Framebuilders - Looking for Frameset To build

I am looking for a frameset to build that would be compared to Rivendell Rambouillet, Mercian King Of Marcia or Waterford but on the cheap. Looking to spend less then 500.00. So any ideas on builders or older 1970 and 1980 frames. I have read that you can get the same ride as a Rivendell but in a older used Japanese bike. Requirements are... up to 700x35c tires, cantilever brakes if possible and more upright position for light touring to no loaded long rides. Would Tommaso Lugged be a good bike.

Higher end seventies and eighties Panasonics, Bridgestones, Nishikis, and Fujis using butted 4130 chome-moly tubes or better would be nice framesets for such a project. If you want to use modern drivetrains (9 or 10 cog cassettes) you'd probably have to cold set the rear triangle/dropouts. If you want cantilever brakes, you'd also probably have to have bosses brazed onto the fork and seat stays.

How about this. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130147995390#ebayphotohosting

How about this. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130147995390#ebayphotohosting
Not enough information about the frame to tell, which is probably why it didn't sell. I forgot to mention Miyatas in post above, but some of their frames are nice too.

In general, the frames you should be looking for will have forged rather than stamped dropouts.

Why not just look for a used Waterford. I picked up an excellent RSE-11 frame/fork/headset about 3 years ago on ebay. Paid about $450 in 56cm, which is a good price. Figure now you might have to spend between $500 - $600 for it. Mine was a 1999 and the last year for Reynolds 531. Newer ones use 853. Be patient and you can find a deal. I waited a year just to pick up the frame. It took another year to buy all the parts on the cheap. Good luck

Tim

Why not just look for a used Waterford. I picked up an excellent RSE-11 frame/fork/headset about 3 years ago on ebay. Paid about $450 in 56cm, which is a good price. Figure now you might have to spend between $500 - $600 for it. Mine was a 1999 and the last year for Reynolds 531. Newer ones use 853. Be patient and you can find a deal. I waited a year just to pick up the frame. It took another year to buy all the parts on the cheap. Good luck

Tim
Tim, very good advice.

Ive been looking for Waterford, Rivendell, Bridgestone, Heron and some more but problem is not much in the 60-61cm size and one that would use 700x32 to 35mm tires. Thanks for the advice though.

I have heard that Bringheli will do a true custom, unfinished, frame for around 500. Not enough info on his sight to really know, but it would be worth checking with him.

Ive been looking for Waterford, Rivendell, Bridgestone, Heron and some more but problem is not much in the 60-61cm size and one that would use 700x32 to 35mm tires. Thanks for the advice though.

Keep on looking on ebay for those Waterfords or Gunnars. Typically, 54-56 are the real hot sizes. Anything smaller or larger sell for less. Frames in the 60+ range usually go lots cheaper.

Surlys are great buys for the money. They usually go for $300 - $400 new. IMO, I'd buy a new Surly before a used. You really don't save much money used because they're so popular resale is high. Don't expect Waterford quality with a Surly though. They're generic 4130 steel that's TIG welded.

OTH, Surly's come with everything you're looking for. The Long Haul Trucker, Pacer and Cross Check all fender mounts and fit 32C tires with fenders. Something to think about.

Tim