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?

[mepstein]

Think of a bike like a pair of shoes. First comes fit. Nothing else matters unless the bike fits correctly. Read up on how to properly fit your bike and get help with this from a pro if you need it. Hint - the teenage kid at the local bike shop probably isn't the best at fitting your bike. Usually it's an older guy who's been around bikes for a long time. 2nd is bike design. Get a bike that suits the style of riding you do. Any material can be made stiff or flexy, fast or slow. Don't worry about what the pros ride. They are paid to ride a particular bike. Dress shoes won't work very well for a 10K run - you get the idea. 3rd is material. Get what suits you but realize the material doesn't make the bike. Leather is nice for shoes but nylon and rubber can work just as well if used in the correct application. All your contact points matter as well. Shoes, seat, and handlebars all need to work for you and be set up properly. Try out seats until you find one you like. Good tires are important since they are the only 2 square inches that touch the road. Heavy duty kevlar belted tires resist flats but ride harsh. Supple casing in a slightly wider size 25mm vs 21 or 23mm, pumped to a lower pressure that's still appropriate for your weight will roll fast but have some give on rough surfaces. the new tubless tires also work very well. Lastly, make sure your wearing high quality cycling shorts and accessories. A good pair of shorts are $150+ and are worth it. don't skimp!. Good shorts and shoes will last longer so the money becomes a wash. Aways wear a helmet and make your kids wear theirs. Hope this helps. Mark