Fairlight Cycles Strael 3.0 Review - The BEST steel road bike I've ever ridden!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ย. 2024
- This is the brand new Fairlight Cycles Strael 3.0, a steel-framed, carbon-forked, four season road bike that is as lovely to ride as it is to look at
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I've had a Strael 2.0 on order since December 1 last year. I just got an email from Fairlight today saying I'll be getting the 3.0 instead. Sooooo stoked!
So did I. Fantastic customer service 👍
Same here… August delivery can’t come quick enough!
Same here. I hope the Taiwan based frame building is as good as the European was on my Secan.
Knowing Fairlight and the obsession that goes into designing their bikes, I highly doubt the quality will suffer. I'm bummed I'm not getting a Made in England frame, but the improvements of the Strael 3 over the 2 make up for the Made in Taiwan part. If the frame has a Made in Taiwan sticker on it, that's coming off right away though lol
Lucky, mate! I’m tempted!
Great video. Your production quality is great now! By chance I just rebuilt my 1990 Columbus tubed bike with a Campagnolo kit last night. Love my carbon bikes, but steel has a special place in my heart.
Tippy top sounds better than a super nice and thanks, David, for showing us this bike, lots to like and those slender frame tubes always make a bike look right, no knock on the big and wide carbon ones, just that steel was the look of cycling for over a century and it still looks great.
The main thing increased tyre clearance offers is the ability to run reasonably wide tyres with full mudguards.
Wide tyres in winter really help with grip, so having clearances that allow (say) 32mm + mudguards makes this an ultimate all weather bike.
Sorely tempted, hut don't want to relegate such a nice bike to being the 'wet weather' machine!
@joohan i ride the winter bike in bad weather, so wet spring/autumn days. If it's dry in spring/winter I ride the summer bike. And in summer i ride the summer bike regardless.
I'm lucky to have quite a nice winter bike, so the ride is good enough that I don't mind riding it all year round.
@joohan if i were going for one year round bike, a strael would be a good option. Just take the mudguards off for summer.
@joohan realised I misunderstood the question! The good weather bike is a race bike.
@joohan ah, i see.
Summer bike is a Giant TCR disc. About 7kg with 50mm rims.
Winter is a Norco Search - steel gravel bike with shallow carnon rims and mudguards.
@joohanpersonally, I'd have the aggressive racer as my "best" bike. Especially if custom.
But that's because my preference is speed.
For a perfect winter bike, tbf apart from being a little lighter I can't fault my Norco. Steel all the way for that.
Thanks David. Great review. So if you were heading out for an 80k ride on your local roads with one other rider would you pick the Strael 3.0 or your old Synapse? What would be your main reason?
I don't think he wants to answer this question.
This new Strael has everything I wish my Fairdale Goodship had. Love it.
Hi David.
I am going to purchase a new 4 seasons bike but am completely in a dilemma with my choices.
My choices are Fairlight Strael/Mason Definition/Mason Resolution - fitted with Shimano Ultegra Mechanical Groupset.
I am 6'2" and weigh 15 stones and aged 60 yrs old. I obviously don't race and am not in that sort of category. My rides are in the 30 to 50 miles mark and done on Norfolk Roads - which are not particularly good in terms of surface!
I think the bottom line is really between the Strael (Steel) and Definition (Ally). I'm looking for a fast (ish) all year round bike but needs to be comfortable as I am sick of being jarred to pieces.
I currently own a Raleigh Airlite 200 4 seasons bike (uncomfortable) and a Scott Carbon CR1 plus I will be purchasing a Titanium Gravel Bike in the future.
So it's a toss up between Strael Steel or Mason Aluminium (or Steel)
Have you got any advice based on your knowledge of these bikes that will help me decide?
Many Thanks and keep up the great reviews.
I'd be really interested to know how this bike compares to the Mason Resolution 2.
With Ultegra disc brakes make sure the pad axles don't get stuck, give them a tweak every so often and put some copperslip on the thread. Nothing worse than mashing the head of the pad axle when trying to change pads.
The best steel bike I have ridden, I was riding this morning.
I like the description of the chainstays; stiff for good power transfer and flexible for comfort. And the frame doesn't flex or squirms.
Very cool! Top tube graphics are like a wink at Dario Pegoretti. Great review, thanks! I've only owned steel bikes, do not intend to change.
I'm in love with that frameset, although I'd rather pick different colour.
Steel is real!
I can't believe you just wrote that.
Really?😂
" _It's all tippity top, indeed_ "
I really enjoy my steel bike. This new Strael would be a nice upgrade.
