doing what you did. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this wonderful video, really enjoyed this, love the passion and can't agree more. I am riding my cinelli supercorsa with sram red/force mix electronic groupset. An amazing feel to ride this bike, definitely not as fast as carbon, but lighter than you might expect. Holds speed, climbs well, accelerates well, is forgiving with ny roads, and above all, I just want to keep riding it, love it so much. I travel and rent carbon bikes for fun, but I always miss my cinelli which always puts a smile on my face.
Thank you Marc! Cinelli Super Corsa with sram Red sounds delightful. Enjoy the miles my friend.
I am an absolute steel convert. Steel Frame, Steel Arundel cages. Spent 12 years on fancy carbon bikes. Last 2 years on steel, never ridden further, or more comfortably than this bike. Love it. I am going to keep this steel machine and get a Ti frame 29er drop bar next. I am all for longevity, steel and titanium are going to give you that. The rest is irrelevant. I cannot see myself ever getting on a carbon bike again.. Seriously!! Subbed as well. Channel looks amazing!
PlayMoreGuitar! Thank you 👍🏾
Seems more and more people are going that way.
Welcome to the party...ya carbon is overrated...
Your assessment toward the end regarding carbon vs still is spot-on with my own experience with carbon frames and steel frames. I decided to get a Gunnar Roadie, I feel like I could ride all day on steel, even regardless of the road surface.
Thank you Jeff! The dampening is a great benefit.
I have a Roadie and a CrossHairs, which I use as an all-road bike. Gunnar's are great bikes and since I do not race, I have no intention of getting a carbon road bike.
I have a custom built frame made of Tange Prestige tubing and I run 10spd Campagnolo. 16lbs. with clinchers. My favorite all around bike.
Very good tubeset Fernando! Sounds like a great bike👍🏾
Really enjoyed the video! Very thorough! I just recently got my hands on an 87 Trek Elance that built up with 105 components and replaced wheels with Fulcrum Racing One’s. I was really able to shed significant pounds, but haven’t weighed the bike as of yet. Truth as mentioned “Carbon feels a bit flimsy” I concur with that statement! My Cervelo R1 takes off like a rocket and climbs like a mountain goat. However, it does not have that powerful robust feeling like the old steel Trek. The Trek has become my 1st choice in all my riding situations lately. I’ll my Cervelo just to go out on super jaunts around my neighborhood. The Steel is Real!!👍
Hi Jay! Thanks for sharing about your Elan build and your ride impressions. I hope you enjoy many miles and good rides... Fulcrum Racing Ones are eeally tough to beat👍🏾
I have been riding a Bill Holland steel bike for thirty years. It is still firm, true, and worth a look.
👍🏾
Stunning bike! And you're right... there is something about steel. I love my current carbon Giant TCR Adv and just how light and responsive it feels, but my project Peugeot PSN-10 (Super Vitus 980 tubing) feels absolutely alive. It tingles; Somehow the feel of the road filters through so much more. And really, it's not terribly heavy for a steelie.
Thank you Joe! Those are two great bikes you have. Enjoy the ride 👍🏾
I love the Bianchi with the tribute to Marco Pantani's Mercutone Uno team colors. Beautiful!
Thank you👍🏾
Always nice to take something unloved and through planning and dedication, create something spectacular that you never want to give up. I did this with my Tesch S-22. Bought the frame off eBay, sent it to a specialist who fixed a couple of areas, and then painted it a deep red. Built it up originally with 9-speed Dura-Ace 7410 and 7700 25th Anniversary components and just recently re-built it with an 11-speed Campy Record group, Thomson cockpit, and Boyd ceramic wheelset running Conti GP5000S TRs. Awesome ride.
Hi James. Thanks for sharing that... I am imagining your build in that red and it sounds stunning.
I couldn't agree more. I get a lot of satisfaction from these projects.
Your thoughts on momentum was most interesting.
The more I hear you talk about carbon, the more I wonder why anyone rides them.
