If someone here wanted to add a new steel bike to their collection, what framebuilders don't charge an arm and a leg? I'm not spending $4000+ on a bike, know what I mean? Let's say the budget is $1500-$2500 for a complete build.

Really good question but very open ended. For instance...

type of riding leads to bare frame vs many brazen ons

experienced vs new in the trade frame builder

Frame is on sale at $450
VO Campeur Frameset

Frame on sale for $470
Saga Frame Set | SOMA Fabrications

Both companies have a lot of other frames too- road, tour, cross, mtb, etc.

Soma is new Tange Prestige tubing.
Yes, these aren't frame builders, but at $1500 total for a full build...

Less of a touring rider, don't need braze ons. Can't commute to work so usually just me and a water bottle, firing it up every now and then, mostly flat paved terrain, but I know I'd prefer a nicer variety of steel than what some are putting out.

What size frame are you going with now ?

small to medium frames can run higher end tubing while larger frames would flex too much with higher end.

what tubing are you looking for ?

have you posted this question to the frame builders sub forum ?

It was more of a general question, I was a bit stunned at the sticker prices of some new steel frames out there, although I'm sure you get what you pay for, for the most part. I might have to become more into the sport before I understand the pricing.

I understand completely. I also understand how frame builders see their work as time spent learning their craft and valuable time spent giving you the best of their effort.

I have a friend in this profession so I get the human side of it beside the business angle.

Good luck with your quest. Pls let us know how what you find out.

A hand made, lugged American frame starts at around $1800. I'm on the waiting list for an Elephant NFE, a TIG frame for about $1400, a steal, IMO.

It's going to be tough to keep under $2500 unless you have a decent parts bin, you have a local co-op that you can buy used parts from for cheap, you build your own wheels, or you really compromise on the parts.

On the bright side, if you find a frame you really like, it should last for decades, and you can upgrade the parts.

Edit: re-reading your question, why not get a vintage steel frame? Post your size, many of us have high quality, vintage steel frames that could be parted with. Alternatively, lots of opinions on CL and fleabag sales to be had for the asking...

That elephant is a robust looking bike! Have fun when it's all ready for riding! $1400 would be doable, I could use parts from another bike. Let me know how the bike works out. How long did it take to decide on that particular frame?

get a holdsworth:

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FRHOPR...ional-frameset

Lots of builders have basic tig in that range. Mine is the orange one.

More Fun - Fitz Cyclez

This would probably be my choice: 2015 Weekender Drop | Fairdale Bikes

https://ravn.rawlandcycles.com/

In your budget, an aluminum bike is cheap and just as rugged. My off the shelf GT Eightball cost me $1200 to build up, including upgrades. If you want to go custom with a new steel bike build, expect to pay from $3000 to $5000 depending on the frame tubing level, component choices and labor charges. If you must have a custom steel bike, be prepared to up your budget.

For a custom frame, you are out of luck for a full bike.

Trek's 520 works, as well as a few of BD's full bikes...ie...Winsor?

Speclized's AWOL works as well

Shinola.com, with Waterford built frames.

Boulder Bicycle.

Just got a Salsa Vaya and very pleased with it, 1499 Cdn.
Marinoni is doing tig and lugged steel frames, high end of your range. Being Cdn it would be good bang for the buck with the exchange.

Roland Della Santa. Good value, fairly quick turnaround, proven builder.

The Saga is heavy. Go the extra $ and get the Stanyan.
Polished stainless lugs, beautiful Tange Prestige frame.

My #1 choice: Wraith Fabrications.

Get the Hustle if you want to go fast go fast go fast.


Get the Paycheck if you want a versatile, all-around bike.


$1350 shipped, but you will not regret it. Columbus Life tubing, S-bend stays, great fork.
Very light, even compared to aluminum and carbon. Best money spent on a US-made steel frame.
Now, it's not C&V, nowhere near. Same attitude, but not lugged. Takes 27.2 seat post and English BB.
Wraith Fabrication | Handmade in USA steel bicycles

Now, Adam can make you a steel lugged object d'art. No problem. It'll cost you for that.


Even a randonneur

I built up a Soma Saga for my daughter and she loves it for trail riding, but it is a bit on the heavy side and if I were to build her something for mostly paved roads I might lean towards the Soma ES, or one of the other great options above. Also, you might find a nice, gently used, frame on eBay.

Bingo!

His framesets are gorgeous.

Wish I could get him to build one with cantis and a few extra braze-ons for fenders.

[IMG]IMG_2554 by gomango1849, on Flickr[/IMG]

Milwaukee Bicycle Co. (Ben's) Road Bike Frame and Fork, TIG welded OX Platinum, built by Waterford Precision Cycles, $984

thank you for all the responses, just what I was looking for. Many great options to think about. RobbieTunes, it looks like the Stanyan has been retired and is not available, but I could be wrong.