Does a “classic” steel frame bike with a steel fork require lugs?

[XXtwindad]

I have slot left in the stable. It will be a classic steel frame bike with a steel fork. I know many of you here insist that there’s no ride like a steel bike with a matching fork, so I’m eager to see for myself. The only issue is lugs. I’m assuming for many that’s a no-brainer: the answer is yes.

I’ve also seen quite a few steel frame and fork combinations that look quite elegant without lugs, such as the Breadwinner Continental.

Thoughts?

[arimajol]

To me, classic = lugs, modern = tig. Sure, there's more to it, like a level top tube, but let's call a spade a spade here and keep it simple.

[Wattvagen]

it's a matter of taste, but i think fillet brazed frames can look as nice, or better than a lug'd frame. tig'd frames can be nice too, but there is not the same aesthetic level of "finishing".

in short - look at a bunch of frames and decide which you like best, who cares what the rest of us think right? we're not paying for it, you are

[truth]

Nope! Fillet brazed frames are great. Welded steel frames can be great.

I do still have trouble with unicrown forks, though.

[Clean39T]

Fillets out of necessity or for aesthetics. Otherwise lugs, expertly done.

One of the best values out there right now in the new and custom market is a lugged Ellis Strada SLX. Dave's craftsmanship is excellent and you get some nice custom touches with it..

Of course Kirk. Hampsten. And a small handful of others will do an excellent job for you as well. DeSalvo. Rex. Kvale. DiNucci.

But you own it to yourself to do something with a real steel fork at least once in your riding life. They are......a revelation..

You are normal enough in your fit parameters that finding something used shouldn't be that hard.

[fiamme red]

See this thread for pics of classic steel fillet-brazed frames: https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=36649.

[lavi]

Nope. As has been said, lugs are simply one way to join tubes.

It matters only if it matters to one for aesthetics. Else, do what you want.

My pref, as if it matters, is fillet brazed for smoooooothness.

[XXtwindad]

Originally Posted by Clean39T

Fillets out of necessity or for aesthetics. Otherwise lugs, expertly done.

One of the best values out there right now in the new and custom market is a lugged Ellis Strada SLX. Dave's craftsmanship is excellent and you get some nice custom touches with it..

Of course Kirk. Hampsten. And a small handful of others will do an excellent job for you as well. DeSalvo. Rex. Kvale. DiNucci.

But you own it to yourself to do something with a real steel fork at least once in your riding life. They are......a revelation..

You are normal enough in your fit parameters that finding something used shouldn't be that hard.

Gotta say that all of your rhapsodizing was the impetus for my upcoming bike. Bill coming your way ...😁

[joevers]

Originally Posted by XXtwindad

Gotta say that all of your rhapsodizing was the impetus for my upcoming bike. Bill coming your way ...������

I feel the same way. Both you and Angry. I've had quite a few steel forks (7?), but never on a road bike. I thought I was done with them, but I'm trying one more time with the Dreesens before I call it off.

[jtakeda]

Lugged fork for sure. But fillets are just as classic

[jpsawyer23]

Stelbels have been Tiged for ages and are extremely classic. One of the nicest forks too in my opinion. Lots of nice details can be added elsewhere other than the lugs.
I have an Igleheart with skinny steel tubes and a 1" steerer with a real cute segmented fork that could easily be mistaken for a vintage bike at a distance.
Tiged makes for a slightly lighter frame too.
But as said above, unicrown forks are ugly on almost every bike.

[bicycletricycle]

Lugs limit geometry and tubing diameters as well. This may or may not matter for you. Lugs are classy, fillet can be just as nice, Tig is fine

[robt57]

Funny how some feel ok with perfectly implemented tig weld on ti but on steel, not. Funny to me.

Powder coated tigged steel fills in the weld to a less than minimal degree I'd note. Yes you can powder coat ti, but not seen often, never by me in person I can say.

Question is classic what sense? Looks or function.

Classic geometry in a tig/steel frameset can be lighter and stiffer clearly. Pick your desired asthetics by your own definition.

[mhespenheide]

If you explicitly want classic, that -- to me -- is lugs or fillet, with a fork crown and horizontal top tube.

Would this Ellis fit you? It might be a touch too big; I don't know your numbers.
https://boulder.craigslist.org/bik/d...265023624.html

[XXtwindad]

Originally Posted by mhespenheide

If you explicitly want classic, that -- to me -- is lugs or fillet, with a fork crown and horizontal top tube.

Would this Ellis fit you? It might be a touch too big; I don't know your numbers.
https://boulder.craigslist.org/bik/d...265023624.html

Too big, thanks. I had posted a WTB for a 58 Ellis awhile back. No takers.