If a bike doesn't have the feeling of the road..... it's just as well might as well be a video game.
I enjoy your videos.
Last time I rode the hills up around Ferndale was during the N. Fla. State Championships of 1976. It might have been the ABL back then.
Thanks for watching Frank!
Loved the video and agree with everything you said. Also really appreciate your taste in bikes! Bianchi, Merckx, Сolnago… . I’ve owned all manner of aluminum,steel, ti, and now carbon bikes. Had a Ti Eddy Merckx road bike for 20 years, sold it last year and got a Ritte Phantom with Reynolds’s steel frame. Love it! Always wanted a Bianchi, love the Celeste. Bought a carbon Orbea Terra last year, had it painted a very similar color. Carbon’s great, but steel is real!
Thank ypu Chester! It has been a blessing to own those brands and I have enjoyed them thoroughly.
Would kill for a Ti Mercks but can’t afford one.
Terrific video. Informative, reflective, personal but not self-focused, eloquent, rational and persuasive. Improved my morning! Thank you.
Wow! Thank you for that Richard... it is very gracious of you.
You have a very beautiful bike there, congratulations! Absolutely agree on the feel of steel bikes. Very recently, I finished the build of a Pegoretti Responsorium, with Campy Bora aero wheels, disk brakes and a mechanical Super Record 12 groupset. It is not the very lightest bike (just short of 9 kg) but ride comfort is out of this world and yes, somehow, past 30km/h, it seems to settle in tempo and help me pedal - I described it as a "flywheel feeling" when I spoke to my bike builder just a week ago :) Very different from carbon and even titanium.
That is a phenomenal bike Marty! Congratulations and thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I have the same feeling exactly with my Argos Racing Cycles Audax. Jan Heine calls it ‘planing’, but the experience is exactly as you describe, a feeling of flywheeling, a forward propulsion seemingly coming from nowhere.
My RIM brake Duende in size 53cm weighs 7.7kg with Super Record and Hed Arendes.
@@Sills71 My Respo is size 56. Apart from the larger frame size, the little extra weight probably comes from my choice of a seatpost (Cane Creek eeSilk) and pedals (Look X-Track Carbon/Ti). Also Brooks leather bar tape. My little concessions to comfort that add a few grams here and a few grams there :)
I’m sharing this video with my wife that it is ok to have a steel AND carbon bike. Thanks for video
I am glad to hear that!
Your Bianchi is really a work of art congratulation, colours are just beautiful. I ride both carbon and steel, both built are similar , carbon tubular wheel on both. My Hampsten steel bike is the one I choose first whitout any hesitation for travel like in the Pyrennes. Its a mix of Columbus life and spirit with an Enve fork 1.0 rake of 50. Going down the cols its like being on a rail. I have this bike built by simple curiosoty after all these debates about carbon vs steel and I had no regrets at all. I like my carbon bike but my steel bike is more of "organic feel". I prefer the overall experience of my steel bike which is why I love cycling.
Thank you for sharing that! Your story brought a smile to my face.
Very few people around these days that have your knowledge and insight. I am delighted to have found you.
Thanks!
Thank you Frank! Hopefully more will share their experience... because they are out there.
Greetings from Ireland. Nice vid but, no offence, even nicer bike 😉! A man who clearly loves his bikes, you summed up the steel/carbon ride feels perfectly. I can remember being a little freaked out first time i noticed the visible flex at bb on a 531c frame when really applying the power. But that's what steel did - in a weird way it kinda absorbed what you put into it and, stored it for a moment, smoothed things out, and then propelled you forward ... without ever feeling sluggish. Great for descending. (I've over-thought this stuff too 😄).
Greetings Chube1! Non taken. Thank you for sharing your ride feel experience on that 531 frame... it is great to have these awesome machines tonthink about 👍🏾
The 1998 paint scheme of the pirate's mercatone uno team is pure class. Well done at rescuing a neglected bike & putting it back where it belongs. On the road.
