BlueJays
journeyman
Reged: 09/21/07
Posts: 69
Loc: United States
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Anybody heard any new scuttlebutt on when Tom Kellogg and Jeff Duser might offer their interpretation of a virtually-stainless Reynolds 953 frameset to the market? It would be a sight to behold since it could be left bare or simply finished in clearcoat like titanium. The performance of this new steel sounds great.
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Tom_Kellogg
journeyman
Reged: 12/22/03
Posts: 67
Loc: Lehigh County, Pa.
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I was kind' hoping that this topic wouldn't come up. I have spoken with MANY folks about 953 since it was first announced a couple of years back. I even had about ten guys ask me this year at Vegas. Anyway, here is the short version...
It is very unlikely that we will be building with 953. Below, please fine a few reasons that apply to us, although not to all other builders;
Although the 953 main tubes are drawn in reasonable gauges and butt lengths for a significant portion of our custom customers, We can get non-953 tubing that will replicate the weight and feel of those tubes on almost any street corner.
The 953 chain stays and seat stays are not as good (functionally) as the ones that we do use. Our chain stays are custom drawn Reynolds 531 stays that we had them mill for us a number of years ago. There simply aren't any other steel chain stays out there that work as well in the real world.
The fact that 953 is practically stainless steel really does nothing for us. Since we don't weld our frames, we still would have the problem of corroding silver solder and bronze on our frames if we didn't paint them.
Along with the issue of the molecular structure of 953 ... it IS very strong stuff. In the real world of bicycles, the only advantage that 953 gives a rider is that it will hold up better in a crash than most other tubing ... all other things being equal. And there is the crux of the issue. Since 953 is really very thin tubing, it is tough for its weight, but it is not very tough.
And of course, that means that is does not make a very ridged frame. For its weight it feels just like any other steel frame, but it does not work as well as most steel frames that might be a couple of ounces heavier.
I guess that I am just too practical.
--------------------
Tom Kellogg
Spectrum Cycles
610-398-1986
http://spectrum-cycles.com/
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BlueJays
journeyman
Reged: 09/21/07
Posts: 69
Loc: United States
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Sounds like a solid, detailed, and well-considered explanation to me! Most people taking the extra steps of a customized steel frame would probably welcome the extra couple of ounces as a sound investment in greater reliability, durability, and tractability.
My impression was that 953 was some sort of wild uber-metal that was setting the world on fire. Thanks for presenting the real-world facts. That is why Spectrum has lots of return customers!
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blueboy
friend
Reged: 12/25/04
Posts: 28
Loc: Georgia
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I agree; That's why I'm having Tom & Jeff build me another steel frame to carry me through the next 15 to 20 years. I finally got to meet Tom & Jeff in person back in May and it was a great experience.
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Tom_Kellogg
journeyman
Reged: 12/22/03
Posts: 67
Loc: Lehigh County, Pa.
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Blueboy:
By the way, we shipped your frame a couple of days ago and UPS indicates that it is on the little brown truck on it's way to your door TODAY! Merry Christmas! 
Tom
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Tom Kellogg
Spectrum Cycles
610-398-1986
http://spectrum-cycles.com/
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BlueJays
journeyman
Reged: 09/21/07
Posts: 69
Loc: United States
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Blueboy, you lucked out! Another person with "blue" in their screen name receiving a cool Christmas gift. Enjoy that steel Spectrum and ride the daylights out of it.
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blueboy
friend
Reged: 12/25/04
Posts: 28
Loc: Georgia
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Kudos to UPS, my new frame arrived quickly and safely.
Tom,the new frame is BEAUTIFUL! What an awesome Christmas present! Thank you so much for the work you & Jeff put into it, you guys are the best! 
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blueboy
friend
Reged: 12/25/04
Posts: 28
Loc: Georgia
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Thank you BlueJays! I hope you have a Merry Christmas & many happy miles in the coming year. It's nice being a Spectrum owner isn't it?
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BlueJays
journeyman
Reged: 09/21/07
Posts: 69
Loc: United States
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blueboy, how about that very slick new technique they're using of installing the threaded barrel adjuster beneath the bottom bracket as a unidirectional drain? Truly brilliant and well-considered idea from Jeff. My bike from them is just wonderful. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Enjoy that fantastic bike.
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blueboy
friend
Reged: 12/25/04
Posts: 28
Loc: Georgia
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Your right BlueJays, that new drainage port on the bottom bracket was a great idea; I was real happy to hear they were doing that now and it looks goood on the new frame.
I've already had some people ask me "what's that thing on the bottom of your frame?" At first I say "It's a air valve so that I can pump hellium into the frame to lighten it....since it's steel and all." I know that's not nice but what can I say. Happy New Year to you, the Spectrum crew, and to all who view this.
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superunleaded
captain
Reged: 12/22/03
Posts: 223
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Quote:
blueboy wrote:
"what's that thing on the bottom of your frame?"
pics?
or link to pics maybe
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***Regular Unleaded - 4.99
***Special Unleaded - 7.99
***Superunleaded - Arm & a Leg
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blueboy
friend
Reged: 12/25/04
Posts: 28
Loc: Georgia
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Please forgive me for not having pictures of the drain port posted yet but it's easy to describe; It's simply a
micro adjuster on the bottom of the BB; Water drains out
but no water gets in thru this port; Simple & effective.
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blueboy
friend
Reged: 12/25/04
Posts: 28
Loc: Georgia
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Quote:
BlueJays wrote:
Anybody heard any new scuttlebutt on when Tom Kellogg and Jeff Duser might offer their interpretation of a virtually-stainless Reynolds 953 frameset to the market? It would be a sight to behold since it could be left bare or simply finished in clearcoat like titanium. The performance of this new steel sounds great.
Bamboo is the real ticket, right Tom? Just ask Jeff, he'll tell you. 
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BlueJays
journeyman
Reged: 09/21/07
Posts: 69
Loc: United States
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Oh, and have a Happy Birthday today!
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blueboy
friend
Reged: 12/25/04
Posts: 28
Loc: Georgia
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Quote:
BlueJays wrote:
Oh, and have a Happy Birthday today!
Ditto!
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