7/11/23 10:28 PM

I recently finished building up a Mason Definition aluminium frame ( https://masoncycles.cc/shop/categories/definition-bikes ). Of the many bikes I've owned and ridden over the past 50-odd years, I think this one has the best ride and handling of any. Part of that is due to the tyres, which I also think are fantastic - Conti GP Urban 700x35 with latex tubes. When I first put the frame together I used Conti GP5000 tyres, but the GP Urban are even better for the riding I do - they really don't give anything away in speed and just float over rough chipseal surfaces.

The finish of the frame is also excellent - the amount of care taken was considerably better than in quite a number of custom frames that I've had over the years:

- the welds are about as good as can be done
- the alignment is perfect
- the paintwork is flawless
- the bottom bracket shell and headtube had been chased and faced post-welding and painting - I have the tools to do that myself, but didn't need to
- the threaded fittings for racks and mudguards had all been chased post-painting, and all had allen-headed bolts already installed in them
- the frame has a BSA threaded BB shell, but with the central section of the shell at a larger diameter to accommodate the internal cable routing

7/11/23 10:34 PM

Nice looking too. And I like the look and weight of those Urban GPs.

I have been running slick Gravel King 35s, covers same territory and like them a lot. And running latex instead of tubeless. I don't recall many Panaracer made tire i did not like actually.

7/12/23 1:50 PM

Cool to see a traditionally designed aluminum bike. Tires in that range work for me - I've got 32s and 42s on the 2 bikes I generally ride.

Looks to me like a Berthoud saddle.

I like the yellow big cog.

7/12/23 4:05 PM

I've got almost serious about an alloy Zanc a few times. Super alloy offerings...

https://cycling.zanconato.com/bicycles/road/

http://cycling.zanconato.com/bicycles/road32/


Used frames pop up on Paceline once in a while.


https://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1698055807&stc=1&d=1669649161