I've been using my Specialized Tarmac for commuting but at 56 the form factor is beginning to take it's toll on my back so I'd like to build a really nice classic looking steel commuter. I'll still keep my Tarmac for fast solo rides when I want to get out and clear my head. My son is finally tall enough to take my Specialized Hardrock which was my family bike so my new build will be used for commuting and for family rides. I'd like to stay around $2,000, give or take a few hundred, but I want a bike that is reasonably fast and light (light for a steel frame). I was looking at a Rivendell Sam Hillborne but with the frame alone being $1,300 I think I'd be well over $2,000 after it's all said and done so I'm looking for other possible frames.

I'd like some nice lug work on my frame and want to outfit it with nice components, a set of mustache handlebars and perhaps some hammered fenders. There are so many beautiful bikes and I've considered Vanilla (pricy and the wait is way too long) but that Townie is pretty sweet, Pashley Gov'nor and Speed 5 are nice but a bit heavy from what I'v read and I'm not sure about the riding position. Rivendell frames are nice but again I think I'd be around $3,000+ after it's all done, but I sure do love their lug work.

Well, any suggestions you folks can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Soma San Marcos. $930 for frame and fork. it was actually co-designed with Grant Petersen so you get your Riv fix. Lugged and high quality tubing with a sport-touring approach to geometry. San Marcos Frame Set | SOMA Fabrications

Soma Saga. $500. Not lugged, but touring frame for more relaxed position like you want. Excellent tubing. Saga Frame Set | SOMA Fabrications

Soma Grand Randonneur. $490. Partially lugged, 650b funky trendy wheel sizing, and more relaxed geometry. Same great tubing as other Somas. Grand Randonneur Frame Set (v.2) | SOMA Fabrications

Velo Orange Pass Hunter. $540. A few superficial lugs(I think?) but its a well thought out bike. VO Pass Hunter frameset - Frames

Velo Orange Campeur. $520. Lugged and very well thought out. Its a touring frame, so plenty of mounting points and more relaxed geometry. VO Campeur Frameset - Frames



I know not all are lugged, but all are cromo and the Soma models are an excellent brand and model of tubing. There are hundreds of frame makers that could be listed who build lugged frames, but I figured id toss out a handful of frames that are more relaxed geometry, steel, and lugged(some) while still costing under $1000.

You are in a really cool situation- oh how should I spend 2K on a unique steel frame build? That's a great problem to have!

Great tips mstateglfr, I really appreciate your suggestions and assistance. I like the look and write up of the Soma Grand Randonneur but I was not clear about what they mentioned in part of the writeup, can you tell me what they mean by this:

This type of bike rides best with a front load. You can ride it unloaded, but it will take time to get used to the steering qualities of a low trail geometry.

I don't know if I'd have much load on the front, and I'm not sure what they mean by "low trail geometry", how do you think it would handle if used for general riding or for commuting without much on the front?

Ok, I would probably butcher this if I got too detailed as ive read a lot on rake and trail but would inverse one of them and have everything be wrong. So hopefully a real world visual would be better.


low trail bikes handle best with more weight on the front. it doesn't have to be a ton of weight like loaded panniers. randonneur bikes are designed, traditionally, to be able to ride long distances in a day. as such, the geometry is more relaxed compared to other road bikes to allow for more comfort. additionally, a handlebar bag is often used as its a great way to store what you need for the day as well as have a good place for the map to complete your course(slid in the top clear pocket of the bag). Randonneur events are all on your own, so you are responsible for any food and on course repairs. as such, having water, snack, basic repairs, and any extra clothing(wind jacket, gloves, etc) in one bag is a must. Tossing it in a convenient place up front puts more weight over the front of the bike. so with extra weight up front, randonneur bikes have adjusted trail to make steering with that extra weight more predictable and stable.

I rode what I was told was a low trail bike and couldn't feel anything different in terms of steering versus my bikes. I have some sport touring bikes and aggressive road bikes- the steering is different but quick to adjust to. Same thing with the low trail bike. Of course, I only rode if for half a block, so maybe not enough to notice a difference.

Thanks again, I appreciate your insight. I was hoping for a 700c but it looks like I may have to look at getting a 650B tire size since most frames I want seem to not be available in the 700c. But for what I want it for it should be fast enough I'd guess.

I'm starting to develop a sense of hardy realism when it comes to my commuter bikes, and I don't think I want hammered fenders specifically. I took up a twig last winter and folded my front Longboard, I shudder to think what a metal fender without safety releases would have done to me.