Columbus XCR vs Spirirt

[Notso Swift]

OK looking at getting a bike built
Considering these two materials, can anyone give me some of the benefits of one over the other?

And don't say one is stainless!

(Seriously, all though I ride in most conditions rust isn't a real issue around here, the frame maker coats the frames inside and out and my bike lives inside where it can dry off)

 

[LugHugger]

I have a custom Spirit frame and, as you say, if the tubes are treated regularly you should have no problems.

One thing which I would highlight is your dropouts. If your frame is your main bike and you're swapping out the rear wheel 3-4 times week like me (swapping wheels for the turbo, driving to events, etc), I would recommend having an XCR plug-in dropout fitted. A painted non-stainless dropout out will chip after multiple wheel changes.

Oh, and make sure that you remember to fit a chain stay protector!

Other than that, Spirit is an impeccable handling set of tubes. I cannot believe the ride quality for the price that I paid (approx. AU$1250 at current roe).

 

[Fiemme]

Not sure about the difference between the columbus tubes, But the Reynolds 953 is a seam welded tube, not formed from a billet like 853.
The stainless tubes are almost impossible to cold set once welded or brazed and almost impossible to drill and tap once heated. If the stainless tubes are not jigged correctly when welded or brazed they will have a tendancy to crack at the seam. (This may take a few years depending on the tolerance inaccuracy).

The XCR & 953 is referred to as a Martensitic Stainless Steel. This is a steel that can be hardened by a heat process but is less resistance to corrosion. I would recommend painting the frame as corrosion will occur. However try and get 316 or 304 Stainless Steel Rear Drop outs, Brake Bridge and Front Deraileur hanger and do not paint them. This will eliminate chiped paint issues.

If you decide on the XCR make sure you are buying it from a builder with alot of experience. If not built correctly you could end up with a lot of problems in the future. Considering the price you will pay for an XCR Custom Build the last thing you would want is a problem.

 

[Notso Swift]

Thanks guys, we are talking bout a $250 difference, so it isn't a heap and the XCR does come in a little lighter (100grams, so not significant)
Seems here are no downsides to XCR if the quality is up to it, so may as well go that direction. It will be painted, but most of it will be in clear coat so you can still see it, cause I want to show it off
Yes,I know that is one of the 7 deadly sins!

(approx. AU$1250 at current roe).

Is that a builder?

If you decide on the XCR make sure you are buying it from a builder with alot of experience. If not built correctly you could end up with a lot of problems in the future. Considering the price you will pay for an XCR Custom Build the last thing you would want is a problem.

That isn't an issue here, they are world renowned, 30 + years with suitable support and warranty

 

[LugHugger]

My frame was made by Mark at Enigma in the UK. Presumably you're going with Baum or Llewellyn - either way you're getting a corker!

 

[Fiemme]

With +30 years of experience i'm guessing Cecil Walker or Paconi.

Have a look at my album. I've been making frames for about 5 years in Western Sydney. I work full time so the frame building is a bit of a weekend hobby.

PM me if you would like more details.

 

[Notso Swift]

unfortunately Cecil Walker a shadow of what they use to be. my first real bike was one of theirs. 531"P" metallic white (we didn't have "Pearl" back then!) with chrome stays and forks

Anyway, not a local, it is a Cyfac, better know for custom carbon but the guy (there is only one!) who does the steel frames has done more than one grand tour winning bike... so quality shall be up to it!

 

[Fiemme]

Please post an image when its complete. Will be looking forward to seeing what it looks like.

 

[Notso Swift]

I most surely will I am excited about the finish, it will not be orginal, but it will be different to 99.99% of the bikes in the bunch

 

[Fiemme]

If your interested i have uploaded some of the I have built on Flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51534746@N07/

 

[usedtobefast]

If your interested i have uploaded some of the I have built on Flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51534746@N07/

nice work....

 

[Notso Swift]

+1, sweet

The Purple is strangely intoxicating

 

[Fiemme]

Thanks for the comments, much appreciated.

 

[Benotti69]

If your interested i have uploaded some of the I have built on Flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/51534746@N07/

nice bikes but please can please you photograph them far away from the back ground on a long lens, a 200mm as the back ground out of focus will make the bikes easier to see and show them the best way

get a simple metal stand made that can be uses to hold the bike on the side behind the frame at the BB and rear stay.

otherwise by a simple big white sheet of paper and tape it to the garage or wall and leave about a meter on the ground.

 

[Fiemme]

Thanks for the photographic advise. I'm assuming your a bit of a professional photographer.

 

[Fiemme]

Sorry to NotsoSwift. I seem to have hijacked your thread.
What was it about again XCR and Spirit?
By the way had a look at Cyfac's website that XCR looks like quite alot of work being mirror polished and all.
Bit of Bling factor in the Sunday Bunch ride.

 

[LugHugger]

Sorry to NotsoSwift. I seem to have hijacked your thread.
What was it about again XCR and Spirit?
By the way had a look at Cyfac's website that XCR looks like quite alot of work being mirror polished and all.
Bit of Bling factor in the Sunday Bunch ride.

I'm not a fan of high polish either, be it steel , aluminium or titanium. if it was my bike i'd paint the main triangle and bead blast the stays. Enjoy the ride!

 

[Notso Swift]

Sunday's at the Church of the Big Ring
We race

It is catually clear coated as well, and mine will be a variation on that with a bit of tricolour pinstriping