My heart sank when you said "blah blah, something something that justifies the price!"
...been searching for a modern steel frame and there are no budget options out there
You're not going to. Mass production bikes will be aluminum and carbon. Steel is used almost exclusively by smaller production outfits as its the easiest material to work with. Smaller scale means higher cost. There's lots of great aluminum bikes these days, if you want budget.
Wonderful bike and manufacturer. I have the mk.1 and it's my bike for life.
I had one a while back. It was beautiful. I wish I never sold it, unfortunately, it was just too big for me. I don't understand why all steel frames are so tall.
Frameset price looks reasonable if only you could get Shimano bits at the moment
Nice review as usual! Since it's been 2 years from the release of this bike, do you think we will see the 4.0 soon? I know this bike could actually never get outdated, but the worst thing I can happen is when you build a new bike and a new model appears few months later. 😅 Tnx!
The tall head tube option means I can increase the stack but still slam the stem
Thanks for great videos.
I really look forward for a test and review of Daccordi gravel frames and compare to other steel frames you have tested.
Thats a dream bike❤cant afford one,but i will be saving up for a frameset.
Another excellent review video, production is improving with every release. I was told about Fairlight Cycles after a bike fit, ordered a Strael a week later and was emailed today to say my order has been upgraded to the 3.0. August delivery date cannot come soon enough..!!
PS. Which model Giro helmet is that? Looks like it has good side and rear coverage. I seem to have a tall head above the ears which makes most helmets looking rather mushroom shaped!
Thanks! The helmet is a Giro Helios Spherical, the fit and comfort is fantastic, really works for me tinyurl.com/22537tnv
Beautiful and lovely curvaceous chain stays
Similar flattened chainstays on my vintage Salsa Campeon and Podio scandium bikes.
The bent curved chainstays are a feature on the 90s mtb I'm converting to a gravel / all terrain rider.... can run a 2.2" tyre because of this, or a 38mm 700c tyre, else it'd be much more limited.
Nice bike from a nice British brand, but I'll pass on this one. Good reviews as always 🙂
Lovely. I'd like to see a good steel fork on one. I have several steel frame + high-end carbon fork bikes, and to be honest, the thing I dislike is the fork -- it seems to, sort of, calm buzz, but I still end up a lot more fatigued in the wrists than on my bike with curved steel fork.
Thanks for your review David, really informative as always. I've just ordered one in this colour off the back of this. Do you reckon RIVAL eTap and Zipp 303 S wheels will be a good combination with this frameset? (Coming from an Alu Italia RC with Chorus Rim Brake 12 speed, Zonda wheels).
Great choice Graeme you won’t be disappointed. That setup sounds sweet to me and will definitely look great and surely be rapid too
Interesting to see you coming from Condor Italia RC to the Strael. I was tossing up between those two and opted for the Strael. How do you think they compare having owned both?
Looks very nice good choice of components too.
Thanks for the nice video. Now Trekk Demonde SL5 Gen 3 sells around 2.5k making it direct competitor to (pricewise at least) Strael 3. It seems Trek has advantage on tire clearance with 38mm but saw people using it with up to 42mm tires. I am wondering which one of those bikes are more comfortable with same tires?
Beautiful bike, looks comfortable too.
Great review, I order one in late 2021, now the wait is over, the purple one is on the way to Indonesia now... I just wish the smallest size 51 R would fit to small Asian 5.5 like me ... Gonna use it with GRX810 48-31/ 11-40 , Parcours Ronde, 28c tires, ritchey logic cockpit ... Would be the Long Distance Touring bike for me ...
Does it fit you well? I'm 5.5 too. I am afraid it would be too big for me.
I'd rather ask about that GRX 2x setup as it is not mentioned in Shimano specification as a compatible to get 2x crankset with MTB specific rear derailleur working with 11-40|42 that is meant to work for 1x drivetrain. Did you build your bike that way? Does it work without issues?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
Seriously tempting!
Weight of 8.9 kg is very good, I expected 12 kg!!
I have a Gunnar Roadie steel bike (rim brake) with full Campagnolo Centaur and Zonda wheels. It weighs 8.2 kg *including* pedals.
@@SurpriseMeJT
That's very good, my Domane is 8.7 kg which is heavier than yours. I switched from a lighter aluminium race frame to a carbon bike due to comfort. I was getting back and shoulder pain so that's why opted for a more comfortable bike with higher compliance.
Any Xs sizes available for small females?
@@Hunterthepunter126 Great choice. I like the fact that it has fender mounts however I'd like a version of the same bike without suspension features in order to reduce weight. Thankfully the new version of the Domane has a threaded bb - another plus.
