New build conundrum

6 replies · 1,456 views

Josh33172
8 posts
#1May 27, 2020, 1:51 AM
I just recently sold my GT Peace tour frame (very underrated for gravel) which was Reynolds 530. What I didn't like about it was the 1-1/8 HT which limited fork options, a bit steep angles for bigger rubber, and the 132.5 rear spacing which made it somewhat of a pain every time I took off the rear wheel.
What I am looking for is to build (or buy) a 700c bike w/ big clearances. I recently moved to Belgium, and the majority of the riding here is either extremely tame singletrack, dirt road, gravel or tarmac. The bike will be my "adventure bike" for the terrain I listed but also my commuter to work, and leisure riding w/ the wife.
I really would like to fit a 29x2.0 or close, but not totally against a 650b, but I already have a really good custom built Pacenti SL25 wheelset that are both light and bombproof. If I didn't go that route, I'd probably go with a set of Hunts.
I've sort of narrowed it down to two choices and I want to try to get opinions.
Fairlight Secan (blue colorway)
https://fairlightcycles.com/product/secan-deposit/?v=79cba1185463
Brother Cycles Mehteh (color I feel has more character)
https://www.brothercycles.com/shop/frames/mehteh/

I don't know what to think about Reynolds 853 vs 725. I really like the design of the Fairlight, but the price of the Mehteh is pretty appealing, and there is very slight tweaks in the geometry which may be preferable aside from the fork rake trail numbers that I really don't understand.
I am really not pushing myself into steel, but I don't mind steel, it only means that I'm open to aluminum and carbon options. To me, bike fit and tire clearance are more the priority. Also, not really searching for too much of a lead time on frame availability, July the latest.
If any of you have an alternate suggesting, I am completely open to any and all.

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pkram
42 posts
#2May 30, 2020, 7:31 AMedited
I wouldn’t worry about the specification of the steel. Either can be used to create great bikes and terrible bikes. Are you able to find any reviews on the frames or even just the bike brands? That would tell you more about the ride quality than just which steel spec they used.

both frames seem very reasonably priced I have to say. Edit: I had misunderstood the price of the Fairlight. I misread the deposit as the price...
0
pete kumble
20 posts
#3Jun 2, 2020, 5:46 AM
Josh33172 wrote:
I just recently sold my GT Peace tour frame (very underrated for gravel) which was Reynolds 530. What I didn't like about it was the 1-1/8 HT which limited fork options, a bit steep angles for bigger rubber, and the 132.5 rear spacing which made it somewhat of a pain every time I took off the rear wheel.
What I am looking for is to build (or buy) a 700c bike w/ big clearances. I recently moved to Belgium, and the majority of the riding here is either extremely tame singletrack, dirt road, gravel or tarmac. The bike will be my "adventure bike" for the terrain I listed but also my commuter to work, and leisure riding w/ the wife.
I really would like to fit a 29x2.0 or close, but not totally against a 650b, but I already have a really good custom built Pacenti SL25 wheelset that are both light and bombproof. If I didn't go that route, I'd probably go with a set of Hunts.
I've sort of narrowed it down to two choices and I want to try to get opinions.
Fairlight Secan (blue colorway)
https://fairlightcycles.com/product/secan-deposit/?v=79cba1185463
Brother Cycles Mehteh (color I feel has more character)
https://www.brothercycles.com/shop/frames/mehteh/

I don't know what to think about Reynolds 853 vs 725. I really like the design of the Fairlight, but the price of the Mehteh is pretty appealing, and there is very slight tweaks in the geometry which may be preferable aside from the fork rake trail numbers that I really don't understand.
I am really not pushing myself into steel, but I don't mind steel, it only means that I'm open to aluminum and carbon options. To me, bike fit and tire clearance are more the priority. Also, not really searching for too much of a lead time on frame availability, July the latest.
If any of you have an alternate suggesting, I am completely open to any and all.
Not bad choices. I would add to that list the Ritchey Outback steel bike.
0
texastutt
36 posts
#4Jun 2, 2020, 8:29 AM
If you plan on doing any bike packing neither has any fork mounts other than for fenders. And would echo what @pkram said, read an unbiased review. On the 650b vs 700's I built both, and enjoy both, but with the 650b I have gotten a couple of peddle strikes on major washboard, so in Belgium you might get strikes if you are on cobbles. But the 650b's are fun.
0
Teejay
2 posts
#5Jun 3, 2020, 7:12 AM
I'm currently deciding on which new gravel bike to get - and have decided that I want a steel frame. Top of the list is the Secan - I hadn't heard of Brother but they look very nice as well. Also maybe check out Ribble CGR 725 and Fearless Vulture.
0
LAchameleon
2 posts
#6Jun 3, 2020, 3:29 PM
I am looking at a very similar group of frames, the Secan has been at the top of my list. I recently came across another bike you may want to consider Sour Bikes Purple Haze.
0
mosinglespeeder
46 posts
#7Jun 4, 2020, 9:02 AM
a few things on steel. I love it, and given what your talking about and use, it seems a good choice. a few pearls on types of steel, the 530 will be heavier, a bit duller and what I would consider a very utilitarian type frame. There are very few 725 series steel, albeit I do have a 'mike mullet'...1983 circa, and he toyed around with 753 which is a tricky steel and didn't really take off, because the best, is 853. Hands down, I have had several 853 framesets and they are all the bomb. Its not a terribly heavy steel, it is slightly more expensive, but worth every penny, its compliant, smooth and just a great bike frame material. For what its worth, then the 953 is stainless, and I have never had one but really would like to try that.

hope it helps
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