Is steel really real?

davidj · Dec 20, 2015

I have a great opportunity to get an On-One Inbred 26 frame at a STEEL (see what I did there

) of a price.

Problem is it weighs half as much again as my 1997 Coyote HT3 it will replace. The Coyote is rewarding to ride and very responsive, the only reason i am considering a swap is because the Inbred isn't a great deal more than a powder coat and new graphics for my Coyote.

So is the weight penalty and effort sapping frame flex of 2015 steely a worthwhile upgrade over a Easton framed 1997 stiffy.

I haven't ridden a steel framed bike for over 30 years, so any help appreciated.

The History Man · Dec 20, 2015

Yes. Could all be in the mind. But, I have both in 29 and 26 and road in the last year and prefer the steel. I'm a larger chap and maybe that makes absorption more obvious. Give it a try.

606 · Dec 20, 2015

I wouldn't recommend an Inbred as a quality steel frame.

davidj · Dec 20, 2015

606":3e2n9blj said:
I wouldn't recommend an Inbred as a quality steel frame.

Any particular reason? I was under the impression that the On One frames were well regarded for mass produced items.

EDIT: It won't take much to persuade me to keep my Coyote..

RobMac · Dec 20, 2015

606":1cml989s said:
I wouldn't recommend an Inbred as a quality steel frame.

I wouldn't call the Inbred a high quality frame but for the money it's pretty good.
But then again I'm comparing it with my 853 S/S frame which fits like a glove and
its a brilliant ride. It's the rim brake model BTW.

And in answer to the OP original question "Is steel really real?" Absolutely YES!
Most of my rides are steel but I do have alloy, Ti and carbon. And I've just bought another 853 frame.

RobMac · Dec 20, 2015

Re:

Is the HT3 the one with the square rear end, that must be a bit jarring being alloy as well.
No offence but if you offered me a loan of your Coyote or your Inbred you know which one I'd take :?

Bultaco370 · Dec 20, 2015

davidj":33axd3u6 said:
606":33axd3u6 said:

I wouldn't recommend an Inbred as a quality steel frame.

Click to expand...

Any particular reason? I was under the impression that the On One frames were well regarded for mass produced items.

EDIT: It won't take much to persuade me to keep my Coyote..

It is the same old story, you get what you pay for. As has been mentioned, it is a cheap mass produced frame.

Having said this, steel is still an excellent material for a bike frame, and the On One frame will do the job and last for years, but if you are expecting a cheap frame to perform like a £1000 frame then you are likely to be disappointed.

cce · Dec 20, 2015

Geometry matters far more than materials at the end of the day....

davidj · Dec 20, 2015

Re:

To clarify RobMac, an 853 is an On One Inbred single Speed? Is that 26 or 29? Do you notice the weight penalty and what type of riding do you do? I am mostly tarmac and cycle tracks so Alloy frames are not so punishing to me.

I can get a new Inbred 26 for £100 with the finish and size of my choice, I have till the end of this month to commit.

Yes my Coyote has the square rear tubes, not bothered me for the last 18 years though

davidj · Dec 20, 2015

Bultaco370":35gdregd said:
Having said this, steel is still an excellent material for a bike frame, and the On One frame will do the job and last for years, but if you are expecting a cheap frame to perform like a £1000 frame then you are likely to be disappointed.

I dont race, I typically ride solo, I don't need to compete - at all. I just want a bike that makes me want to ride it - my Coyote has done 1600 miles since May this year (My other bikes add to this total). Will a steely motivate me to more miles, will a On One Inbred be that steely?

I have three bikes, I had three bikes in 2000, I do not need four! Tomorrow I am going to cycle to Planet X in Worsborough and check out the Inbred.

Is steel really real?

davidj

Senior Retro Guru

The History Man

606

Retro Guru

davidj

Senior Retro Guru

RobMac

RobMac

Bultaco370

Retro Guru

cce

davidj

Senior Retro Guru

davidj

Senior Retro Guru

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