Can we talk XCr?

[Jimbo251]

Lets say, hypothetically that you were looking for a builder to commission an XCr frameset.
And, lets say you wanted to stay in the states and not go across the pond. Who would you chose?
Suggestions?
Asking for a friend.

[bigbill]

Ellis Cycles

[camelbackkid]

Ellis or Bishop.

I believe Mr. Wages doesn't usually do full stainless and instead uses steel seat and head tubes. At least that's mentioned in the model descriptions. But his bikes are gorgeous and by all accounts are happily owned.

I don't know about Bishop in that regard but I love his style.

Why not 953? (Get a Kirk!)

[tv_vt]

The Kirk JKS-X model uses 953 stainless tubes for the three main tubes, and custom Reynolds steel for the rest. Made in Montana, USA.

[herb5998]

Looking for welded or lugged/fillet construction? That would narrow some of your options. XCR tubing is pricey, but sourcing isn't too complicated.

[zzy]

Not sure if they're still building new, but IF's SSR is a great bike.

[vespasianus]

Originally Posted by tv_vt

The Kirk JKS-X model uses 953 stainless tubes for the three main tubes, and custom Reynolds steel for the rest. Made in Montana, USA.

Yeah, if I wanted made in the USA stainless, this, and a Rob English special, would be my first two choices.

Love my Italian steel bikes but those two make lustworthy bikes that are hard to beat.

[Hilltopperny]

Carl at Vicious Cycles/Metal Guru is the USA distributor for Columbus. He and Chris Bishop collaborate on the Item4 bikes, so maybe give one of those guys a shout?

Sent from my Pixel 6a using Tapatalk

[wombatspeed]

Quiring.

[PaMtbRider]

Give us a little more info. Do you have a current fit on a bike you are comfortable with or do you need the builder to help with a fitting? Road, gravel, touring? Steel or carbon fork? Disc brakes? Is there a budget concern?

As mentioned above, if you are looking for a stainless bike but not specifically Xcr Dave Kirk would be a good option.

Dave Wages would be at the top of my list for an Xcr bike. I'm not familiar with his fit process but his bikes are gorgeous.

[AngryScientist]

What are the perceived benefits?

I have not ridden a stainless bike, but everything I've read leads me to believe "steel is steel", and aside from some corrosion resistance, a stainless bike will just ride like any other steel bike with the same basic design and geometry.

With regard to the corrosion resistance, I can't see that being a big deal. Any of us who shell out for a new custom bike will likely take reasonably good care of it, and i've had steel bikes for decades that are ridden hard and wet, and the frames are fine with even the most minimal of care.

Just trying to determine why one would seek an XCr bike?

[prototoast]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

What are the perceived benefits?

I have not ridden a stainless bike, but everything I've read leads me to believe "steel is steel", and aside from some corrosion resistance, a stainless bike will just ride like any other steel bike with the same basic design and geometry.

With regard to the corrosion resistance, I can't see that being a big deal. Any of us who shell out for a new custom bike will likely take reasonably good care of it, and i've had steel bikes for decades that are ridden hard and wet, and the frames are fine with even the most minimal of care.

Just trying to determine why one would seek an XCr bike?

I think the same could be said if somebody wants a lugged frame. There's absolutely no performance benefit to lugs, they actually make the bike heavier all else equal, but sometimes there's a sentimental or aesthetic attachment to a material or construction method and the heart wants what it wants.

[PaMtbRider]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

What are the perceived benefits?

I have not ridden a stainless bike, but everything I've read leads me to believe "steel is steel", and aside from some corrosion resistance, a stainless bike will just ride like any other steel bike with the same basic design and geometry.

With regard to the corrosion resistance, I can't see that being a big deal. Any of us who shell out for a new custom bike will likely take reasonably good care of it, and i've had steel bikes for decades that are ridden hard and wet, and the frames are fine with even the most minimal of care.

Just trying to determine why one would seek an XCr bike?

Stainless can be drawn into thinner tubes and still maintain superior dent resistance to other steels. Since the tubing is thinner there is also a weight savings. This can also have a minor affect on the ride feel of the bike.

Let me be clear that all of the above is way beyond the point of diminishing returns. If we all made the practical choice on what bike to ride this forum probably wouldn't exist. Luckily we have builders providing us choices on how to best spend our children's inheritance.

[crankles]

Xcr = Ride of steel with the hottness of naked Ti!

Too bad Dave isn't taking new orders. He was an early adopter to stainless.

[fignon's barber]

Originally Posted by PaMtbRider

Let me be clear that all of the above is way beyond the point of diminishing returns. If we all made the practical choice on what bike to ride this forum probably wouldn't exist. Luckily we have builders providing us choices on how to best spend our children's inheritance.

This statement makes way too much sense.