Originally Posted by
polygon1
I built up a Cross-Check as a single-speed gravel bike recently and I’m enjoying the single-speed thing a lot more than I expected. Looking for a steel frameset to build up as a city/road bike. What’s the most supple, cushy, comfy steel single-speed-appropriate frameset out there under ~$1000 USD? (Preferably quite a bit under, because I’m in Canada, and shipping/import costs if I have to bring it in from out of country can add up to 50%.) Considering the Wabi Special (I like lugs), Pake Rum Runner, Bassi Bloomfield, or a State 4130. Vintage isn’t really an option, there’s nothing much local and I need something in the 58-62cm size. Looking for something that'll really eat up the vibrations from crappy pavement.
oh man - sorry - i didn't pay good attention to your note after reading through the debate on bike geometry and materials.....
back to your question on cushiness - here's an alt-thought:
i think this Cinelli complete might be under $1k USD.
https://usa.cinelli-milano.com/collections/tutto-plus
As a counter thought to 'cushy frame', this would allow cushy-tires (it's got canti posts and looks to clear a 700c X 44mm tire.
i understand the fattish tire can give an overly-dead feel to a pavement bike. I ride my cross-bike (lovely GUNNAR) on pavement quite a bit. Right now it's got 700c X 33.3333mm Jack Browns. These work find on pavement and dirt roads. I'll go fatter when I take off the fenders, soon.
take care and happy hunting.