Thank you Free Ranger CT110👍🏾
Great final build, Luis! Yes, the Boron-enriched Pinella frame is the unsung hero for the brand. Note to mention that the extremely thin steel tubing has Boron added during the smelting process to increase the strength of the tubeset... Boron has been used in side impact crash beams on Mercedes vehicles, etc. Strong and lightweight!
Thank you Will. Always appreciate hearing your insights and passion about this brand!
Mainly rollcages in motor racing .
I’m so glade to have found you please don’t stop posting.
Hi Clinton! I am glad you found us as well. Thanks for watching.
Hi. Great video! I made the switch from Trek carbon to a custom steel frame two years ago (after the carbon frame broke). I love my steel frame more than my carbon because like you said in the video, when me and the bike go over a bump, it's absorbed a lot and more comfortable to "hit" that it was with my carbon frame (and carbon wheels). Carbon was nice and lightweight, but it was almost too stiff for me because between my small height and 155lb body mass. My steel frame is high quality material imported from Italy (Columbus). From day one, I've been using aero alloy wheels (Rim brake HED Jet RC4 black, RC4 Plus, and now Bontrager Aeolus Comp 5 TLR). The HED wheels were 25mm whereas the Bontrager wheels are 23. Overall, I love my setup because I believe between my body mass, and lower center of gravity, 23mm and a steel frame enable me to feel more comfortable for 40, 50, 60+ rides where comfort is a must have.
Thanks for sharing. That Stainless tubeset sounds dreamy
Super impressed by you taking on that project. Amazing and beautiful outcome.
Thank you Jan👍🏾
Absolutely on point with the momentum on carbon. VERY well put. I’ve had a Carbon bike for around 8-years and I would like to go back to metal, I think.
Thank you Don! Lots of great frame options out there for builds. 👍🏾
Love that Mercatone Uno 1998 TDF paint job. My first road bike was an alloy Mega Pro L with that paint scheme
I love it too, It is such an iconic paint scheme
I have the same bike in a 57cm with full Record and Nucleon wheelset. It still draws lots of compliments in public.
I’m not a Roadie. I’m definitely a gravel enthusiast.
I have carbon bike and a steel bike. The 7:57 made me think how my steel bike feels. I thought it was in my head. Going uphill and upwind past a farmers field on broken tarmac. I feel the steel bike holds momentum/stability better in those conditions. I don’t feel as beat up in my steel bike either.
I can’t prove it in a court of law, nor scientifically.
😂 sometimes it's hard to put into words... but in this case, it's the feeling that matters.
I have a Pinarello Galileo 2007. It has carbon forks and backstay and an aluminium frame. 10 speed Ultegra, 11-28, and Campagnolo Scriocco wheels. It's like riding on a magic carpet.
Hi esotericist! Thanks for sharing your build 👍🏾
@@thegoodwheel
drive.google.com/file/d/1zjaar_lHfJZmJyfF_JEa7gF9ozDDFdP4/view?usp=sharing
I've only ridden a steel bike for a couple ride, but I think steel bike has that "Solid" feeling while you're on it especially in high speed. It's such a mystery, I don't know if it's about the momentum or anything, but subjectively riding on a steel is a whole different experience than alloy or carbon.
Definitely gonna add a steel for my next bike someday. I can give you my words for it.
Thank you Rino. You are correct, that feel is a mystery that has baffled cyclists for decades
There's also the planing effect, when the steel frame flexes in rhythm with your pedaling.
Your passion for bikes is obvious and I thoroughly enjoyed your Bianchi story. Well done, thanks.
