Info on "Spirit SA" tubing?

Hi all,

Just kind of a curiosity question here. I am having a new frame built up by a local builder. Tubing type is not particularly important to me at this point. I trust the builder and I'm sure the bike will be lovely. What is curious to me however is that they say this particular frame is made with a special tubeset called "Spirit SA", which they imply is offered to them exclusively by Columbus. I have tried my best to dig up any info on this, but literally the only hits I can get with Google point me right back to the builder's webpage and the blurb on this particular frame.

Now I'm fairly certain it is simply Spirit HSS, which is fine by me. But, I have to say, I am curious as to what this Spirit SA designation refers to. I've emailed Columbus with no luck. My frame will be done this week so I may also pose the question to the salesperson at the shop.

Anyone heard of Spirit SA tubing?

Thanks!

Not heard of that. Broadly speaking, there are two designations of Spirit. one for lugs, and one for TIG. They have different butt profiles and thicknesses, and I think there are some different cross-section shapes available in TIG.

Yeah, like yourself I was aware of those differences. This is for TIG. There's also the HSS stuff which is an oversized tube, tapered headtube, etc, and is listed in the catalogue.

Absolutely no mention of an "SA" variant in the catalogue though. Hence my curiosity!

What does the framebuilder say?

Haven't asked them yet. It's not a one man show and the salesperson who did the fitting didn't have much knowledge as far as tube intricacies go. I was hoping Columbus would weigh in, but I haven't heard back from them. Not pursuing this real hard anyway, was more of a curiosity thing.

Well, just took receipt of the frame (she's a beaut!) and the sticker says Spirit HSS.

Pics? :)

I was too excited to start building it up to snap any progress pics. I'll break out the camera this weekend for a proper shoot. :D

I didn't forget about you! Nearly a year later I've finally taken some pics!

https://imgur.com/a/o8oodM1

Cheers!