When it comes to building your dream bike, a custom steel frame offers the ultimate combination of comfort, durability, and timeless performance. But with so many options to consider—geometry, tubing, welds, and finishes—choosing the right custom frame can feel overwhelming. At R.A.M Custom Bicycles, we make the process simple, ensuring that every frame is Reliably Australian Made and built to handle the toughest Australian conditions. Whether you’re after a road bike, gravel bike, or touring rig, here’s how to choose the perfect custom steel frame for your needs.
1. Define Your Riding Style
Your frame choice should be based on how and where you ride. Different styles of cycling require different geometries and tubing specifications:
- Road Cycling: Lightweight steel tubing with a responsive geometry for speed and efficiency.
- Gravel & Adventure Riding: Relaxed geometry with space for wider tyres and mounts for bikepacking gear.
- Touring: Sturdy, longer wheelbase frames designed to carry heavy loads over long distances.
- Commuting: Practical and comfortable geometry with options for fenders and racks.
At R.A.M Custom Bicycles, we build frames specifically suited to your riding goals, ensuring you get a bike that feels like an extension of yourself.
2. Selecting the Right Steel Tubing
Not all steel is created equal. The type of tubing used in your frame will affect weight, ride quality, and durability. Some of the best steel options include:
- Tange Prestige: Known for its strength-to-weight ratio and responsive ride feel.
- Reynolds 853: A premium heat-treated tubing that gets stronger under stress, making it great for performance riders.
- Columbus Zona: A well-balanced tubing for those who want durability and comfort in one package.
At R.A.M Custom Bicycles, we select the best tubing for your needs, ensuring that your bike is built for a lifetime of riding.
3. Custom Geometry vs. Standard Geometry
One of the biggest advantages of a custom steel bike frame is the ability to fine-tune the geometry to suit your riding position and style. A well-fitted bike frame improves comfort, handling, and efficiency.
We consider key factors like:
- Stack & Reach: Ensuring the perfect fit for your upper body.
- Wheelbase & Chainstay Length: Adjusted for stability or agility, depending on your needs.
- Head Tube & Seat Tube Angles: Fine-tuned to optimise handling and power transfer.
At R.A.M Custom Bicycles, we build frames tailored to your exact measurements for an unrivalled riding experience.
4. Choosing Your Frame Features
When going custom, you can include features that make your bike unique and functional:
- Tyre Clearance: Wider clearance for gravel or adventure bikes.
- Mounts & Eyelets: Options for racks, fenders, and extra bottle cages.
- Bottom Bracket Type: Threaded for reliability or press-fit for weight savings.
- Brake Type: Disc brakes for superior stopping power or rim brakes for classic simplicity.
Every detail is chosen with purpose at R.A.M Custom Bicycles, ensuring your bike is built exactly how you need it.
5. Welding & Finish: The Art of Frame Building
The craftsmanship behind a custom steel frame is just as important as its specifications. At R.A.M Custom Bicycles, we use expert TIG welding and fillet brazing techniques to create smooth, strong, and beautiful joints.
For finishing, we offer a range of options:
- Raw & Clear-Coated: Showcasing the beauty of handcrafted steel.
- Classic Painted Finishes: Custom colours and detailing to make your bike truly one of a kind.
- Powder Coating: Durable and long-lasting for bikes that see extreme conditions.
6. The R.A.M Custom Bicycles Difference
A custom steel frame is more than just a bike—it’s a lifelong companion built to withstand the elements and deliver the best ride possible. At R.A.M Custom Bicycles, every frame is handcrafted to be Reliably Australian Made, ensuring toughness, quality, and performance that lasts.
If you’re ready to create your dream bike, contact R.A.M Custom Bicycles today. Let’s build something extraordinary together.