Thank you Brian👍🏾
Cool insights. I've been on a Ritchey Road Logic with very thin tubing - best ride quality I've ever experienced. Recently built up a very light carbon frame (Factor O2). In terms how steel handles tarmac imperfections: steel transmits a rounded, low-frequency thump that feels reassuring. Carbon transmits differently: the feel is edgier, higher frequency, more brittle and hollow. Tires, tire pressure, wheels, contact points don't change this core characteristic. Also interesting: the stiffness of carbon also adds subtle discomfort when you're putting down the power; there's almost too much resistance. The planing people speak of with steel contributes to comfort over the course of a ride. It also lets you feel part of the bike, rather than pushing against it.
Thank you for your insight Erik. Ritchey Logic is an amazing frame to own. Enjoy the miles!👍🏾
I own a Tange double butted tubing 1988 model frame and I think I appreciated it more by watching this video. 💯
🎯 Thank you for that William!
I’m an avid mtb / atb bike fan since 1985. I have studied all sorts of bikes and frames and ridden many brands. I am 60 now and still passionate about bikes although work does not permit my hobby to be as active as it could be so it is always great to see others doing this.
I went from road bikes ( Raleigh to many other US brands back then ) to getting involved in MTB when it was in its infancy.
My favourite bike has to be the Titanium Moots and Carbon fibre Ibis Mojo of which I still have since 2007 and have ridden aggressively but it is still true to the cause and has not split and is not showing signs of failing.
So when you mention frames, for me the carbon and titanium followed by aluminum made bikes are to die for!
Great in depth video.
Respect to you!
Thank you Rich! Respect. Moots is on my very short list of forever bikes that I am looking forward to owning. Thank you for sharing your views.
Great story! I love a bike build that goes past bolting on parts and gets custom.
Thank you!
My first serious road bike, way back in the 80's, was a Bianchi ... and I'm just popping in to say that after all these years ... I am still in love with that Bianchi color, lol.
Lol. Thanks John! Once you get bitten by Celeste, you are all in 👍🏾
What beauty! Although I am not at your level of a rider I have always lusted after a Bianchi in traditional "Celeste." But your color scheme is terrific. Now you've made a bit intrigued with steel.
Hi Patrick! Thank you. Hey man, we all just pedal... no levels here.
Glad we have you thinking about steel.
That's a lovely bike. A brave purchase with that broken seat tube! Hats off to your frame builder for the repairs. I need to find me someone who can replace the seat tube on my Peugeot 753 Chorus...
Thank you Linsey! I was both happy and relieved it turned out this good👍🏾
Good luck in finding a fabricator for your work
Watching this encouraged me to buy a vintage or a steel bianchi. Hoping there are retailers in our country
Good luck with your search Kristofer👍🏾
I have two bikes made of titanium,carbon bikes are no longer a option for me...But your love for bikes and sport is something else.Greetings from warm Serbia!
Thank you Djokara! I recieve your warm greetings 👍🏾
Great story. I'm glad it turned out so nice for you. Your cycling passion, knowledge and personal experience are refreshing to listen to.
Thank you Jason👍🏾
Spot on! If I didn't live in such a rough salt environment (or was rich) I would ride steel all the time just for feel.
Yeah, the issue with salt and humidity can be off-putting. Steel frames stay inside in the AC.
Coming from a Italian cyclist. Thank you for you absolute spot on pronunciation of the words.. Are you sure you’re not Italian? Beautiful bike. You’re a purest! Ciao
Ciao Johnny! Thank you... I love saying those words and I have some Italian friends that help me. Grazie 👍🏾
New subscriber here. Your vids have inspired me to spruce up my old road bike (2006 LeMond Buenos Aires, steel/carbon). I ride primarily gravel and mountain, as idiots with cell phones behind the wheel has scared me off of road. I'll probably keep to mostly bike paths, but I'm excited about the old bike. I have a lot of history on it, doing triathlons and all the training for those on it. Anyway, I like the content! Cheers!!
