Touring - Touring frame?

Hello all. Can anyone recommend a touring frame for in and around $500-600? Am ready to upgrade from my aluminum do everything bike, touring and cyclocross, but do not want to buy a complete bike, would rather piece it togther myself. I know there are tons of frames available in the next price point of 900-1400 dollars, but am just not ready to make that jump. Was thinking a Bruce Gordon BLT would cut it, but I am not sure if he sells just frame sets. Thanks. Zach

$500 - $600 dollars is a tough order, I look for older frames myself and build them up, they have more character, look nicer and if you find a good one, often ride better then a new frame. The last bike I built was based on a 1991 bridgstone RBT, I bought it cheap and used only the frame. I ased the best of everything, D.A. tripple crank, STI shifters, front derailure and chain, I built my wheels using ultegra hubs, wheelsmith DB spokes and mavic 519 rims, I used a tompson seatpost and stem and king headset, I use an XTR rear derailure and cassette (12 - 34)for ultimate gearing when mated to the 30 - 39 - 53 dura ace front. I ride on conti ultra 2000 700 - 28C tires and covered them with plant bike fenders. I sit on a Brooks swift leather saddle, and use TTT forma SL bars and carry my things on topeak rack mule rack front and rear. It turned out to be a real attention getter and rides like a dream. The gearing allows me to pull steep grades fully loaded and ride with others at a club pace when I want. Check the tag sales, ask your friends what they found in the cellar or go to a police auction, you will be suprised what you can come up with, besides, why would you want to ride what anyone can just go buy.

Mr. Fix. Thanks for the reply, I would definitely build up an older frame, if one came along. I ride a 60 cm though, and they are a little more tough to find...
Bell just rang, got to do some teaching...

What up,

Perhaps the Surly Cross-check? Frame = $369, I think. Tough as nails, I hear.

BK

I wish Surly made a touring frame, due to the fine price point. Their cross frame has very similar angles to my Redline cross frame. Thanks for the idea though.

The Surly cross check is my frame of choice if I can't find a good builder next time. I like to build up a new bike every winter, it gives me something to do after riding the trainer every night. I think the cross check would be a great touring bike, I like the 132.5 mm drops that allow for either road or MTB hub fit. I feel the frame is strong and would give a good day after day ride while loaded. It would also make a great commuter, and the price sure is right considering it is a frame set with fork and not just the frame.

I've seen Trek 520 frames at my Trek dealer, so they must be able to be ordered. Too bad they have threadless headsets now, but if you're building it yourself you'll at least be able to cut your own steerer. Don't know how much they'd cost, but the built bike is only $1000, so I'd think the frame would be in your price range.

I saw a Novara Randonee frame for sale at an REI last year, so they can probably be ordered too. Basic Taiwanese Chro-mo touring frame. It was only $125.

What about a Gunnar Cross-hairs? Yes, it's a cross frame, but it'll take 38's and fenders, has rack mounts, and is very pretty. BB rise is low like a touring bike, too. Frame is $650, I think.

RichC

I had Tom Teesdale build me a frame for just a little more than that. Totally custom, reynolds 853. I'm very pleased with the result. I got exactly what I ordered right down to the color.

I would guess he could build a tour/cyclo frame out of 531 or ?? for close to your price range.

I think his webpage is tetcycles.com

best of luck!
-Mo

Thanks for the info, I checked out his website, and a couple other custom frame makers....on average would be looking between 900-1200 dollars. More than I wanted to spend, but definitely worth the money, I have some real decision making to do over the next few months.
Has anyone had any experience with Oswald frames out of Pennsylvania? The look very nice, I'm a sucker for lugged frames! Thanks again.

A word about Teesdale,

A friend of mine had a custom single speed mtb frame made for under $500. If you are interested in a custom, he might actually be in your price range. You would just have to ge on the horn and talk to him. I hear he preserve his profit margin by doing sub-standard paint jobs. Still, the my friend is very pleased with his frame.

BK

Holy Moley typos!

http://www.ucycle.com/

touring frame/fork in butted chromoly $Cdn 475
Its Canadian, not US

This is a new one for me, and looks excellent value. Any Canucks heard of them ??

Thanks for the reply. I wonder where they get their frames? Anyone heard of them?

I would Like to recommend the Heron or Rivendell Altantis frame.
Both frames are made with lugged and brazed construction. Certainly tough like nail and look artisitc enough at great price! Both accept wide tyres and more.......

take a look at their website and you would agreed with me

http://www.heronbicycles.com
http://www.rivendellbicycles.com/

Informations also available at a personal web page

http://hem.spray.se/jan-olov.j/bikes/heron.htm