Comments on: Will Steel Make a Come Back in Mountain Biking?

By: “A randonée is not a race.” · Bakker Bugle Blog

“A randonée is not a race.” · Bakker Bugle Blog — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 08:33:27 +0000

[...] years on forgiving steel with gentle cantilever brakes, I’m going to acquaint myself with an efficient aluminum frame [...]

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:58:20 +0000

I just got an 07′ Jamis Dragon Comp (631 steel, disc brakes) and chose it over a 00′Jamis Dakota (also 631 steel, disc brakes) because I read people complaining that the top tube on the Dakota was too short and the Dragon fixed this problem. The Dragon Pro has 853 steel and people rave about it, but also is more expensive. For the riding most do, the Dragon Comp is fantastic bike for your money. If you are concerned about weight difference, read this article: http://www.smartcycles.com/bike_weight.htm.

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:03:52 +0000

I bought a steel frame 100.00 ebay. Built it up and love it. I run 2.35 tires and disc brakes with a cheap Dart 3 shock. Super fun, tires plus frame take bump edge off.

By: Robert

Robert — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 04:20:35 +0000

I have a 2002 Jamis Exile made from Reynolds alloy and it is fast and comfortable over the rocks. Recently I took it into a shop to work on the headset and some of the techs just aped the bike asking me all sorts of questions and when I mentioned the steel frame, the older tech soundly confirmed it was the better material. So funny an old Jamis attracted so much admiration in a shop full of the latest bikes. When you have a good frame, just get good components for it. The Nashbar frame is now only $199 so I’ve thought about building my son a nice custom bike. I’ve read good reports on the Nashbar frame.

By: DSD

DSD — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 04:59:29 +0000

I have a 2008 Redline D460 – this is a great bike. Sometimes less is more and this bike is all about that. For around $1000 – give or take you just can’t beat this bike.

By: chaz

chaz — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 04:29:35 +0000

Don’t forget the Jamis Dragon! I have a 2003 Jamis Dakota XC, 631 Reynolds that is converted to a singlespeed and weighs somewhere around 21 or 22 lbs. When it was new, they were around 25 lbs. Unfortunately, the Dakotas they currently make are aluminum, some with carbon seat stays. The top of the line Dragon is Reynolds 853 while the cheaper Dragon is 631.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 27 May 2008 05:00:41 +0000

Thanks guys. I am going to ride a couple of these, if I can find them, and I will let you know what happens.

Ryan

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Thu, 22 May 2008 18:46:05 +0000

My first thought was the Bandersnatch but it doesn't come fully built. You're right, I should have recommended it anyway.

By: Lance

Lance — Thu, 22 May 2008 16:14:36 +0000

Umm…Jeremy, you forgot to mention Vassago’s Bandersnatch!

Ryan check out the review. It really is an excellent steel hardtail and is relatively inexpensive.

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Thu, 22 May 2008 04:53:42 +0000

Hey Ryan, I can point you in the right direction. Gary Fisher does make a steel HT 29er in the Ferrous. It's a good bike. But it is not the only steel 29er hardtail complete bike out there. KHS has a bike called the Tucson that we reviewed here last year when it first came out. Click here for the link. Of the races I've been to, I happen to see a couple of them out there on the course. If your willing to try rigid, then I'd recommend the Redline d460. Lastly, Raleigh has a steel 29er called the XXIX+G. Happy bike hunting!