Fifty Plus (50+) - Help with Lightweight Steel Bike Search

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saibiker
09-28-08, 08:33 PM
I'm looking to purchase a lightweight used road bike with relaxed geometry, 853 steel frame, carbon forks, and braze-ons for a rear rack. The Lemond Buenos Aires through 2006 may be one possibility. I'd like to keep the bike in the 20-21 pound range. Anyone know if there are other steel bikes I could be looking for with the above specs?

robtown
09-28-08, 09:38 PM
My 2003 Fuji World meets those criteria - except it might be a pound heavy. Maybe their current offerings would work.
shmulb
09-29-08, 05:19 AM
WaterFord and Gunnar come to mind.

lighthorse
09-29-08, 06:38 AM
saibiker,
Looking on ebay I found only one bike but it is a 50cm. The pictures do show the same rear attachments that I have. The seller also does not post the year.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Lemond-Bueno-Aires-Bicycle-used_W0QQitemZ270279266395QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item270279266395&_trkparms=72%3A1210%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
Yuck, I don't think that link is going to work. Anyway, it seems to be the only BA on ebay right now.
Good luck.
bike4life
09-29-08, 08:02 AM
My Lemond Sarthe fits that description to a "T". Here's the link to this year's model: http://www.lemondbikes.com/bikes/road_racing/classic_steel/sarthe.php
I've put over 6K miles on mine, crashed it several times, and it still rides like a dream. Check it out.
oilman_15106
09-29-08, 09:03 AM
Older 1997 thru 2002 Jamis Eclipse. 853 frame, traditional geometry, great ride. You may want to keep checking scambay until something in your size appears. Easily built up to your weight requirements.
bobbycorno
09-29-08, 09:26 AM
What size you looking for? I've got a 62cm Gunnar roadie frame that I need to sell...

Scott P
Bend, OR
dck
10-01-08, 02:56 PM
You might look at the SOMA line. They're build from Tange Prestige tubing which is comparable to 853. SOMA's prices are fairly reasonable compared to Gunnar.

http://www.somafab.com/
StanSeven
10-01-08, 02:58 PM
WaterFord and Gunnar come to mind.

I have a Waterford that easily is under 20 lbs - DA, Kysrium wheels, Ouzo Pro fork. It rides as nice as my Seven Ti
BluesDawg
10-01-08, 03:28 PM
You might look at the SOMA line. They're build from Tange Prestige tubing which is comparable to 853. SOMA's prices are fairly reasonable compared to Gunnar.

http://www.somafab.com/

True, if by comparable you mean lower level. Tange OX Platinum would be on the same level as 853.

Not a knock against Soma. They make some very nice frames at a low price. I'm thinking hard about getting a Juice 29er frame myself. The Prestige steel is better than the 4130 used in Surly frames.
Burr
10-01-08, 05:41 PM
Just a thought, check out REI, store or on line.

I got my touring bike there years ago and its wielded steel, a little longer and the most comfortable bike I have ever rode. I have it on my trainer and I'm fixing to ride it in a few minutes.
DnvrFox
10-01-08, 05:57 PM
Love my 1999 Lemond BA!
RoMad
10-01-08, 06:06 PM
I went to the Waterford site and looked at their bikes. They are nice, 953 steel. I was thinking of putting one on my wish list until I saw the prices. I think I will stick to wishing for a Soma smoothie.
Burr
10-01-08, 06:23 PM
I went to the Waterford site and looked at their bikes. They are nice, 953 steel. I was thinking of putting one on my wish list until I saw the prices. I think I will stick to wishing for a Soma smoothie.

Check out REI, you might like the price and I"think" you get 10% back at the end of the year.