Steel frame recommendations

[Whipry]

Hello,

I have been thinking about an Italian steel frame for a while and I am undecided between a classic style or a more contemporary style (may be more versatile and easier to ride). May be classic and contemporary are not the best word to use but I have been looking mostly at Tommasini Techno or Zullo Vergine. I guess they would ride and handle differently. Has anyone got any experience with either or any feedback.
Thank you

[minhyy]

I can't speak on either frame as my closest experience is a late-80s Tommasini Super Prestige, but both frames are fairly unfussy in terms of part compatibility. Older/vintage Tecnos will have a 1" threaded fork, which will necessitate quill stems and results in a bit more fuss changing cockpits if needed. While its current version and the Zullo Vergine will be more straightforward with the threadless stem setup.

Beyond that, the different tubing and geometry is dependent on what sort of ride quality you are looking for.

[Whipry]

Thank you for the feedback. I am just afraid that the techno or similar style will be a bit of a show bike something like those classic cars that come out only on special occasion but not really practical for everyday use. Not planning to commute with the bike but looking for a fairly comfortable frame as I am not a spring chicken anymore so not looking for a racing bike but something that can be used for the coffee ride or something a bit more challenging when I feel like. Mostly I ride in Sydney (the usual routs Waterfall, RNP, Kurnel.... depends on the day).
Thanks again

[nickobec]

I am just afraid that the techno or similar style will be a bit of a show bike something like those classic cars that come out only on special occasion but not really practical for everyday use. ....

I would disagree, with modern running gear a classic steel frame is as practical as any other bike.

I have a late Columbus SLX aero Flanders (Belgian brand) frame probably from the late 80s and made in Italy by Technotrat.

I have it set up with modern running gear, SRAM red groupset, DT Swiss wheelset with tubeless 25mm Schwable One though it is still has a quill stem and classic Cinelli bars. In theory it is a Sunday best bike, but it is used for everything, coffee shop rides, bunch rides (fast and slow), hills ride (including where does that gravel track go adventures), solo training rides, commutes (but they are 40km+ with 32km of almost uninterrupted bike path) and even been raced.

I have a few bikes, including a slightly newer steel as well as carbon frames, but usually only ride two, the Flanders and an alloy Canyon Ultimate which set up as a crit bike (fast and twitchy) and the choice is usually my mood and a little of where are we riding today.

[Thoglette]

I would disagree, with modern running gear a classic steel frame is as practical as any other bike.

And “modern” in this context, is anything after the arrival of 8sp hyperglide and dual pivot brakes. (Plus or minus a bit. And yes I’d throw on a “touring” derailleur so I can stuff a 30t cog on there)

[vbplease]

I have a late Columbus SLX aero Flanders (Belgian brand) frame probably from the late 80s and made in Italy by Technotrat.

I have it set up with modern running gear, SRAM red groupset, DT Swiss wheelset with tubeless 25mm Schwable One though it is still has a quill stem and classic Cinelli bars.

Can you post a pic? That sounds really cool

[P!N20]

While I wouldn't try to talk anyone out of buying a Tommasini, I'm wondering if you've considered a custom steel frame from a local framebuilder? While you might not get the classic Italian heritage, you'll get a made to measure frame with everything where you want it and options aplenty.

Just have a scroll through the Handmade Bicycle Show list: http://www.handmadebicycleshow.cc/the-makers

[MichaelB]

Just have a scroll through the Handmade Bicycle Show list: http://www.handmadebicycleshow.cc/the-makers

There are some that aren’t on there, with one being Darrell who is making my Llewellyn Discus Colussus

[P!N20]

There are some that aren’t on there, with one being Darrell who is making my Llewellyn Discus Colussus

I thought you were shooting for the Last Llewellyn Ever Made™

[MichaelB]

There are some that aren’t on there, with one being Darrell who is making my Llewellyn Discus Colussus

I thought you were shooting for the Last Llewellyn Ever Made™

Not quite last, but think it will be close to the end. Seemingly starting to suffer from bursitis in some joints, hence slowing down on the super polished jobbies, but mine will be fine


Prova was probably the #2 pick. Love the carbon seat tubes

[nickobec]

Can you post a pic? That sounds really cool

From a couple years ago, now with different wheel set, seat post, bottle cages and an out front mount for the wahoo

cost me with a NOS frame, lightly used group set, wheel set and new power meter less than a new Tommasini frame.

[P!N20]

You didn't happen to 'borrow' that from your neighbour per chance?

[Whipry]

Thank you everyone for the feedback and suggestions......more food for thoughts. I will have a look at the local frame builders. Cheers

[baabaa]

And maybe look at Japanese frames or full bikes as well...example, panasonic still make high quality steel

https://cycle.panasonic.com/products/pos/custom_order/

[Thoglette]

And maybe look at Japanese frames or full bikes as well...example, panasonic still make high quality steel

Jolly good thought, oh wooly one!

And there's a range of shops that export all over the world and have English versions of their webpages. Haven't used anyone recently enough to recommend anyone. Y75,000 to Y150,000 for Panasonic frames =~$900 to $1800 AU + shipping + GST

[Tim]

And maybe look at Japanese frames or full bikes as well...example, panasonic still make high quality steel

Jolly good thought, oh wooly one!

And there's a range of shops that export all over the world and have English versions of their webpages. Haven't used anyone recently enough to recommend anyone. Y75,000 to Y150,000 for Panasonic frames =~$900 to $1800 AU + shipping + GST

I wish I hadn't read this post.
Modern lugged Tange tubing, Campag parts. My heart is racing. I feel an irresistible urge.
http://www.yasujirobike.com/product_list.php?sn=1

[caneye]

Japanese steel?
how about Cherubim?

https://cyclingtips.com/2018/08/bikes-o ... -cherubim/

http://www.cherubim.jp/bikes/

[nemo57]

https://www.gordonhillbikeframes.com/

[MichaelB]

Hmmmm, tasty ....

https://cyclingtips.com/2021/05/gallery ... -part-one/

[sonatine]

Been looking to get a steel frame myself, and currently looking at Cinelli Vigorelli road disc.
Does anyone know where to get it from? Any local Aus shop?

[Whipry]

Hi Sonatine, came across this wholesaler today https://www.bespokeimports.com.au/ they may point you in the right direction. Cheers

[10speedsemiracer]

https://www.gordonhillbikeframes.com/

I would also suggest a custom frame by Gordon Hill. He'll make you a frame that will do whatever you want.

Qualifier, I do not have a current era Hillman frame. I prefer his earlier albums, of which I now have two ..

One of them is getting the full restomod treatment after I ditched the 105 7sp. The other one, I'm not sure on just yet. Maybe an era correct resto with SunTour 7s Accu-Shift ...

[Tim]

Very, very happy with my Hillman custom build.
Racked up over 5K on her. Smooth, comfortable, beautiful handling and Gordon has been a pleasure to do business with.
Highly recommend.
(I have since shortened the steerer and gone all black spacers)

[warthog1]

Nice

Did I hear, "Tim, get that bloody bike out of the loungeroom!", though?

[Tim]

Did I hear, "Tim, get that bloody bike out of the loungeroom!", though?

All on my lonesome these days.
I have bikes in the loungeroom, bedroom, study and laundry.
Anywhere I like. Bachelordom has at least one advantage.