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.

[strawman]

I've built up a couple of road bikes over the last year on Soma frames.

<snip>

The best man in my wedding imports Soma frames and assorted parts. See www.somafab.com for details. I built up a nice responsive Soma Rush fixed gear bike a few years ago, but sold it when my hips went bad (and every swingin' dick in Davis began riding "fixies"). Soma uses Tange Prestige tubesets, which provide a great-riding bike at a great value. PM me if you're looking for a Soma frameset -- I can get you a killer deal.

[Porcharu]

I've built up a couple of road bikes over the last year on Soma frames.

<snip>

The best man in my wedding imports Soma frames and assorted parts. See www.somafab.com for details. I built up a nice responsive Soma Rush fixed gear bike a few years ago, but sold it when my hips went bad (and every swingin' dick in Davis began riding "fixies"). Soma uses Tange Prestige tubesets, which provide a great-riding bike at a great value. PM me if you're looking for a Soma frameset -- I can get you a killer deal.

I thought that Soma was in San Fransisco? How do you import from the States? If I ever have some $$ I will contact you for a fixie frame as I have wanted one for a LONG (like 10 years) time. I rode a POS single (derailleur broke so I got rid of it) in college at least 5000 miles and really like the idea of 'just pedal the dang thing'.