A lot of hype surrounds the selection of a tubeset for a bicycle frame. Each tubeset has characteristics that make it suitable for the intended use but often the reasons behind the choices are overplayed.

It's been said, "strong, light, cheap: choose two" and this just about sums up the rationale behind most tubeset selections.

Like everyone else, we use different materials for our various models. A selection of our tubesets can be seen below.

To further clear things up (or perhaps confuse you even more!), take a look at the following comparison chart.

Our Ti frames use 100% seamless cold drawn Certified Aerospace Grade Ti 3Al 2.5V tubing (94.5%Titanium, 3% Aluminium and 2.5% Vanadium). Our dropouts are cut from Ti 6Al 4V plate.

Our standard Ti frames use plain gauge (PG) tubing. It's not so much about what the frame is made from but more about how one uses the material. By selecting from a number of different tube guages and diametres, we are able to balance strength, weight and 'feel' to give you a frame that captures that subtle Ti ride.

Our current Sirius Ti in 18.0" weighs 3.1 lbs/1.4 kg depending on the options chosen.

Our steel frames are built with our own custom selected 'PYPE' which is a 4130 Series CrMo double butted (DB) and heat treated tubeset. This builds into a lightweight frame that is both supple and strong - with that steel 'feel'. Reynolds 631 or Columbus Zona would be a comparible tubeset in strength, weight and elongation (flexibility).

Currently we're building in Reynolds 853 (main tubes) with 4130 series CrMo double butted (DB) and heat treated tubing for the stays and head tube.

Our MTB frames are disc specific and are designed to take a 90-130 mm travel fork.

• Compact frame - steeply sloping TT
• Traditional 'A' - seatstays
• Double bent stays
• Clearance for 2.5" tires

The design is compact up front which gives great standover height. The top-tube is long enough to give you balance and stability going down and keep the front wheel planted going up.

Frames take a 27.2 mm diametre seatpost and a 31.8 mm (Ti) and 28.6 mm (CrMo) top-pull front derailleur.

Seat collar size is 31.8 mm (Ti) and 29.8 mm (CrMo).

PDSP offers a Ti semi-custom build facility to give you a frame tweaked to your requirements. The frame maintains our proven geometry and design but tweaks are available in the following areas.

• Butted tubing
• Various finishes (sand balsted, brushed, polished)
• Custom painting
• Gussets/no gussets
• Engraved headbadge
• Sliding dropouts
• Guides, stops and boss positions
• V-brake bosses/disc specific

Contact us for more details or to discuss your requirements.

So, here's some of our favourite links to those with considerable technical know-how.

• Learning the lingo: Impress friends and influence people by learning the secret lingo that all those wicked smart engineering types use when discussing frame materials!
• Frame & Geometry Variables