Lightest Steel Frame?

[PanoIgano]

I have an ishiwata 015 frame which is noticeably lighter than any of my other frames (and it’s a 22.5” build)

@D N Stone Got any pictures of this by any chance?

 

[D N Stone]

@D N Stone Got any pictures of this by any chance?

Some pictures earlier in the thread

 

[Canuk]

These guys from Weapon are making nice lightweight steel frames. It doesn't say what brand of tube it is, but if triple butted probably Tange at 1500gr.

https://weaponbicycle.com/product/weapon-tc03-lightweight-steel-track-frame-steel/

 

[Canuk]

I'm very surprised there are no UK or European builders adopting the Tange Ultimate tube set - surely a viable competitor to fragile Carbon construction.

Maybe it's not in the retail chain yet and still in 'development', I can't see it in any frame tube distribution channels, not even in China who are generally way ahead of the curve on new build tech. I'd definitely buy one if there was a straight choice between a plastic frame with dubious durability and an all steel Tange at 1200gr...

I'll get me coat...

 

[Canuk]

Following on from the Columbus tubing thread, I've recently picked up Columbus Spirit tubed Italian frame for next years day to day build. With chrome chainstays it's 1550gr with no bits on it, 54cm. Which is about the lightest steel frame I've ever owned except for a Lemond 853 (1483gr) but that was teeny at 50cm.

What's your lightest steel ride? I'm hoping to build this into a sub 17lbs road bike with full carbon fork.

I've got a Columbus spirit Carrera frame, it's stupid light at 1530gr, AND a full chrome rear triangle. I didn't think much of it at first till I built it up and then, wow! A real joy to ride also with a bespoke decor paint finish. Makes you wonder what a bare unpainted frame would weigh in at, 1300-1350gr? That average full carbon territory

 

[bikeworkshop]

These guys from Weapon are making nice lightweight steel frames. It doesn't say what brand of tube it is, but if triple butted probably Tange at 1500gr.

https://weaponbicycle.com/product/weapon-tc03-lightweight-steel-track-frame-steel/

Awful name

Most modern frame developments are for carbon fibre not steel, so once you build it up with internal cables, tapered fork, aero seatpost, through axles, flat-mount disc tabs, push-fit or os bb, it's starting to look a bit odd, but costing quite a bit more to make than a traditional setup.

Many of these features will have moved on in a decade, making the design a mockery of longevity - the market is therefore quite small.

Small, but not non- existent.
But small makes it expensive too.