djnzlab1

HI,
I was wondering were to order a resonably priced good steel frame , plan to move my ultrega parts too.
My current bike is ok but feel steel is more safe and better ride.
doug

cyclinfool

You might want to look at soma
I don't own one but they seem to have a following. I was looking at one as a touring bike.
Also - many old steel frames come up on ebay - but you need to do your homework before buying.
My advice is to research tubing manufacturers with the primary ones being Reynolds & Columbus, then look at the grade as each offered different grades. Once you know the different grades you can ask what the frame is made of. Not all steel is the same.

BikeWNC

I think Gunnar offers some nice bikes. Of course there are the more expensive Waterford, IF, Seven ... etc.

Barrettscv 

I'm very happy with my Soma, consider the Smoothie ES. I would recommend it over any frame in it's price range.

Michael

overthehillmedi

Have you considered a titanium frame? I'm sure if you contact Mrs.NOS88 she might have a line on a titanium frame for sale,that way the mister will have more cash to buy her more bling! Good luck on your quest.

big john

Sometimes Soma even has special clearance frames on their site. My friend says his Soma rides almost as nice as his Moots.
I like my Gunnar, but they are a little more money than Soma.

bcoppola

There's also Jamis. Don't remember if they sell just framesets.

And +1 on used steel...if you know (or are willing to learn) what to look for & have a good idea of what will fit you. Hint: hang out on the Classic and Vintage forum.

NealH

Good recommendations here and, I will add the Jitensha Studio Ebisu bikes as they are well thought out and built. I don't own one but, it would probably be first on my list if I was focused on a steel bike.

BluesDawg

+1
Add True Temper to that list.

Questions to the OP:

How much do you want to spend? There are reasonably priced good steel frames that cost $300 and there are reasonably priced good steel frames that cost $1300 and more.

I also think steel frames can offer a better ride, but why do you think they are more safe?

v70cat

I would buy a used Lemonds, https://www.qbike.com/Road-Bike-Buyin...e/Lemond.shtml

https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...iple&Type=bike.

https://cgi.ebay.com/2003-Lemond-Zuri...ayphotohosting

Don't know your frame size but this looks like a great deal for you

https://cgi.ebay.com/Lemond-Zurich-59cm-Frame-853-Reynolds-Carbon_W0QQitemZ260437129202QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRoad_Bikes?hash=item3ca34337f2&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_ trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|293%3A1|294%3A50

https://cgi.ebay.com/TREK-LEMOND-POPRAD-CYCLOCROSS-FRAME-57C-STEEL-NEW_W0QQitemZ130315830180QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRoad_Bikes?hash=item1e576dc3a4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trk parms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|293%3A1|294%3A50

The Smokester

How about Independent Fabrications?

Allegheny Jet

I purchased an aluminum frame from these guys and I'm very happy with it. I see they sale a steel frame for around $300.

Note, I'm not a shill, just trying help someone else get more bikes.

https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/173...Race-Frame.htm

Shifty

GVH has a nice selection https://www.gvhbikes.com/

bobbycorno

+1 to that! Gunnar's got to be one of the best deals out there today. Made from the same materials, by the same people, in the same factory as Waterford, and half the price. What's not to like about that???

SP

ps - I might be biased. I own two Gunnars: a Roadie, and a Crosshairs set up as a rando bike w/ Honjos, a Berthoud 'bar bag, etc. And I abso-freaking-lutely LOVE 'em both.

BengeBoy 

Gunnar
Curtlo
Soma
Surly
Bob Jackson (order from British website)
Mercian (order from British website)

Your local custom builder...

RoMad

I too am curious as to why you said steel is more safe. Some good advice above about learning about the different grades of steel. I would recommend Reynolds 853 or True Temper Ox Platinum as they are both light weight, strong and lend well to welding.
Something else you need to look at is the geometry. One reason everyone brags on the rides of their touring bikes is the long chain stays which gives a very smooth ride. I had an early 70's lugged frame steel Motobecane that was the best riding bike I have ever ridden. YMMV and of course we will need to see some pictures of whatever you buy.

acorn_user

Go to Portsmouth and ask here:
https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Bik...lassics_Va.htm

I think they still make custom frames there. That would be a really cool option.

professorbob

There's a site that advertises Italian frames here on BF. Check them out-there are some really beautiful ones.

Recycle

Surly has steel frames in a variety of different styles. https://www.surlybikes.com/

BluesDawg

To the OP - what price range are you willing/able to spend? What characteristics do you want from your frame besides comfort?

irwin7638

Rivendell bike works is a bit on the "high end," but their new Sam Hillbourne model is only around $1000 with BB, Headset and seatpost.

Velo Fellow

Lemond bikes are known for their longish top tubes (fitting Lemond's ideal of a stretched out upper body). For short torsoed guys like me, Lemonds may not be comfortable without a weirdly, almost dysfunctional short stem extension.

When you mention "safety", I'm thinking you're partly thinking steel fork. Which makes me think 1 inch threaded headset. Which makes me think easier to fit with a conventional, one-piece quill stem. You are entering a kool new (old) world.

Include Heron (not so expensive) and Waterford (more expensive) on your list of steelies.

https://www.heronbicycles.com/frames.html

https://waterfordbikes.com/now/home.p...ommand=showall

gvhbikes, mentioned above, offers steel ranging from DeRosa/Colnago ($2k) to Viner ($500). 2 friends ordered through them and were pleased with their service, including one total build. Good Luck.

**Lose 3lbs of love handles, or have a healthy bm, and you've solved the steel/carbon weight differential and hung onto a lovely ride.


FWIW I ride a Rivendell "LongLow", an old Japanese steel crit bike, and a titanium bike. Goemetry is so different on each that they don't compare really.....all 3 do bring me a smile... I never worried about carbon's safety, but test rides for me personally found the "feel" of carbon not to my liking....highly subjective of course.

trackhub

I ride a Gunner street dog, bought / built in fall of 2000. Love it. Steel is real.

rideon7

Surly also seems to be popular, especially the LHT (Long Haul Trucker), used by many for touring or commuting. I still think the steel LeMond frames are the best around, but LeMonds are no longer manufactured by Trek, or anyone else, so you would have to look on eBay/Craigslist.

Jimmykee

I ride two steel bikes , one IF. Crown Jewell the other is a Kelly (True Temper). Both are great rides however the Kelly has the more attractive price. I understand Chip Kelly has reopened , info on his web site ,you might want to take a look.