A Modern Take on a Classic Steel Road Frame

Jens’ Road Bike – A Modern Take on a Classic Steel Frame

At Big Forest Frameworks, we’re all about blending tradition with innovation, and there’s no better example of this than the bike Jens built during our 5-Day Frame Building Course. With a mix of classic steel aesthetics and modern technology, this road bike is a testament to what’s possible when craftsmanship meets cutting-edge design.

A Custom Steel Road Bike with Fully Integrated Cables

Jens came to our course with a clear vision: he wanted to build a sleek, modern road bike that retained the timeless charm of steel while incorporating fully hidden cables. The result? A stunning steel frame featuring Columbus tubing, a Trittico fork, cockpit, and seat post—all working together to create a clean, streamlined look without sacrificing performance.

Tubing Selection: Strength, Ride Quality, and Aesthetics

For this frame, we used a carefully chosen combination of Columbus Life, Spirit, and Zona tubes. Each tube was selected to balance weight, ride feel, and aesthetics:

• Down Tube: A 38mm bi-oval ‘Max’ shaped tube for optimal strength and stiffness.
• Top Tube: The a 32/29mm tapered tube that transitions smoothly into the 29mm seat tube, allowing for a standard 27.2mm seat post—our preferred choice for comfort.
• Seat Post:  Featuring a long external butt at the top to withstand the stress of the dropped seat stays.
• Chain Stays: Zona, with the classic Road S-Bend curve to enhance compliance and responsiveness.
• Seat Stays: 14mm Spirit stays, which contribute to a refined aesthetic and a smoother ride.

Trittico: Bringing Integration to Steel

Fully hidden cables on a steel frame can be a challenge, but the Columbus Trittico system made it possible. Jens wanted clean lines without visible brake hoses, and Trittico delivered. Unlike some internal routing systems that require oversized tubes (which can disrupt the classic steel look), Trittico allows for full integration while preserving traditional proportions. The result? A bike that looks as elegant as a classic steel frame but with the modern touch of hidden cabling.

Versatility Meets Performance

This bike isn’t just about looks. Jens’ frame offers 32mm tire clearance, making it more versatile than a traditional road bike while still maintaining a fast, responsive ride. The T47 bottom bracket allows for seamless internal routing of the rear brake hose, further contributing to the bike’s clean aesthetic.

High-Quality Components for a Perfect Riding Experience

Jens’ bike is equipped with top-tier components that provide both performance and comfort:

• Fork: Columbus Futura Trefoil – ensuring precise handling and a modern aesthetic.
• Cockpit: Columbus Trittico – stem, handlebar, and seat post for a seamless integration.
• Wheels: Tune TS35 – lightweight, stiff, and ideal for fast road riding.
• Bottle Cages: Tune Wasserträger – functional, stylish and light.
• Saddle: SQ Lab 612 ERGOWAVE R CARBON – ergonomically optimized for long rides.
• Groupset: SRAM Force AXS 2×12 – a modern electronic shifting system for precise and reliable gear changes.
• Bottom Bracket & Headset: Chris King Threadfit T47i – durable and stable for optimal power transfer.
• Headset: the Inset 7 headset from Chris King.

A Bike to Be Proud Of

From start to finish, Jens’ frame came together beautifully. The final touch? A stunning paint job by Velocaio in Berlin, adding a bold and professional finish that truly highlights the bike’s craftsmanship.

Want to Build Your Own?

Jens’ bike is a perfect example of what’s possible in our 5-Day Frame Building Course. Whether you want a fully custom steel frame or simply want to experience the satisfaction of building your own bike, we provide the knowledge, tools, and guidance to bring your dream bike to life.

Interested? Check out our courses and start your own frame-building journey today!