Originally Posted by jsigone

IMO you get the most bang for buck around the $1200 mark but there are still some nice sales on 12' models out there. The parts kits and most important the fork gets ALLOT better (more durable) and will last you allot longer w/o upgrading within the first couple yrs of riding that much. I'd put you on a 19"/L frame with 90-100 stem, or an 21" XL with 70-90mm stem pending how long your arms are. A 19"/L would give you the best sizing options though.


Good steel bikes built up start about $1600-2k, the frames cost more then alum so that drives the price. I've selected only alum below

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/fr...012-10671.html

http://www.bikebling.com/Orbea-Alma-...alma29-h60.htm

http://www.trekbicyclesuperstore.com...n-123191-1.htm

http://www.jensonusa.com/Cross-Count...tom-Build-Bike