Little history lesson if anyone is interested. We released the Zephyr back in 2013, and this was a pivotal time for track bikes. Before this, there were only a handful of brands producing high-quality track frames, or you had to import an NJS frame from overseas or build a conversion from an old steel road bike. This was also the time that new brands started to pop up and make affordable complete fixed gear bikes. I do appreciate making bikes more affordable and getting more people into fixed gear riding, but this caused a race to the bottom in the industry. Who could make the cheapest bike out there. As a small brand at the time, we opted to use a quality frame that we knew riders would love rather than a cheap generic frame. With the market going towards cheaper frames and completes, we decided to pivot towards apparel. Brands come and go, but I do see the scene making a full circle, and it makes us stoked AF to see all these new quality builds on the streets. We're just happy we got to be apart of it. As for one of the other bikes.... you may want to talk to the Cretins about that ha
Colossi frames are common here in the Philippines but there was an outbreak of “fake” colossi frames just recently because of bike shops buying from Ali express
Aventon bikes used to be at every bike shop in my hometown when I started cycling. Last year I was surprised to see one shop selling their e-bikes. Can’t remember if I saw their fixed gear frames there tho.
Leader 725 is the reason why I got my 6KU track since it looked like it and been upgrading ever since, been cycling for nearly 10 years, it’s something that saved my life
I just ordered a colossi through 3rd party (can't trust getting used alu anymore). Btw, I'm riding my Tyrant Legacy with 35mm panaracers SK (small knobs). And it doesn't feel heavy at all!
Frame I ride is decent unbranded steel, I guess main triangle could be 4130. Would I ride more some fancier frame? Not sure. Saved money will buy me a lot of nice tires so I don't have to ride bottom of barrel hard and heavy rubber. I'm going also to try tubeless rim tape with latex or TPU tubes.
Colossi Lowpro was actually one of my dream bikes when i started fixed gear a couple of years ago, and now i own one! It still is true that they're pretty rare even in the Netherlands. I counted two ever being up for sale, including mine. Its a shame their so uncommon, as their really pleasant bikes to ride.
To answer the question of whether fire changes the makeup of steel: Yes. What happens though is dependent on a whole bunch of things like temperatures, amount and length of heating and the curing process (the way it is cooled down). But this color changing has two effects, it makes steel rustproof (which of course is really cool), but it also makes the steel stiffer (and maybe a bit more brittle).
One old and near-forgotten bike I nearly bought recently was a Soma Van Ness -- essentially a Wabi frame from before Wabi was a thing, mix of Japanese-style lines and road bike geometry. Someone beat me to it tho
My first lust for a bike was definitely the Bianchi Super Pista in the Celeste or White. Even with the carbon fork on it if it was New Old Stock i would still give it a whirl 😅
i may be wrong (people who know pls correct me) but if you torch the steel tubing it might even become a little bit stronger since steel tubing can be heat treated for extra hardness and strength. If not then the steel tubing may only be mildly affected if you torch it for a cool finish.