NJ 87
Nice review and a nice looking bike:) If you put 32mm tyres on your Secan, would you notice much difference between that and the Strael?
Thanks! That's a really good question. I could do some comparison testing I guess. I did once part 30mm tyres on my Secan and used it for a 300km Audax and it worked fine (I was first home!) so it can certainly be used for road use
@@davidarthur I one would certainly be interested in a Strael / Secan comparison running similar wheels and tyres!
I would also be interested in a comparison between the Secan and Strael
I have the Secan. With 28mm tyres it is certainly faster feeling than with wider, higher tread 40+mm tyres. I think the Strael will have the edge in terms of performance if both had exactly the same tyres, wheels and components. It is a little lighter, but only about 200 grams I think? It's the geometry which would give it a more racy feel. I think if you had a power meter and compared them over the same distances and up hills at the same power, they'd not be a big difference, but it would be more in how the rider perceives them, with the Strael feeling that bit more nimble and agile.
Hi David. Is there a huge difference between the 2.0 and the 3.0 when it comes to compliance / comfort ?
Really liking the look of the Fairlight. Would you say it would be suitable as an Audax bike? Could you imagine doing a 600km on it?
Yes absolutely that is what's designed for and capable of. I did a 300km on my Secan with 30mm tyres so no doubt this one won't also be just fine. Also worth adding that James Hayden won the TCR twice on a Strael
I suggest you try a Rourke steel bike they have been building them since 1972
Is there a reason you dont see too many lugged steel tubing anymore? They look beutiful.
My stainless steel 56cm Affinity Anthem is 8.4kg with pedals. Titanium is in trouble. Steel is going to take over the metal bike market if they keep producing rigs the way they are and continue to bring the prices down.
Beautiful Bike 🔥🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
Great review as always and seems like a lovely bike. I’m in the market so I may go for one. I just wish Fairlight used the bar end junction box for Di2, rather than under the stem, as that puts me off a wee bit.
Does the fork drop out feature a replaceable insert for the Thru axle? Fairlight's website doesn't make it clear, and I wouldn't buy a bike with non replaceable insert.
You previously owned a strael didn't you? I also have a Secan and looking to add a roadbike, so this is very tempting. But something tells me I should try one of these light stiff carbon bikes, because the strael and secan might be too similar?
I've got an original Secan. I would happily own the Strael if I had the money because I have 40mm tyres on the Secan and the Strael with 28-30mm tyres is a fine road focused bike. The Secan does ride well with similar width tyres though and wouldn't be a bad compromise if you could only have one
nothing beats the looks of a steel frame that's welded by a proo
Is there a rim brake option? Looks like the front fork was drilled for one
No. 😔
@@strickostricko 😔 indeed
Does the chainring combinations for 2x vary per frame size? Is there a way to know what chainring combination you’ll get for your size?
How does it climb? My current bike is a carbon synapse.
Beautiful bike.
When will we see your review of the boardman that was put back due to you being ill. Great video this one by the way.
It's coming soon, and I've got something a bit different planned for that video. Just got to get through a few other jobs first!
@@davidarthur Thanks I know that it was Bike Radars bike of the year and would be nice to hear another review. 👍
Salute David beautiful Bike 🙏👍🔥🇵🇷💯
How does this compare to an italian steel bike?
I'm a bike fitter and I can't recommend this brand to most people. The smallest size in the Strael has over a 53cm top tube. That's too long for over 50% of people.
This looks like a fantastic bike! On a different note, do you think Fairlight will ever develop a rim brake frame like the Strael for the ultimate, light weight , summer steel racy/endurance bike, or is this against the company ethos?
I recon they'll only ever offer disc, because the market for rim brakes is shrinking. They also design bikes for all weather riding in the UK, which means disc brakes will win.
No, they were disc only from the start.
What's the benefit of rim brakes? 500g of weight saving? No point in doing that on a production steel frame.
I agree, that would be a lovely summer ride. These bikes are just too nice (and rust prone) to ride through the British winter.
Lovely looking bike. But, I would very much prefer a set of Ultegra rim brakes. No need to jump on me for not embracing disk brakes. I know the arguments on both sides.
@@joecondron2131 I don't think drum brakes have any advantages over disc except cost. You still find them on the rear of cheaper cars. Rim brakes however, have a distinct weight advantage over disc when weight matters so I'm not so the analogy holds.
Hmmm Strael 3.0 or Secan 2.0 Looking for a more gravel bike that's quick but can get closer to a road bike swapping out for slimmer tires. Rr the Strael which can take up to 36" tires I believe but is it able and comfortable enough for gravel. What would you choose? lol!..
