hi, im just getting back into riding again after fifteen years and fifteen pounds! here is my criteria. road bike,must be steel with atleast 105 component,must be under twenty pounds,must come in at less than 1200$im not afraid to assemble one from components,would love an italian steel frame,can anyone help?thanks

Sir,

Well, the first thing to take in account is the geometry you want. Once you determine that look for frames that offer you this.

To get under 20lbs. for a complete bike will be a bit hard with 105 and a steel frame but maybe not impossible.

Also another thing to decide is if you want to buy a frameset and the parts separate. This will give you more control of the bike as many complete bikes give you cheaper parts to keep cost low.

I am writting from Bulltek Sports - www.bullteksports.com and if you want you can contact me (Xavier) for more details and advice.

Why do you whant steel and not aly.

Generally better ride quality and longer frame length are the typical reasons.

I agree. Under 20 lbs with steel will be tough...and I'm not sure why you would want that. Do you have a bias against Aluminum for some reason? I think a lot of us like our Alu frames.

Consider:

Cannondale R600 or R600 Triple you may actually be able to find a 2004 R800...that would be a great bike for under $1100

Trek 1500 - I got one of these for my wife for $799 on sale (I think the list is around $1100-1200 and was very impressed with what they've done with it. Nice frame, good components except for the Tiagra front DR...replaced it with Ultegra for $40 (the didn't have 105 in stock). This time of year, you might also be able to find a 2004 2100...that would be cool.

Specialized Allez Elite - Good bike in that price range. Has a compact frame geometry...you might like that...check it out. Pretty sure this is full 105.

Check out Felt. I have no idea which models but there are a TON of Felt freaks on this board. They seem to be a good value bike that offers good performance. I don't think they have quite the quality of the other three I mentioned above but unless you're logging 4,000 miles in a season and racing every month, this shouldn't affect you.

Yeah, yeah all you Felt moonies...I know you'll disagree...remember, this thread is to help the guy find a bike, not debate whether Felts are better or worse than other bikes. Offer the guy a suggestion.

I gotta say the Specialized Elite is a nice bike, plus they make a steel version you can probally get a good deal on. I don't know if its under 20 though. But what kind of bike are you looking for? top perfomance, comfort, or a mix of perfomance and comfort (example: Allez, Sequila or Rubiax)

Well I am a little over $1200 but I think I am going to come in around (hopefully under) 20 Lbs. $950 (shipped) for Ultegra Triple build kit from Colorado Cyclist and $280 for a Salsa La Raza frame (ebay) which is 853. I think it is doable. Here is one that will be close as well. I think I have seen the number for this bike right at 20 lbs.

Two years ago the answer would have been Lemond's Alp D'Huez, but it's regrettably alu now.

Maybe Bianchi's Imola will come it at your price/weight point.