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?

[gopack]

I've been riding a mid 90s Specialized Allez since new. It has an alluminum fork, and Cromolly frame tubes. The ride is responsive, but not too twitchy. I never rode 200 miles though! Should be able to get one cheap on ebay! Otherwise, all the major european bike companies still make steel frames for under 1k if you want new. If I was you though, I would contact a frame builder and get EXACTLY what you want. That way you can mix frame tubes and get the perfect geometry for you! I had a custom back in the 80s, and loved that bike! Not sure what a custom costs these days, but the money is WELL SPENT. (just my $0.02; yours at a 100% discount!)

[r3dplanet]

I've been riding a mid 90s Specialized Allez since new. It has an alluminum fork, and Cromolly frame tubes. The ride is responsive, but not too twitchy. I never rode 200 miles though! Should be able to get one cheap on ebay! Otherwise, all the major european bike companies still make steel frames for under 1k if you want new. If I was you though, I would contact a frame builder and get EXACTLY what you want. That way you can mix frame tubes and get the perfect geometry for you! I had a custom back in the 80s, and loved that bike! Not sure what a custom costs these days, but the money is WELL SPENT. (just my $0.02; yours at a 100% discount!)

I've built up a couple of road bikes over the last year on Soma frames. Nice steel, nice colors, well built, inexpensive, and super comfortable. My winter trainer is an orange Soma w/105 except for the rear hub, which is a just a free-wheel flip-flop. Easier to clean in the rain.

One note: I do have carbon forks on the Soma frames. I'm a big fan of carbon forks for all occasions.

The next time I build up a bike I'm going to go to a builder and have something sized for me. Its expensive, but worth it. I guess it depends on what you're after and how much you want to spend. I'm a lousy welder, and I have great respect for these guys who engineer frames and build them. Many manufacturers will also custom-build you a frame if you get a proper fit.