Thanks for sharing Kurt👍🏾
Great looking Bianchi.. I still have the Bianchi that I raced on from 1995 to 1999. It is a Racing Department frame made from Columbus TSX Ultra Light shaped tubing. I built it up with Campy 8 speed Chorus. It was a great bike for racing Criteriums. It could carve through high speed turns like butter. The only problem was that the frame was listed as having a "weight limit" of 180 pounds. I discovered that as I tended to inch over that weight limit, up to 190 pounds, after a few years, the bike no longer loved to counter steer through turns. 27 years later, it still rides like butter in a straight line, but is not happy flying through turns. It's still set up with a ITM eclipse stem, and an ITM Pro 260 bar. Celeste frame and Bar tape......PS Chrome chain and seat stays, Look PP76 pedals, and SI Flite saddle.
Wow Bill, that sounds like a time capsule. I come accross TSXs on ebay from time to time. Great bike
Greetings from Australia . Absolutely correct steel is real . STEEL GIVES YOU THE LOVE BACK WHEN CYCLING . nothing rides so comfortable l have had them all . Only steel bikes in the garage now . My steel bikes are locally manufactured in Australia . Company name the Lost Work Shop beautiful custom Steel bikes . Happy cycling and great video thanks
Way to go Max! I love that you found a local manufacturer and are able to support them. Thank you!
I couldn't agree more Luis. I have a 2002 or so Bianchi XL Boron that is a favorite.
Oh that sounds nice Bob, I actually like the paint schemeof those! Thank you
Love your video you have lots of knowledge about road bikes as a Sunday rider I always fine fascinated old and new technology!!
Thank you pavel55339! I appreciate that 👍🏾
Great bike I actually owned a Raleigh clubman with a chromoly steel frame from 2000 ,been seating in a garage for years until this lady put it for sale ,what a beautiful bike and it rides phenomenal
Thanks Oreste! Keep enjoying that ride.👍🏾
Such a cool video. Glad I found it. Loved the Pantani Bianchi bikes back in the day.
Thank you Justin!
This is one sexy machine! I have a late 80's Pinarello Montello I built with polished Campy Athena 11 speed for that vintage look. I subscribe to the same thought process when it comes to steel vs. carbon.. It's a freight train on the flats and isn't too shabby on climbs. Riders on spicy group rides are shocked it will keep up with ease. It's an absolute blast to ride.
Thank you Christopher! Enjoy that Montello. I love those as well as the Treviso in Red with the Cinelli bb cable guides. Great bike to own.
Steel is real ! My three bikes are all in steel. I'm more mtb and riding my breezer lightning is everytime a pleasure !
Thanks for putting in the time and helping us new guys out! 💪😎🇺🇸
Thank you Joe!
I have a 86 motioncraft Japanese racing bike with 105 shimano groupset and biopace crank, love it rides great, but i would love a bianchi next
I really enjoyed this review, I’m a novice rider here in Michigan and weighing my options between a steel frame and carbon road bike, you clip got me thinking wisely for my next choice, thanks.
Hi Evan! Thank you for that... I hope you find something nice.👍🏾
You make me want to get the OLTRE XR4 not because the steel argument isnt right, but because you show passion for the collection. thanks
Thank you Rick. Oltre is a great bike
I was overwhelmed watching this...the content.....is great !!
I have nothing exotic here...just an old 1975 Schwinn Continental (steel frame for tall riders) and a 2015 Cannondale Synapse (tall).....
I needed some pure inspiration to get back out there....thanks and keep up the great work....from Pittsburgh, PA.
Thank you Timothy!
Great video! I recently bought a new steel frame constructed from high end Columbus tubeset. Full build is the same weight as my carbon bike. I've definitely seen performance gains in my six months with it. Not as beat up from the road as on carbon. So much fresher to ride again the next day. No twitchiness at all, as with carbon frames. I feel so much more in tune with the bicycle and therefore the road.
Thank you Jay! I can definitely relate to feeling fresher after a ride on steel. Thanks for sharing your experience.
What carbon bikes are you comparing steel frame with?
