Steel is Real -- and it's Back!

It's nearly 2010, and I don't think hell's frozen over yet. Check out some of the bikes that will be hitting the sales floor next year...



Specialized has this sweet-looking reproduction of their classic 1980s 3Rensho-built Allez, dubbed the "Allez Double Steel". Note the steel frame (TIG'd), lugged steel fork, rack and fender eyelets, 1-inch threadless headset, and 8-speed downtube shifters! MSRP is a low $610, too! With a 67mm BB drop, this one seems ripe for a 650B conversion!



Raleigh continues their stately "Clubman" model next year, featuring a Reynolds 520 steel frame and 4130 fork.



Fuji has the fast-looking "Connoisseur" with a double-butted steel frame, 1-inch THREADED fork, 8-speed DT shifters, and swaged repro-look Fuji crank.



Even Trek is getting into the game with their new "Eco" line of urban bikes, featuring steel frames and forks, said to be better for the environment because steel is less energy-intensive to produce, recyclable, and long-lived.

What's old is new again!