TOT - bike info needed, Looking for a nice frame Options

[Porcharu]

I am starting to look for a nice steel frame to replace the nasty aluminum Klein that I currently have. Looking for a nice long distance setup, not a race frame. Nothing real fancy needed - but something worthy of Campy Record (almost 20 years old now) componants. Any ideas?

[strawman]

One word... Masi. I just sold a 1974 Masi Gran Criterium on Ebay because it was slightly too big for me (58cm, tho I normally ride a 56cm or 57cm frame). Nonetheless, I finished a double century on this bike in 1989 in 12:13 and I felt GREAT afterward -- something I couldn't say afterward on a couple of other double centuries on other framesets. In fact, I ran the Bay to Breakers the next day and sprinted the final few hundred meters despite an expected case of sleepy peepee. That frameset accompanied me on countless 100+ mile rides, and it lived many loving years first in my living room (when single) and then in my rafters after I got married -- I couldn't bear to part with it until I need cash for my teener project. Nothing like Columbus steel!!! Final word of advice -- stay Italian if you really want something that works and lasts.

[Porcharu]

One word... Masi. I just sold a 1974 Masi Gran Criterium on Ebay because it was slightly too big for me (58cm, tho I normally ride a 56cm or 57cm frame). Nonetheless, I finished a double century on this bike in 1989 in 12:13 and I felt GREAT afterward -- something I couldn't say afterward on a couple of other double centuries on other framesets. In fact, I ran the Bay to Breakers the next day and sprinted the final few hundred meters despite an expected case of sleepy peepee. That frameset accompanied me on countless 100+ mile rides, and it lived many loving years first in my living room (when single) and then in my rafters after I got married -- I couldn't bear to part with it until I need cash for my teener project. Nothing like Columbus steel!!! Final word of advice -- stay Italian if you really want something that works and lasts.

CRAP - I need a 58cm frame and I'm local! One (of many things) - I hate about the frame I have is it's really to small for me. I have a very long torso and need a bigger bike - everyone says I need a 56cm but they are all cramped on the top tube. I'm doing this ride next year http://www.mrfrogswildride.org/ just after my 46 birthday and just gotta have a nicer frame. I really hope the climbs don't kill me - I have been a flatlander until now. I think that corncob 'might have to go' but then again I can always just go triple. I don't have any knees left so pride is not involved!
Steve