I am fortunate to have all 4 frame compositions. My aluminum road frame lives on my trainer. After riding the others , it feels wrong. I have an aluminum gravel frame, and it works. For the given purpose, it's great. I picked up a titanium frame this past spring. It is quick & punchy, but it feels cold. It's a great bike, but you pegged it. She feels like she doesn't love me. My carbon roadbike is the woman I had to have. She's complex & has a lot of needs (charging, updates, & must be kept). She's great. Fast, fun, beautiful, & everyone loves to look at her. But, there's the if & I feel like she will hurt me if given the chance. My steel frame is the woman who surprised me, she is beautiful in an old school way. She's simple (singlespeed), but she does alot the way I want it. She sings when the wind hits her right, she makes me want to ride without electronics except my watch for miles. She can move like the others, but she talks to me the whole ride. No doubt she is secretly is my favorite. Now she's not a slouch. She gets looks, but they really don't know just how silky she is. I think I'll take her out today. Thanks!
Thank you for this great post Jeffrey! It has been one of the best descriptions of a bike stable... err, harem that I have ever heard. Enjoy your time with the steelie👍🏾
Awesome video! I have a 2003 Lemond Zurich, and I love riding it. Steel is most definitely real. I did a metric century last weekend on a carbon frame on some paved farming roads and I took a pretty severe shaking. I don’t remember that on my steel frame. You also brought up a great point about inertia. I was on some flat Michigan roads, and I had to pedal nearly the whole time to keep speed. Again, great video! Keep them coming!!
Thank you John! I really appreciate you sharing that experience with us. 👍🏾
...finally scored an old Landshark, trackshark pursuit. Columbus Max. ... 'holding momentum' is a beautiful attribute to examine. great video.... I hate bicycles now thoroughly after 20 years as a messenger ... salute'
Hi Gee! Salute to all the messengers who also ride recreationally and race... there is a wealth of cycling culture there. 👍🏾
Nice presentation! I've got a one-owner (me) 1970s 20 lb steel classic with all original components that looks and rides great and I'd never modify it. But your presentation makes me wanna keep an eye out for a frame to follow your example.
Hi Yo! Thanks for sharing your experience. I hope you find a nice project frame to do a retro/mod build
Great video and bike material tech talk,. I loved my Bianchi Ocelot. Once anyone mentions Bianchi I'm there. The color scheme on your bike is super nice. And yes. Steel is Real
Thank you Rob! I appreciate your comment👍🏾
Great video - showed this to my wife so she can see there's someone out there more obsessed with Bianchi steel road bikes than I am. I have one thing to add - I rebuilt my '92 Bianchi Project 5 cross bike into a touring bike, and recently was out on a week long tour with a few pals. One guy rode a carbon frame, and on a very long paved mountain descent with severe crosswinds, he felt like his bike was coming apart, or flexing in the wrong places and making bike handling really tough. Panniers full of camping gear exacerbated the problem, but my Bianchi was solid. Full disclosure - the Project 5 frame is a TANK, making my bike a good 7-8 pounds heavier than his. Thanks for your videos, Luis!
Thank you Michael! Great story... I am going to tell my wife that you are more bike crazy than me😂😂😂.
Ride well my friend 👍🏾
Thanks for sharing Sir.Your Boron is superb,I never left steel with a Wilier Columbus EL/os and a Bianchi Columbus Genius that I treasure like you, I have a Daccordi too ! The Carbon let's leave it to those who want high tech.Marco Pantani he has never had a Boron in the race,amateur he had a superb Dosi Columbus EL,after at Carrera the first season he had a steel custom Columbus MAX then quickly on ALTEC aluminum,I saw him with a chrono bike in Genius,his 98 XL evo was in Dedacciai aluminum 7000.On the other hand in 98 some from Mercatone rode on Boron XL evo as Stefano Garzelli,the Carrera Asics team also used the Boron in 98.Thank you for your beautiful presentation and steel forever !!!
