Road Cycling - Need to replace rusty Casati SL frame

I have a Casati Monza frame which I bought 15 years ago. It is built from Columbus SL tubing and has 1993 Campy Chorus components. I raced this bike for 10 years as a Cat. III rider. I would be perfectly happy with it at this point, as I no longer race, if it were not for the problem of rust. The top tube has surface rust, the BB has a lot of rust in there and I have no idea how bad the rust is on the inside of the other tubes. So, I'm a bit concerned it will snap in two at some point. I feel I should look into a new frame. Since I don't race anymore I just need a frame that is comfortable, somewhat stiff and has race geometry. I will primarily be using it for fast fitness rides from 20 to 50 miles. So I want to have fun on this thing but I don't need a ultra lite, ultra stiff bike. Also, I don't really want to spend too much. One frame I was considering was the Gunnar Roadie. I think that runs around 650? Also, perhaps a C'Dale caad4 or caad5? Any other recommendations? Thanks. Bob

I have a Casati Monza frame which I bought 15 years ago. It is built from Columbus SL tubing and has 1993 Campy Chorus components. I raced this bike for 10 years as a Cat. III rider. I would be perfectly happy with it at this point, as I no longer race, if it were not for the problem of rust. The top tube has surface rust, the BB has a lot of rust in there and I have no idea how bad the rust is on the inside of the other tubes. So, I'm a bit concerned it will snap in two at some point. I feel I should look into a new frame. Since I don't race anymore I just need a frame that is comfortable, somewhat stiff and has race geometry. I will primarily be using it for fast fitness rides from 20 to 50 miles. So I want to have fun on this thing but I don't need a ultra lite, ultra stiff bike. Also, I don't really want to spend too much. One frame I was considering was the Gunnar Roadie. I think that runs around 650? Also, perhaps a C'Dale caad4 or caad5? Any other recommendations? Thanks. Bob

If you're interested in a new bike, go for it. However, bear in mind that those SL tubes are a lot thicker than modern steel tubing and are thus much more resistant to rust. Never hurts to get it checked out but I'll bet it's got plenty of life left. Also, if the frame does fail, it'll probably bend rather than snap, meaning that it won't cause a crash.

Peligro,

Thanks so much for the response. That makes me feel better about the frame. Maybe I'll just finish out the season on it and buy during the winter to try and get a good deal. Could you recommend a good steel frame for under a $1000?