Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Steel frame bike w/ upright riding position

Which of the following stock steel bikes allows the most upright riding position? I know adjustments can be made to all, but I am talking stock bikes out the door.

Novara Randonee, Fuji Touring, Bianci Volpe, Jamis Satellite, or Surly LHT.

Any others to consider for steel frame at a reasonable price?

Those bikes are similar enough in terms of geometry that I wouldn't let that be a significant factor in your decision on which bike to get.

+1 All pretty similar.

Of course, I am a used bike guy, and there are a lot of used steel framed bikes with upright positions. Any of the rigid mountain bikes, lots of hybrids and more. For example, my $10 Schwinn CrissCross is a nice upright bike (garage sale find).

It's possible to change the seating position by changing the stem or adding spacers, too. You could set up any of those bikes to be very relaxed "touring bikes", particularly if you are ordering one new.

I bought a Salsa Casseroll (http://www.salsacycles.com/casserollComp08.html) last fall when I was looking for a steel bike for distance rides:

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c282/panhead74/100_0147.jpg

I think most/all Soma and Surly frames are made of steel. The Soma Smoothie or Double Cross might be worth considering. Same for the Surly Cross-Check and Travelers Check. All of these bikes will have a slightly shorter wheelbase than the LHT, so they'll be a little more maneuverable.

Surly frames are a joke. Any 4130 from the early 70's or 80's is just as good and costs a fraction less. Look for vintage Miyata bicycles. They are great and not too much money. Anything made of Tange chromoly or better is going to be less expensive and just as good as any new frame.

Might want to add the Jamis Aurora to that list. I've got my next bike pick down to either the Aurora, The Randonee, or the Volpe. The Surly looks like a great bike too, I just don't prefer bar-end shifters. Whatever you pick, let us all know how you like it!

Surly frames are a joke. Any 4130 from the early 70's or 80's is just as good and costs a fraction less. Look for vintage Miyata bicycles. They are great and not too much money. Anything made of Tange chromoly or better is going to be less expensive and just as good as any new frame.

Exactly! Any early '70s - late '80s frame accommodates 2.5" wide 26 or 700c tires, has suspension-ready geometry, cantilever brake posts, is readily available in all sizes, comes with a warranty, gives you a choice of several colours... :rolleyes:

Surly frames are a joke. Any 4130 from the early 70's or 80's is just as good and costs a fraction less. Look for vintage Miyata bicycles. They are great and not too much money. Anything made of Tange chromoly or better is going to be less expensive and just as good as any new frame.

Just make sure the bike is completely functional and be sure you have no desire to ever upgrade any of the components. Drop-out spacing has changed over the years, so upgrades to the drivetrain and wheels are the most likely to cause problems. Cold-setting of steel frames to widen the drop-outs is possible, but not something to be undertaken lightly...