Originally Posted by MajorA

Build up a SS from a vintage steel frame and parts, ride it for a while, and see if you like it. The bike in the picture was a total of about $125, if you don't count the old Brooks. If you don't like it, flip it for what you've got into it. Maybe even more, if you did a good job, and you think profit is a good thing.

Bikes just shouldn't cost a gajillion dollars.