Wow! Thank you Jean Paul. That was amazing information you shared. I have always wanted an EL/OS and will own one someday. Congratulations on those wonderful bikes.👍🏾
I am 65 years old now. I crit and triathlon raced my 2000 Bianchi Veloce and 22 years ago I could go on that bike. I have 2004 Bianchi XL carbon, which I took to Italy and Ireland for 5 years, and while I like the bike it nowhere near is as balanced or as comfortable to ride. It does however climb like a scared squirrel. Thanks for the video and nice to know you can replace tubes on steel bikes fairly simply.
Thank you Velocita! Those are great bikes you've owned. Keep enjoying and riding my friend.
I had a Bianchi back in the 70’s and then I had a Bottechia with Columbus tubing and presently ride a Fuji Roubaix with carbon forks and stays and I have a Vitus 979 which is a story in itself! I love your story and always hold Bianchi in high esteem!
Thank you David! I remember those Vitus frames... keep on enjoying that ride.
Love the color scheme of your Bianchi.
Thanks Michael!
I never rode the road bike until I purchased a used Faggin Italian road racing bike, from 1996! Used, and not, in the good condition! Full Shimano 105 groupset,and..the Columbus SL tubing! Imagine my surprise, when I discovered,that steel bike can be almost like overly stiff! My first road bike,and, I decided to turn it into the single speed! Riser handlebars,one speed,and when money allows,a lighter, better set of wheels!
Road racing bikes,are not for me! Drop bars,are not for me, actually,for the first time in like an decade,my neck hurts,my arms are numb,and my back,omg 😱
I own a street attack bike,which is pretty light,I built it from the scrap parts that I had,and that bike feels,and is,a lot more agile,and comfy then Faggin!
Luis,the video was a pleasure to watch!🙂 Greetings from Croatia, Europe 😊
Thanks again KRiS... and thanks for sharing your bike journey! 👍🏾
@@thegoodwheel thank you,for making those awesome videos! 😊
Thanks for your video. I was a proud owner of a Bianchi XL/ Boron 2002? with campy centaur 10 speed. I used it for years then lent it out to a friend. Got it back in a couple of years and then gave it to a young man who was interested in getting into cycling. We turn it into a build project so we could work on it together. If I could find another LX/Boron frame I may build it into my steel bike again.
Way to pay it forward Paul! I love to hear those types of stories. Hope you find one 👍🏾
I have ridden on titanium, aluminum, carbon,combination carbon/aluminum and enjoyed all those rides. But like you, there is something about the feel of steel on the road. Sturdy and compliant on the road. Then again, I don't own just any ordinary steel bike. I have a Colnago Masterlight. LOL.
Lol. Your bar is set high👍🏾
Awesome job buddy!!!! I used to ride and train in Vero Beach, when I was on spring break. Love Florida. Loved the video.
Thank you Edward! Thanks for sharing that and watching
Fab build! Not faster, not lighter, but it rides like a steel bike. No vibration at all. Smooth! You can really get a steel frame down in weight. My Genesis 953 steel racing frame was 8.1kg built up. I rode the same 11-speed super record group set for 7 years. It never missed a beat. New cables and blocks every year!. I have only just parted with it. I switched to Rohloff rear on a steel frame and fork touring setup. It's an 18kg ride. But it will carry a loaded 80 kilos and me.
Thanks Marc! I bet it was tough letting go of that 953... great tubeset.
@@thegoodwheel Yeah. Twas a great bike. I obtained a Thorn Mercury for touring. Removed the racks, use it for everything. I cannot recommend a Rohloff 14 speed enough. There amazing!
👍👍 to steel holding inertia. I live in the midwest, and noticed a while ago that I could descend our rollers faster than guys on aero frames who outweighed me by a lot. The only thing I could chalk it up to was steel not bleeding off speed whenever you stopped pedaling.
Thank for sharing that Stephen!
Thank you for this video and your words and description. Really enjoyed!
