Purple bicycle frame isolated on white background.

Waterford Lugged Reynolds 853 Steel 33-Series Artisan

Our 33-Series Artisan bicycle frames are crafted from Reynolds 853 and joined with specially selected lugs. Reynolds 853 is widely referenced as the strongest (tensile strength) air-hardening steel available for bicycle frame fabrication. Introduced in 1995, Reynolds 853 was the first commercially available air-hardening steel. These key factors, among many others, are why it was selected for our 33-Series Artisan models.

After brazing the lugs, the heat-affected zone nearest to and within the lugs is hardened through the formation of martensitic crystals as it slowly cools. Properly constructed, tight-fitting lugs, combined with air-hardening 853 steel, lead to joints that are often the strongest part of the frame.

Carefully selected tube profiles combined with strengthened joints lead to a bicycle with a smooth yet extremely durable ride.

Unlike our 22-Series bicycles, our 33-Series bike frames need to be protected from moisture and oxygen. All of our 33-Series frames are coated internally with a thin yet durable and lightweight Lanolin-based rust inhibitor. Your choice of powder-coat, Cerakote, or automotive paint, combined with lug detailing, will result in a piece of art that is functional and will last many years to come.

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Frame Details:

  • Tubing: full Reynolds 853, except Reynolds 631 seat tube

  • Bottle Mounts: down tube and seat tube locations (3rd mount optional)

  • Finish: Automotive wet coat paint, Cerakote, and or powdercoat

  • Production: Custom design and made one-by-one in Durango, Colorado

  • Custom Sizing. No additional charge

  • Lead time From Time of Order: 10 to 12 weeks

  • Frame Weight: 3.5lbs to 4.5lbs lug and size dependent

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Technical Details:

Our 33-Series Artisan bicycles have no model names. Each frame we craft is an involved and intimate conversation about what your new bike needs to do for you. Our lugged offerings will prioritize on-road riding with an emphasis on comfort for long days in the saddle. Below are frame specifications that apply to most of our creations:

  • Tire Width: 700c x 28 to 38mm

  • Headtube: 1 1/8” straight taper

  • Bottom Bracket: BSA 68

  • Brake mount: Rim brake, Canti, or disc

  • Hub spacing: 9x130 or 12x142

  • Cable routing: Internal or external

  • Front Derailleur: Braze-on

  • Seatpost Diameter: 27.2mm

  • Warranty: Lifetime to the original owner

Hand Crafted One At A Time

  • Dream it.

    Remember that lugged bike hanging in your childhood bike shop that was always out of reach? Are you looking for a modern performance machine with classic aesthetics? Need to replace the old reliable? We are here to help you figure out your next dream ride.

  • Design It

    A team with 40+ years of custom bike design and tens of thousands of bikes under their belt will make it happen. From personal bike fits, phone calls, and in-person visits, we can help you figure out exactly what that next bike needs to be for you.

  • Build It

    Modern machines, state-of-the-art precision, and a team of fabricators will build your next frame to the highest standards of quality, cleanliness, and strength. Located in the alpine mountains of the San Juans, our builders are multi-disciplinary riders themselves. We understand that what is crafted in our shop will often outlive us.

Custom Design Fit Sheet .PDF