Beck

I'm going to start building up another road bike for next year, and I need suggestions/advice on steel frames. I'm looking for a modern steel frame, threadless headset, carbon fork, 10 speed rear, compact cranks, etc etc. I'll be using mostly shimano 105 components.

My ideal bike is a Lemond Sarthe, but I haven't been able to find one after a year of looking. I've looked at Bianchi and Colnago frames, but haven't found any yet. Why are modern steel frames so expensive? I thought one of the attractive properties of steel (besides ride quality) was that it is less expensive?

Anyway, let fly the steel frame suggestions.

Bacciagalupe

Lemond closed up shop (at least temporarily) after he had a falling out with Trek.

There are a few affordable steel frames / steel bikes out there though. Surly, Salsa and Soma make many steel frames; Jamis Satellite / Quest; some of the Ritchey Breakaways are steel. Specialized also put out a retro steel Allez for 2010.

old and new

What size ?

Barrettscv 

Gunnar: https://www.gunnarbikes.com/models.php

lbear

I just had to make you feel bad. I found this 2008 Sarthe after about 3 months of looking on CL. I love the ride!!

Bianchigirll 

I think is is just a matter of good high quality steel bikes were always expensive. but are now even more so because fewer companies are concentrating on steel as their core bikes.

I do not think Bianchi offered much in frame/fork sets the last few years. if you can find one buy the Bianchi Dolomiti either the frame/fork or the whole bike. I think the carbon fork and threadless ruined the classic look they were going for but I am certain that is the best looking and likely the best riding bike Bianchi has built in years. I may have to tru and get a one for myself.

JohnDThompson 

The high-end steel frame market is pretty small these days, so development costs are spread over a smaller customer base resulting in higher price.

bullwinkle

Mercian.

frpax

I would add that a good lugged steel frame is labor intensive.

mattm

Ciocc - you can get the COM 12.5 (1700g steel frame) for $800 or less if you're lucky. Not quite budget but not quite top-o-the-line either.

Thing is you'd either have to buy it online or find an LBS that carries them. I like mine a lot, and even race it.

bigtea

Get one of these and defy those who would dare to ride with you. Cyclists with any other frame would simply be not worthy. And yes, it must be red.

sugarcubed

Just bought a Bianchi Vigorelli. Reynolds triple butted 651 tubing, Nice clean welds, ultegra/105 mix gruppo & bianchi's alu/carbon mix fork & classic race graphics. I Also specifically wanted a steel frame & there really arent that much to choose from.
The Vigorelli rides real nice and smooth. The fork seems to be OK but I dont have much to compare it to. It was a bit pricey but I havent bought a new bike in quite a while so I could justify it. Bianchi USA also makes other steel frames; the imola, brava and the dolomiti & pistas. Id advise anyone to check them out. im really happy with the ride -- that is if you want a new frame vs used/vintage

brron

i was close to buying the bianchi vigorelli. My dream is to own the cinelli red road frame up above. But I think I will just settle for the Specialized allez steel. If the vigorelli was full ultregra, i could easily pull the plug.

superdex

So you didn't say how you want the frame to ride. That will help narrow your choices.

old and new

Good question , I'd asked of the size req. Your asking about ride characteristics is another one most importance. Leaving so much up for speculation has invited many to state their current or dream bikes like so many blogs. The op did state wanting a carbon fork so some of the entries don't met his reqs. Wide questions typical of this place have fellows spinningg their wheels.

NealH

I like the Torelli frames. Modern steel and seemingly well made - they have standard sizes and can make a custom size too. We have several Torelli riders in our local club and the people rave about them. They are not expensive. It makes no sense to spend a lot on a steel bike when cheaper ones today ride and perform just as good as any overpriced steel frame. The other suggestions on this thread are good also.

nun

If you have some cash take a look at the De Rosa Neo Primato. Failing that there are plenty of places still making steel road bikes, firms like Waterford (Gunnar), Co-Motion, Independent fabrications etc. Also Mercian Cyles in the UK makes distinctive frames

velobran

What is your price range? You can get off the shelf frames from (as others have stated): Surly, Soma, Gunnar.

You can get custom from Curtlo for under $1K for frame and fork. There are many options in the $1K - $2K range.

msummers

Serotta Fierte. You can find them NOS for ridonkulous prices.

joelh

My 2 rides are a Serotta CRT and a Waterford RD-22 with a pro ouzo fork. Both are excellent rides but I give a slight edge to the Waterford. Light and snappy, excellent ride!

Beck

Wow, lots of great info. I'm writing all these frames down. I left my requirements open ended to get a variety of responses, so thanks.

To be more specific:
I'd need a 53cm or 54cm. I'd rather not spend more than $800 since I won't know what the bike feels like until I build it. That might lead to selling the frame and trying another one.
Right now I ride a Trek 470 (cro-moly frame) 7 speed and I've been consistently putting in 26-36 mile rides four times a week at 17.5 - 20 mph average. I'm going to try my first century next month, but I don't think that will be a regular thing. I'm not overly concerned with weight and speed, but I do love to push hard and put in fast rides. I love bikes that ride smooth and sweet, but I'm not too worried about any kind of "look". Steel frame for the ride, carbon fork for a little weigh savings and stiffness. Long winded enough?

nayr497

Southern MD and a compact crank? Isn't it pretty flat there?

Two threads on steel bikes in the Road forum today, huh?

Torellis are pretty darn nice. Cool, classic paint and a good price. Cioccis are sweet as, always wanted one. Very cool that MattM races one; must make the carbon folks feel terrible when you beat them out!

That red Cinelli above is incredible, but the frameset is pretty pricey. For example, I picked this up a little while ago complete for less than the frameset costs.

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/565761-tommasini-diamante-italian-red.html

You are after modern and a carbon fork, but if you watch wisely you can pick up a nice older steel bike via eBay. I did! It had 30 miles on it and all I did was put on my pedals + saddle + tires and start riding

Beck

Yes it is very flat, but I like the option of having a lower gear now and then since I'm most comfortable at high cadence (94-115rpm). Now that you mentioned it, I'll run a normal 53/39 crank through my gear calculator and see what happens.

That sir, is a gorgeous bike. The chrome fork is classic.

That's essentially what I'm riding now, a chromoly garage sale find that I love. I haven't had the chance to ride a steel frame+carbon fork bike yet, but might just dive into it.