Thank you Victor, I am glad you enjoyed it👍🏾
Agree, still loving my Dedacciai sat 14.5 steel Guru road bike from the late 1990s, also with Fulcrum wheels and Campy bits.
Thanks Joseph! Guru's are awesome frames. Enjoy!
I have a ritchey steel road bike and I love that thing, and it’s triple butter so it’s pretty light for steel.
Hi Oxi! Thanks for sharing a bit about your bike. Ritchey definitely makes some of the best steel frames 👍🏾
Love your explanation of steal and enertia
I was lucky enough to ride my friends Vanilla during a high pace group ride, pacing at 22-23mph on the flats and multiple California Highway 1 climbs. Bar none the best frame I've ever ridden, every peddle stroke felt like I was being sprung forward, handled decents like it was glued to the road and soaked up all the chatter. I currently have a Moots Vamoots, Kelly Bonestock and a Colnago C40. I'd take that steel Vanilla frame over any custom Titanium or Carbon frame without hesitation. Sacha at Vanilla Cycles is a wizard. Impossibly long wait list but if you ever have the chance to nab one on the secondary market don't hesitate. Great video. Liked and subscribed.
Thank you Chinaski. That Vanilla sounds like the business! Congrats on your Moots because that is definitely on my short list of future bikes.
@@thegoodwheel You should give The Paceline Forum a chance (If you haven't already) Moots frames and fully built bikes pop up in the Classifieds pretty often. If you're looking for rare frames that forum is probably one of the best resources. It's not uncommon to see Pegoretti's, Crumpton's, Seven's, Lynskeys, SpeedVagen's, Curtlo's, etc for sale. Tons of groupsets and really nice wheelsets. Good pricing, people are highly knowledgeable and very friendly. Just be prepared to spend because that forum is dangerous for bike aficionados!
@@chinaskibukowski7747 thank you. I will definitely check it out
Gorgeous bike that Pinella. Paint job is ace.
Thank you Nelly👍🏾
Excellent video. The free prize at the bottom of the steel (and Ti) bike frame box is the integrated rear derailleur hanger (modern single speed friendly steel frames excepted). Maybe I’m a replaceable derailleur hanger Jonas but I’ve been involved in 5 instances of derailleur separation on aluminum and carbon frames. All resulted in destroyed rear wheels and derailleurs, 2 (carbon) frames ruined (broken seat stays) and three riders hitting the ground when the back wheel STOPPED at speed. Agree 100% with your assessment of steel frame characteristics, love my Colnago Master, Willier Superleggera and Ti LeMond. The replaceable (made to break) derailleur hanger moves carbon and aluminum frames to the fuzzy area at the edge of applicable for the average consumer and 99% of the riders of these bikes have no clue they’re riding a potential time bomb.
Thank you for sharing your experience Marty! A friend recently snapped his derailleur hanger in the middle of a group ride... fortunately did not go down. But it can definitely be catastrophic.
Very nice collection of bikes you have! Enjoy them 👍🏾
The fact that you didn't just bought a bike but got an old busted frame and got it repaired make this bike even more interesting.
I personally like how my steel bike handles and how it rings when going over bumps and transmit informations. I can't say I prefer it over everything else though because I've never ridden carbon or titanium bikes. I've been on a fairly good aluminium bike though and it felt direct and responsive but it didn't speak the same language as my Fuji. Almost like it was muted.
Thanks for watching! This project was actually very therapeutic for me👍🏾
I like how the steel communicates the vibration, sound and song of the road to me. My awesome 42mm Babyshoe pass extra light compass tires are so sweet with my steel frame. The combination of giant tires with high-end materials with low rolling resistance is magic for me. :) I feel like I am riding on clouds with great speed and handling-and a great connection to the road.
Thank you for sharing that StevenR! 👍🏾
Very nice. Look after it. Other boron models have a reputation for cracking
You have good taste in bikes. That Merckx with the Easton components is gorgeous.
Thank you Aidan. It was an amazing ride and gave me some awesome times on the bike.