Scooper, Yes, 55cm from center bb to center of toptube (top to bottom length) and im assuming the 54cm is the reach? heres the frame i was looking at.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-ZEUS...item2c7028c626

Im 5'10/5'11. 32 inseam.

no? stick with 56? Is it easy to find 1'' threadless steel forks?

You are really tossing out too many variables, all over the map. We can't fit you from your measurements, or decide what frame tubing is the exact match, or what color or whether a 55cm TT is better for you than a 56cm TT. We can't decide if you should get a 1" threaded fork so you can use a quill stem or a carbon fork in 1" with a shim or 1 1/8" without.

1-Find out your size, and that includes BASIC measurements like c-BB to where your pelvic bones contact the saddle, and the reach frm the same pelvic "weld" to the hoods or drops on your particular bar. Then you find frame size(s) that can be fitted within those parameters. Rule out over-large frames with over-short stems, and possibly rule out smaller frames that would require over-long stems or a lot of seatpost, and then you have your frame "range."

2-Within that range of sizes, decided (you decide, not us) what tubing, manufacturer, and geometry you can live with.

3-Choose your budget, and start finding qualified applicants. Sort through them, and you'd be surprised how many there are.

There's been a 56cm F. Moser Leader AX here for a long time, 8-sp DA, that comes and goes from CL. As good a frame as any out there. Just an example of not getting caught up on limiting factors.

+1 So you posted a WTB in the classified section? Post a link, as I don't see it. Several on this forum probably have SLX framesets.

That Zeus is way over-priced. Very unimpressive from a workmanship standpoint. Probably mass produced by a contract builder. Low quality bb shell and lugs. Lack of name recognition ensures you'll take a big hit if you resell.

If you're going to spend $600 on a frame, stick with slx from one of the bigger Italian or Euro names. You can ride it for years and probably sell it for more than what you paid.

Edit: take a look at sold slx ebay listings: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sadi...&_skc=50&rt=nc

Lots of sweet deals in the $300 to $650 range

https://www.ebay.com/itm/CONCORDE-CIN...p2047675.l2557

that was the other one..

I asked about the 1'' threadless steel fork because of the litespeed (frame) i was looking at uses a carbon fork which is not my cup of tea.

I totally understand that the geometry of the frame matters more than anything, but with a price-budget, im just trying to get the best bang for my buck that suits me. Thats all.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/DACORRDI-SLX...item4173e3ded4

oh man, wouldve jumped on that..

I just sold an SLX Paramount frameset w/DA headset for $285 with free shipping, new paint and decals from the maker. Market is down, or I just didn't have patience. It had a very small post-paint dent on the L upper fork above the frame decal. Maybe that was it, but I bought a set of carbon Race XXX Lite wheels with tires, and needed to replenish the funds....

I think you would be well served at a budget of $500 to include a headset, and go from there, adjust up for extras, down for work needed. I'm aware of deals in the last year or so....$225 SLX frame/fork needing paint/$400 SLX frame/fork needing rubbing out/waxing, but with some extras/$625 SLX frame/fork/headset ready to go/$285 SLX frame/fork/headset w/small dent on fork (mine above).

Bear in mind, once you get one, just build it and ride it with confidence. It's yours, and will be as good as you want it to be.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Eddy...t_2155wt_15482

https://www.ebay.com/itm/colnago-Colu...item43be3175bf

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintge-Eddy-Merckx-Corsa-Extra-Frameset-Kelme-team-paintjob-Columbus-SLX-/181176888731?pt

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-90s-EDDY-MERCKX-CORSA-EXTRA-frameset-SLX-tubing-/141029009590?pt=US_Bicycles_Frames&hash=item20d5fbe8b6=US_Bicycles_Frames&hash=item2a2efbed9b

I'm really not seeing the difficulty. I'd take any one of those Mercx, and the entire Colnago for $749 is very fair. I'd pull the group, overhaul or sell it, and begin to build.