Steel Bikes for Audax

[Bottom Bracket No1]

Ere, I've got a question I have been wondering about, why are steel vintage bikes preferred for Audax rides.

 

[biggs682]

Ere, I've got a question I have been wondering about, why are steel vintage bikes preferred for Audax rides.

Some of us only use steel bikes for loads of reasons

 

[ianrauk]

I see very few vintage steel bikes these days on Audax. Mostly of the Carbon variety now.

 

[si_c]

Steel has a very nice ride to it, really comfortable and it just looks right to a lot of people in terms of the shape and general look of the bike is concerned. And it's not even that much heavier than Alu or Carbon once you factor in luggage and rider.

That being said, vintage bikes are harder to maintain, they often come with awkward non standard sizings for a lot of their fittings and sourcing replacement parts can be expensive. I love steel, but I've only got one vintage steel bike left - and that needs a frame repair before it's rideable again - simply because for day to day riding it's easier and more cost effective to have a modern bike.

Edit: I also meant to say that modern steel bikes have none of the problems of vintage steel, but end up a little too pornographic - just look at some of the bikes at a handbuilt bike show for the things that are being done. I keep an eye on Feather cycles as he does some gorgeous bikes.

 

[Heltor Chasca]

Still lots round these parts my luvver. They ‘look the part’, are comfortable, affordable and match Carradice saddlebags like no other machine out there.

I did my first Audax ‘way back’ in 2016 and could barely leave the départ due to dehydration, such was the amount of drooling I managed all over the steel bikes on show.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I don't think it is. I've seen all kinds of bikes, but generally they are modern. Of all kinds of materials, carbon, Alu, Ti, steel. You do see the occasional vintage bike, but I'd hardly call that "preferred".

I ride a modern steel bike btw, but I'm not much of an audaxer (not managed a single one this year).

 

[MichaelW2]

Traditional steel bikes made in a good racing grade steel such a Reynolds 531 are reasonably lightweight, and not overly stiff compared to modern fatter tubes frames. You need stiffness to resist your maximum force which for a sprinter can be considerable. For endurance rides and day tourists the forces on the bike are much lower.
Aluminium frames need to resist bending for a long lifespan are made stiffer.
Old steel has a comfortable ride for non agressive riders with a pleasant amount of feedback at a reasonable price. You need to ensure that the frame is dimensioned for available bottom brackets and pref 700c rather than 27" wheels.

 

[raleighnut]

Steel is just so much nicer

why are steel vintage bikes preferred for Audax rides

Define 'vintage' or do you mean 'old looking'

 

[Milkfloat]

30-40 years ago when the typical Audax rider was in their prime steel was their only option. People stick with what they know and then newcomers follow those before them. I only do 3 or 4 Audaxes a year and I see more and more aluminium and carbon bikes even ridden by the oldies. I am yet to see sandals on carbon with a carradice though

 

[Drago]

These old steel framed bikes actually set off 40 or more years ago, and are only now arriving at their destination.

 

[Dogtrousers]

Define 'vintage' or do you mean 'old looking'

Good point. My bike is 6 years old, Shimano 105 transmission, rim brakes, 105 hubs with Mavic OpenPro rims, FSA stem, er ... forgotten what headset, Carbon fork, Reynolds 725 steel frame. A jolly modern bike until you get to the last bit and you may be tempted to say "ah, skinny tubes. It's a vintage bike".

It used to be fairly lightweight too, but then I stuck a rack made out of depleted uranium on it, heavy puncture resistant tyres and then, even worse, I sat on it. Result: No longer lightweight at all.

 

[Ian H]

They're preferred by some people who ride audax events. I have a couple of Ti frames & a shiny new steel one. I'm not committed to any particular material or age for a bike.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

for day to day riding it's easier and more cost effective to have a modern bike..

I beg to differ. All my bikes are what many would consider as "vintage", and I don't see anything particularly onerous about applying some grease to the various ball bearings or giving the chain and cables a squirt of oil - because that's pretty much all I do to keep mine running nicely.
As for cost-effectiveness, I'll believe that argument when someone shows me a modern bike of better quality and lower price than the £30 I've just spent on a fully functional Reynolds 531 machine which looks to be barely run in at 34 years old!

 

[roubaixtuesday]

They're preferred by some people who ride audax events. I have a couple of Ti frames & a shiny new steel one. I'm not committed to any particular material or age for a bike.

View attachment 485944

Very nice.

Is your rear end polished stainless or chromed if you doubt mind my asking?

 

[Ian H]

Very nice.

Is your rear end polished stainless or chromed if you doubt mind my asking?

Assuming you're still talking about the bike, forks and rear triangle are KVA stainless. The main frame is Columbus something or other, Richard has the frame stickers to affix when I next see him.