Secan is the obvious choice here
how much , and will they ship to the states?
How does this compare to a Mason Resolution 2 and a Standert Triebwerk?
Been a while since I rode the Mason but I’d say the Fairlight is slightly smoother with a crisper ride but they are both lovely examples of steel road bikes done good
@@davidarthur thanks for the input.
Hi david. How does it compare to Standert Triebwerk..? Hope you have ridden Triebwerk ..
😍
Tyre clearance and those chainstay details aside. this or Ritchey Logic Disc?
I would go with the Fairlight. Just like the modern details and ride quality of it plus better tyre clearance. The Ritchey is a fine riding bike though but the Fairlight edges it for me
@@davidarthur thanks for the reply! A head to head to head with 3 of the best Road Steel perhaps in a future video :)
Better than a Cinelli Supercorsa? Wilier Superlegegera? Hmm 😎
Beautiful
Hey David, have you had a chance to ride the Cinelli Nemo Tig? Any idea how the Strael compares? Thanks for the review, fun to see how much you enjoyed riding this awesome looking machine.
105 di2 would be nice
I really struggled to choose between the strael 2.0 and the secan 2.0. I plumped for the secan in the end as I wanted to be able to run 35mm tyres for night and winter riding, and because I wanted a 3rd bottle cage, and the mounting points on the fork may come in handy. If this was an option then I might have gone this way, for the replaceable hanger. It does make me wonder, has this put a gap in the range for a striped down model with 32mm clearance and without fixing points for a rack, that could let them shave a bit of mass from the frame and without the additional hardware it could look super clean, I'd keep the 3rd cage thought...
Could an average rider keep up on a group ride with a steel bike?
Yes
Do Fairlight do a steel rim brake bike that will accommodate 32 mm tires ?
Only disc brakes I’m afraid. Have you tried discs?
@@davidarthur Yes, I have a disc brake alloy gravel bike. I prefer rim brakes and mechanical shifting. I also like the shape of mechanical Dura Ace rim brake shift levers.
Great review videos, I watch them all , thanks !
I have an 'old' steel bike (2016) and looking to upgrade what about Condor Super Acciaio?
Fairlight better engineered and lighter and more varied bike fit options.
@@strickostricko out of curiosity, how do you know. I have found it increasingly difficult to find weights of bikes. Even carbon ones, which worryingly, must mean they are getting heavier for a heftier price tag.
@@markgill3099 Reviews on TH-cam. Generally Cyclists if they’re not obsessed by bike weight, they’re at least interested and most reviewers reference a bikes weight in the review. Otherwise I’ve found bike weights on Reddit if they were not easy to find on the manufacturers website.
David, I think your saddle is located too low
Ah thanks for your concern but it's fine
Love the review. Love the colour. Shame they didn't drop the seat stays to give it a modern look. Does it come in a rim brake version?
Nope. The Strael is all disc and has always been one since the 1.0 version. I don’t think fairlight makes any bikes with rim brakes. The make 3 model and all of them are disc brakes only.
@@ashwinoashwin thanks 🙂
I love the classic chainstays
How do you find it compares to titanium?
Very close in ride quality - but titanium has a weight advantage and no rust/paint to scratch benefits of course
@@davidarthur My stainless steel rig rides closer to carbon & aluminum in stiffness, is more comfortable than any of them (Ti included), weighs only 1/2 pound more than Ti and is also rustproof.
The new stainless steel bikes are going to be the one bike with no excuses.
418mm is a long chainstay for a road bike.
It would be for a race bike but for an endurance/touring bike with big tyre and mudguard clearance it’s on the money
@@davidarthur I see. Maybe that's why it rides so nicely.
It certainly aids the stability 👍
I wonder if James Hayden we’ll be racing with the new bike at some stage considering he’s won the trans-continental on the earlier generation. 👍
He’s sponsored by Canyon these days
@@davidarthur Oh well everyone seems to be sponsored by them these days would’ve liked to see him on it again like you I do like my steel bikes I’m actually going to buy a Fairlight just haven’t made up my mind which one👍😊
Nice tube but Shimano Noo never
And breezer have been working on this year's
Breezer?
@@dominicthomas3148 Breezer bikes. One of the original mountain bikes. Look it up
@@eekamouseman Yeh i am of course well aware of Breezer bikes. Just didn't understand the comment.
Try Colnago,Better
I'll take it with rim breaks only. Perfection otherwise!
Without a mug I cannot take this review serious. Who rides without one?
Disc brakes?
No thanks