Lightest Steel Frame?

[doctor-bond]

There is a sub 7kg Merckx MXL Leader on weight weenies (looks to be c. 55cm). Frame is 1920g. The MXL in Columbus Max is arguably the best *steel* racing frame in terms of weight, handling, stiffness. Interesting that the difference between that and super lights is only 200 - 300g. Half a bidon or skipping lunch.

*edit

 

[Canuk]

I just can't get my head around how they got a Tange Ultimate tubeset built into a frame at 1250gr? It's lugless, and the seat stay arrangement and drop outs are minimalist, but that's an incredible job.

 

[Canuk]

I remember meeting Graeme Obree once at a ln event at the Velodrome in Manchester and discussing frame building and he was very proud of building a 1400gr road frame it is 853, but how to shift another 150gr...?

That's average carbon frame weight territory.

 

[PanoIgano]

Hi @doctor-bond, I don't suppose you mean this one: https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=144985

Cause for this the frame is 2179gs and the fork 472g. It also looks bigger than 56. I would say at least 60.

If that's not the one, out of curiosity, can you share the link of the one you mean?

 

[PanoIgano]

I just can't get my head around how they got a Tange Ultimate tubeset built into a frame at 1250gr? It's lugless, and the seat stay arrangement and drop outs are minimalist, but that's an incredible job.

Wow!

I know Tange Ultimate to have gone down to some very thin heat treated tubesets to achive this. But I never thought they were below 1400gs. I guess this also depends on the size of the frame. I could see a 50cm frame being that light.

Anyhow, would you have a picture or link of the model you refer to?

 

[Canuk]

Wow!

I know Tange Ultimate to have gone down to some very thin heat treated tubesets to achive this. But I never thought they were below 1400gs. I guess this also depends on the size of the frame. I could see a 50cm frame being that light.

Anyhow, would you have a picture or link of the model you refer to?

Hi, it's upthread. It's Japanese of course and I believe it's a 53cm.

 

[Canuk]

This one!

 

[PanoIgano]

This one!

Oh OK Jasujiro is the first name of Tange I believe, the founder of the company itself. Tange now produces frames under this name. Really stunning stuff as you would expect from Japanese manufacturers.

 

[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 would love to see pictures of it if you have

 

[doctor-bond]

Oops. Muffed the quotes.