Classic steel

[Elev12k]

And I can think of bikes not present that beat the crap out pretty much everything in that list. For example the Panasonic MC Team I mentioned before ...or what to think of a WTB Phoenix :roll:

 

[cchris2lou]

the list has reached a point where all steel bikes are mentioned .

 

[al]

This may get very complicated!

This whole thread is subjective, there are dozens of bikes i wouldn't give you jack for!
Don't mean they are bad,just not my thang baby!!

Saying this is getting complicated i think there is definately a first and second division.
But what the hell do i know! :?
The other thing is for what its worth, bikes are like music! (bloody hell he's going on one again) my favourates change. One day boyzone the next Extreme noise terror!

I'll shut it now.

Al, Still on the slide (cos i'm not allowed on the swings)

 

[Elev12k]

Subjective ...probably to some extend. Understanding of quality is susposed to be not 100% subjective I would say.

 

[Crell]

the list has reached a point where all steel bikes are mentioned .

Which is where it was heading from the outset with the question posed in the way it was.

No-one can say they didn't see that coming.

 

[Err]

If folks aren't careful this is just going to turn into a list of every steel framed bike ever made. :?

Thats what I was thinking :? come on there must be some dodgy entries?

Might be worth trying to sort it into two groups, good and great, or volume maker vs small maker, or taiwan vs USA or Tig vs Brazed ...

Rather you than me, seems like endless argument material

 

[kaiser]

the list has reached a point where all steel bikes are mentioned .

Which is where it was heading from the outset with the question posed in the way it was.

No-one can say they didn't see that coming.

True, though I was hoping folks would be a bit more critical of some entries. A thread about cars which mentioned a maestro created more debate :roll: .TBH I think half them could probably be culled, good yes classic no.

 

[al]

Go on then, stick the boot in! i tried, in my own small way.

Al,

 

[doctor-bond]

Got to have some criteria to separate wheat from chaff; each nomination has to have a reason over and above 'I've got one and really like it':

So ...

1. Winners: frames that have won races (or come close)

2. Custom with a claim: e.g. what is it about a Potts or Roberts that makes them so spesh?

3. Important innovations: superlight? awesome detail? clever stays? wowy geometry?

4. Industry Icons: they might not be race winners but they set the standard for what the people bought: Stumpjumper? Bridgestone?

5. Yeoman marvels: beer-money bikes that punch their way to iconic status. Be prepared to make a good argument.

Agree the rules and then let the games commence ...

 

[Crell]

OK, without wanting to get in to categories; and playing devils advocate with a big stirring stick, here's my take on a long list.

Salsa a la Carte
Bontrager OR or RL, less so the Race
Mountain Goat WTR
Ibis Mojo
Ritchey P whatever
Fat Chance Yo Eddy
Yeti FRO / Ultimate
Steve Potts
Serotta T-Max
Breezer
Stumpjumper / Rockhopper

Brodie
RM Blizzard / Alttitude
Off Road Toad
Kona Explosif
DeKerf

MF Courier
Orange Clockwork
Zinn 753
Roberts Dogs Bolx (which led Yates and Lloyd to follow with their own interpretations)


...For me that's a long list of what were "lusted after" steel bikes from the US, Canada and the UK that were available / marketed in the UK (I should knock Potts off on those grounds). I've also added a couple of "market makers" (the MF Courier, Specializeds, Kona and Clockwork) from the mid 80s to roughly 94 (the period I like, so I'm being biased).

There are lots of other good bikes in that period, but using that monster list as a starter, here's a refined one for you to take apart

and look - no Fuquay Max :shock: