Bike porn

Why pay an substantial premuim for a super light wheelset only to have it weighed down by a steel frame?

Looks nice though, just a bit confused.

Because the extra say 900g that a steel frame might weigh, is'nt that noticable as it is static weight. In fact the benefits of the frame custom made by Feather, fastboy etc. could quite possibly outweigh this (OK you can get custom in any material, but steel is by far the easiest, for this option). Consider how your bike feels with full bidons, compared to empty. However losing a couple 100 grams off a wheelset is very noticable.

I think carbon rims look great on steel frames not necessary but this is a porn thread

Asthetically, I feel its hit or miss. The wheel chioce on the fastboy is defo a hit.

Asthetically, I feel its hit or miss. The wheel chioce on the fastboy is defo a hit.
yep looks great but the saddle reminds me of a bench clothing

On the steel road bike theme. Some unglamorous, yet nice, bikes.

and.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pwadsworth/635678542/sizes/z/in/photostream/

Or even this lovely IF;

Steel is 1970s technology.

i can't find any problem with a steel frame with corbon wheel(s)
i rode mine singlespeed (columbus steel frame with HED carbon wheels) for 60km and i loved it.
The only thing i notice with carbon wheels (at least the HED ones) is that the bike became instable with side wind.
The look of it is very subjective (in my opinium)

i love that "english" one ;)

Why pay an substantial premuim for a super light wheelset only to have it weighed down by a steel frame?

Looks nice though, just a bit confused.

As people have said, it's not much of a weight penalty, particularly once you have a modern carbon fork on it (as the Feather and the other recently posted steel road bikes have). And the high-end steel tubesets are pretty light these days.

Expensive carbon rims on an 80s steel bike with steel forks would be a bit self-defeating though, sure.

Steel is 1970s technology.

Rubix cubes also

Steel is 1970s technology.

steel is a fantastic material. 70s or not.

It is, for wheelbarrows.

It is, for wheelbarrows.

Bollocks. It produces proper performance machines.

I doubt the steel frame is heavy as you described it to be, for instance, this is 6.04kg;
This is 7.5kg;
I'm sure the owner have a reason to choose a steel frame over the alternative...

That fast boy frame is never as light as those. The ones you have pictured are compact frames with a tight geo.

I'm all for steel being used to build frames, those wheels just make more sense on a carbon frame.
Whatever.. it probably rides really well, if a bit pricey.

Cheaper than a custom carbon/titanium actually.

I'd call you on that (given that it's a fast boy) but I cannot be bothered (and I should probably do some work).

Found on American eBay. http://cgi.ebay.com/NOS-Vintage-AIRLITE-Track-Bike-Hub-Fixed-Gear-Bicycle-/380319672315?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item588cd1a7fb

Now this I Love! Not particularly to look at, but I just love the fact it has Rotor guards. A friend of mine ran a disc brake on his polo bike. I thought it was a great idea at first......until a mallet hit it and bent it like a pretzel.

Why pay an substantial premuim for a super light wheelset only to have it weighed down by a steel frame?

Most carbon wheels aren't that light; you can get down to 1200g for aluminium clinchers or 1000g for tubulars, so the advantage of carbon rims for weight weenies is very small even if that is the main selection criterion. However, there are no aluminium rimmed wheels which get close to Zipp 404s, let alone 808s, in terms of aerodynamics, and the gap is more than enough to make up for the 500g-1000g weight penalty of a steel frame. If you are racing on a limited budget, it's better to get the most aerodynamic wheels you can afford even if that means mounting them on a second hand 531 frame.

i am seriously wanting this at the moment :

is this worthy?

Yes.

That is one sweet looking bike. Belt drive too, loving the colourway and most things about it. Win. Something else to covet.

If you are racing on a limited budget, it's better to get the most aerodynamic wheels you can afford even if that means mounting them on a second hand 531 frame.

MDCC, this statement of yours made me think of the following hypothetical situation:
Say I want to start racing, I have an average 80s roadbike and I'm looking to make it faster. What would be the single most cost-effective upgrade that I should make? Lighter wheels? More aerodynamic wheels? STI style integrated brake/shifters?