I have an older frame with very nice, nearly new components. I'd like to upgrade the frame to race training / very light touring. I think that I'd like steel, possibly carbon. I don't want it to be too expensive. Any suggestions are appreciated.

How much are you looking to spend ComPH ? I bought a Lemond Frameset on ebay... 2 years old for $450... 1/2 as much as a new one... built it up.. and it is great...

depends on your budget...

Where in SoCal do you live ?

Jeff

Yea if you get a steel frame, consider a Lemond Zurich or something. They use the highest grade of steel (853) and its super light. Carbon frames are much more and their durability is still questionable these days.

Thanks for the info. I was thinking $500 - $700. I would go higher for something really worth it, but I don't want to go to any sort of exotic, show-offy region. Just that the frames I have right now are really heavy and dull...

Check out the Tommassini Sintesi or Nemo that Colorado Cyclist offers. These are pristine steel frames built in a thoroughly professional shop in Italy. Traditional, long wheelbase racing bike that would be perfect for centuries, training, day trips, and credit card touring. They sell for ~$1000.00. However, if by light touring you mean loaded panniers, this may not be the bike for you.

Thanks don d. No I don't mean panniers at all, just that I don't mind a little non-twitchy geometry and hard spagetti for tires.

For $650 you can get a handmade steel frame from Gunnar, which is a division of Waterford. I posted something about them on another thread earlier. They have both road and touring frames available (called "Roadie" and "Sport.") I've been riding a Gunnar road bike for awhile now and love it. Not one fo the big familiar names, but a high quality handmade frame from a high end bike manufacturer. Give them a look if you want a good value in a steel frame.