I build bicycle frames from several different types of material. Steel tubes are available in different diameters, wall thickness and alloys that can be anything from extremely compliant to dead-stiff. You can also get the exact fit, geometry and features you desire.

It's a lot easier to buy a ready-made imported frame and perhaps easier to get what you are looking for if you as there are so many choices and they can usually be had for a small fraction of the retail price if you shop carefully. You can buy/sell/trade until you find what you really like. If buying new, you either need to be armed with some experience with that year/model because the person writing the copy or making the sale likely knows nothing about the bike.

Since I make frames I would urge you to shop a bit with your local builders and see what kind of deal you can make. Much of what a builder offers beyond welding/painting is stuff you could figure out on your own. Providing complete geometry and specification cuts a huge amount of time and even having some latitude on headset, BB platform or paint color can make a big price difference. You can also shop for blems. If I have even the slightest dent in a frame tube, I put it aside and build a new replacement frame to fill the order.