Road Cycling - Help selecting Steel Frame

Reading online forums and reviews lead me to check out Gunnar Steel Frames. I've got enough stuff laying around to build Road a bike based on 105 group.

Gunnars seem to be quite popular but I have to say I was quite disappointed in the finish quality and apparent durability, every frame in the shop was marred and dinged and the paint seemed quite soft.

My range is around $800 to $1100 for frame and fork.

Am I kidding myself think I can get a decent plain steel frame off the rack of decent geometry with a good single color finish? I'm not looking for much detail just good dropouts tig welded steel.

It's sad to hear that all the samples in the shop were marred and scuffed. Gunnars are known for their quality I hope this doesn't become the norm for them. I wonder how much damage the shop wrenches inflicted themselves assembling the bikes?

That said, there has been a lot of threads here recently about quality steel frames. Do a search and I'm sure you will find lots of ideas. My personal favorite is the Lemond Maillot Jaune CLASSIC. MSRP is $1299 w/Bontrager carbon fork but can certainly be purchased for less. I have an older model and love it.

55/Rad

It's sad to hear that all the samples in the shop were marred and scuffed. Gunnars are known for their quality I hope this doesn't become the norm for them. I wonder how much damage the shop wrenches inflicted themselves assembling the bikes?

That said, there has been a lot of threads here recently about quality steel frames. Do a search and I'm sure you will find lots of ideas. My personal favorite is the Lemond Maillot Jaune CLASSIC. MSRP is $1299 w/Bontrager carbon fork but can certainly be purchased for less. I have an older model and love it.

55/Rad

Somehow I thought you might mention that one. I was hoping not to add to Trek's coffers but I may have to give it a long hard look.

The some of the Gunnar frames I saw weren't built yet and they seemed to be displayed and handled with decent care that's what was disturbing the dealer has a great selection of nice esoteric stuff from Cro mo, waterford etc so I think Gunnar is not that well finished.

I guess I have been mentioning the MJ and Lemond a lot lately. It's just that it seems to fit in the middle between the good, lower end steelies like a Fuji Roubaix Pro and the ultra high end ones from Italy. Kind of like Gunnar does. There just isn't a lot to choose from in that middle area.

Don't get me wrong - I love my Lemonds. But a big part of acquiring them was the deals I made to get them. I didn't buy them new and I certainly would never have paid anywhere close to retail to get them. I'd be lying if I said they were the best or I didn't lust for a LOT of other great bikes. Like the Opera Pelladio - sweet! My latest - the TdC, will barely have the Lemond name on it when it's finished - that's how much I loathe being "one in the crowd."

But, along the way, I realized the geometry was perfect for me. So I stick with it.

55/Rad

If you could find a couple hundred more to spend.. a torelli countach would be sweet.


www.torelli.com

http://www.cervelo.com/prices/usa.html


super prodigy