humboldt'sroads

My brother had his Allez stolen and is looking to replace it with a steel frame with 105 or better components, probably just 105. He'd probably rather spend more like $1500, but I figured two bills would open up a few more possibilities. Also, he wants to be back on a bike by next weekend, so will not be getting anything too specialty; something we could get in Sacramento or the Bay Area. I was checking out the Bianchi Vigorelli - any thoughts?

big john

Jamis has some steel bikes as does Specialized. You could build a nice Soma for around $1500, a little more would get you a Gunnar.

pkpsu

cant attest to the quality of the bike, but well under the price point (provided he doesn't mind having a triple or the stigma from buying a bd bike)

https://bikesdirect.com/products/merc..._serpensIX.htm

Steve90068

https://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/road/record-ace/ killer bike, $1900 msrp

Jakedatc

Can find better components for a bit more than listed but Surly makes nice stuff.
https://surlybikes.com/bikes/cross_check_complete/

DRietz

If you're in the bay area, there are currently several nice steel framed bikes with 105 for sale on Craigslist for far less than $1500...

I don't know how tall he is though, so here are a few listings:

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/1633055809.html

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/1631397723.html

Oh hey look...
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/1626320830.html

Good luck, my friend.

DRietz

Oh, and maybe if you're in the Bay Area a lot we can do a few "I've been off the roadie for 7 months and am dying" rides.

SalsaPodio

https://salsacycles.com/bikes/pistola/

sced

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...mp_slti_10.htm

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...hamp_ti_10.htm

humboldt'sroads

Thanks for the ideas, guys (and/or gals)...I like the looks of the Salsa Pistola and the Raleigh Record ace, and I love the way Surly's ride - too bad they wouldn't do better than Sora on 4130 for a $G. Now I wish I was shopping for a steelie for myself!! I'm not sure if my bro would be down with a B/D bike; he's definitely big on being able to put his hands on something before he buys it, but that $1700 Ti Moto is sure hard to ignore!

veloduffer

Check the Serotta forum in the Classified section. You can get some beautiful frames there. The forum doesn't have a big following since it is hosted by Serotta but it's a good group with some nice bikes ( and take good care of them too). I have bought a few frames there and some look nearly new. Check out this nice Serotta steel frameset in 56cm for $575 with Reynolds carbon fork. If I didn't own a steel Sachs, I'd be all over this one.

https://www.serotta.com/forum/showthread.php?t=70892

Rutnick

Masi Speciale 105 mix and $1500.

GreenRiver

I've been riding a SOMA Smoothie ES for about 5 months now - it's been great so far.

foamy

A Jamis quest would fit the bill rather nicely.

https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik.../09_quest.html

nayr497

I have two very nice steel bikes, got both of them used, and got both of them as complete bikes for well under $2000.

If you don't mind doing a bit of shopping, I'd suggest a used bike. More bike, less money. Good luck!

liquefied

You know that none of the bikes you listed are steel, right?

El Diablo Rojo

+1 on this one..for the money it's a nice bike.

DRietz

I do know that, actually. I was giving him a few quick expedients to a new bike for his brother. I searched "Shimano 105" as that's what he specified as a component group.



Sue me.

But, if we're getting particular... email this guy:
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/1633535330.html

kbtommy

+1 for the Surly. I picked up a used Cross Check last year and it's great. You'll probably want to swap out the shifters - it's got those awful bar-end shifters - but otherwise a great bike.