Based solely on my personal riding experience, Reynolds 853 Lemonds ( around the turn of the current century) with steel forks get my vote as the best steel bikes. Best 531 bike: Carlton Raleigh Competition. Best Japanese bike : 81 Univega Specialissima (sports touring version). 87 Schwinn Voyageur is the best (and only) touring bike I've ridden. Best mid entry-level bike : Peugeot carbolite or Trek Elance.