I had a Merlin Road with Time Vectran 1” carbon fork in the 1990s. It was a great bicycle at the time but my c. 2002 Merlin Extralight with 1 1/8” steerer is lighter and better. Frame alone cost me well under USD1k a few years ago. I had a steel Columbus Max fork built for it. Rides very well, but I might replace it with a new carbon fork to save a pound one day.

Personally I wouldn’t use a second hand 1” fork with carbon steerer, which will be what at least some of these older Titanium road frames came with. I’d also be very wary of an old carbon fork with steel or aluminium steerer, but that’s largely just me…

If you’re prepared to part out a complete bicycle then even top-tier Merlins, Spectrums and Serottas are great value now and easier to find than frames alone.

i agree 100% with genejockey above, wait for the right size and model, anything else is a waste of time at any price. Unless you enjoy churning unsatisfying bicycles…