For decades, steel has been the backbone of high-performance bicycle frames, and few names are as synonymous with quality steel tubing as Tange. Known for its precision engineering and legendary ride quality, Tange steel tubing has been trusted by custom frame builders and cycling enthusiasts worldwide. At R.A.M Custom Bicycles, we craft frames using the best materials available, ensuring they are Reliably Australian Made and built tough for the harshest Australian conditions. Let’s take a deep dive into the rich history of Tange steel and why it remains one of the most respected names in the cycling industry.
The Birth of Tange: Innovation from Japan
Tange’s story begins in 1920s Japan, when founder Yasujiro Tange set out to produce high-quality steel tubing for bicycles. By the 1950s, Tange Industries had established itself as a leader in tubing production, with a reputation for precision craftsmanship and innovation. Unlike generic steel tubing, Tange developed proprietary heat-treatment processes that increased strength while maintaining the legendary ride feel that steel is known for.
Breakthroughs in Bicycle Tubing
One of Tange’s biggest contributions to cycling was the introduction of double-butted tubing, a design that reduces weight while maintaining strength where it’s needed most. Unlike straight-gauge tubing, double-butted tubes are thicker at the ends where stress is highest and thinner in the middle to save weight. This innovation became the foundation of high-performance steel frames, influencing frame builders around the world—including those of us at R.A.M Custom Bicycles.
In the 1980s, Tange took another leap forward with Tange Prestige, a tubing series that rivalled the best from Reynolds and Columbus. Using a proprietary heat-treatment process, Tange Prestige offered an exceptional balance of weight, strength, and ride quality, making it a favourite for custom steel bike builders.
Tange vs. Reynolds vs. Columbus: The Battle of Steel
While Reynolds (UK) and Columbus (Italy) are often mentioned in discussions about premium steel tubing, Tange holds its own as a top-tier option. Tange Prestige tubing is known for its stiffness-to-weight ratio, and many riders find that it offers a slightly more forgiving ride compared to Columbus tubing, while being competitively strong against Reynolds 853.
At R.A.M Custom Bicycles, we select the best tubing for each custom build, including Tange Prestige for riders who want a steel frame with a responsive, lively ride that can handle everything from road racing to rugged Australian trails.
Why Tange Steel is Perfect for Australian Conditions
Australia’s diverse landscape—from scorching outback roads to wet coastal climates—demands a bike frame that can handle it all. Tange’s heat-treated steel tubing is resistant to fatigue and provides excellent impact resistance, making it a fantastic choice for riders who need a reliable frame that won’t let them down.
Steel’s ability to absorb road vibrations makes it an excellent material for endurance cycling and gravel riding, two areas where Tange tubing excels. That’s why we incorporate Tange tubing into some of our custom builds at R.A.M Custom Bicycles, ensuring that our bikes provide the perfect balance of comfort, durability, and performance.
Modern Applications: The Legacy Continues
Despite the rise of aluminium and carbon fibre in mass-produced bikes, steel—and particularly Tange steel—remains a favourite among discerning cyclists. The resurgence of steel frames in the modern cycling world proves that the benefits of steel, such as longevity, repairability, and superior ride quality, are still highly valued.
At R.A.M Custom Bicycles, we build frames that are meant to last a lifetime. Whether you’re after a classic road bike, a rugged gravel grinder, or a custom-built touring machine, our frames made with Tange steel are designed to handle anything the Australian terrain throws at them.
Ride the Legacy with R.A.M Custom Bicycles
Choosing the right tubing for your bike is an important decision, and Tange’s long-standing reputation for quality makes it a top contender. Whether you’re a long-distance tourer, an off-road adventurer, or a city commuter, a bike built with Tange steel tubing ensures a ride that is smooth, strong, and built to last.
At R.A.M Custom Bicycles, we honour the tradition of high-quality steel frame building while incorporating modern techniques to ensure every bike is Reliably Australian Made. If you’re looking for a custom steel frame with the heart of cycling history built into it, talk to us today—your next adventure starts here.