A couple hundred more than your budget but, the Specialized Allez E5 is a very good frame set....with a lifetime warranty to the original owner. It needs not make any apologies to the best bikes available. If you can find one of last year's frame sets on the shelf then you can save a little as I believe they were a couple hundred less. But there again, your dealer might work with you on a new one and they come with a seat post. Very good foundation for an inexpensive top shelf bike.