I know the qualities I want in my next bike - but does it exist?
I'm still a C&V newbie, but I have been reading a whole lot here, and riding a lot, and feel pretty sure that I'd like my next bike to fit the following description. But I don't know if it's out there. I know this is a steep order, and maybe impossible. Please be gentle if this is a foolish quest.
-Lugged steel road bike
-Geometry on the relaxed side
-Takes tires up to 32mm
-Weighs somewhere around 23 lbs. or less, without major component changes
-Obtainable without ridiculous luck for $200-$400
To make it even harder I ride a 61-64cm frame.
It seems like some of the '70s bikes have the geometry and tire clearance, while some of the mid-to-late '80s bikes are plenty light but have steeper angles and tighter clearances (an Ironman, for example). Is there something that has this combination?
I know weight isn't really all that important, but my other bikes are in the upper 20s (at least), I live in Utah (lots of hills), and this would be a nice change of pace.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions for bikes I should be on the lookout for. Many thanks.