General Cycling Discussion - First Build

I've been a motorcyclist for 40 years (I know, I know) but for the last year relocated to Puerto Rico for job purposes. Since I discovered motorcycling in San Juan would be suicidal and that I needed some exercise, I made a small investment in a Chinese Schwinn at Sears called a Volare. I didn't know how much use I'd get out of it so I didn't want to spend a lot. Well I've got almost 400 miles on it and to my surprise am enjoying myself immensely dodging San Juan traffic. For a cheap bike nothing has broken and everything still works as knew. Since I'm a tinkerer I've decided that in order to really get some karma from my ride I would have to build my own. I've drooled over the Cervelos in a store near me but couldn't afford that kind of hardware so I visited ebay looking for a proper frame to start my build. Being a bit of an Italophile I of course was attracted to an older steel frame from Italy. My bid was blown out of the water. I guess the question is "can I find a decent steel frame, preferably European, for $250 and where?" I don't think Ebay is the right venue.

$250 for a steel frame? no

You may have better luck with Nashbar aluminium frames but I don't know how much the shipping cost would be where you live.

But, some names I guess... Surly, Soma, Salsa, Civia and you can find Redline at bikeman.com and what else...?

$250 for a steel frame? no

You may have better luck with Nashbar aluminium frames but I don't know how much the shipping cost would be where you live.

But, some names I guess... Surly, Soma, Salsa, Civia and you can find Redline at bikeman.com and what else...?

I should have said "used frame". Thanks for the tip.

$250 for a steel frame? no

You may have better luck with Nashbar aluminium frames but I don't know how much the shipping cost would be where you live.

But, some names I guess... Surly, Soma, Salsa, Civia and you can find Redline at bikeman.com and what else...?

Looked up Nashbar and they have a combo carbon/aluminum frame on sale for $175. Seems like a good deal or is this a case of "you get what you pay for".

That's a good question. I have a Nashbar touring frame and fork but I haven't built up the bike yet so I don't know how it rides. But, I read a lot of positive comments on Nashbar frames. I'm not sure about carbon for myself because I read if you have an accident with carbon fiber, it expodes and injure you.

Don't look for frames look for whole bikes. All the frames I have sold I bought as whole bikes for parts I needed and sold the frame that didn't fit. Often for more than I paid for the whole bike. Ride it and upgrade as you can afford or need to replace things.
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/361558-retro-roadies-old-frames-with-STI-s-or-Ergos

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trkparms=65%253A15%257C66%253A2%257C39%253A1&rt=nc&_nkw=trek+road+bike&_sc=1&_sop=15&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14.l1581&_pgn=2

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=bianchi+road+bike&_sacat=0&_sop=15&_odkw=trek+road+bike&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313


http://puertorico.es.craigslist.org/bik/2625056895.html

That may be more practical but my intention is to start from scratch even though it may cost me more. Time is on my side so I can afford to look for deals.