Ok, as noted in previous thread, my new frame arrived and to my surprise it was wrong size.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...int-what-to-do

Universalcycles will take it back, the only issue left to be determined is whether I have to pay the shipping. So my shopping for a steel frame begins anew.

I am looking at options from Soma (Smoothie, ES and Stanyan). I really like the look of the lugged Stanyan and initial shopping indicates I can get frame/fork for only a bit more than I paid for the Rada. I will need to buy longer reach brakes (for ES as well), an expense I did not have with the Rada and which I would not have with the Smoothie.

The only thing that gives me pause about the Stanyan is the geo for 58cm frame indicates a HT length of only 13.7cm, considerably smaller than the other options (an than just about every other frame I am looking at in my size range). The other numbers for the three frames seem close enough that I think I could make any of them work with stem adjustments. I think TT length and angles of the Stanyan are going to be best fit overall but am wondering what the small HT would do for my fit. Any input would be appreciated.

https://www.somafab.com/geometry03.html

Also, all three use Tange Presitge tubes. I am not familiar with Tange. How does Prestige compare to say Reynolds 853?

You could also go for a custom Gunnar Roadie, DeSalvo (columbus steel), or Waterford. What's your budget?

ive been riding my gunnar roadie for over a month now. i'm very happy with it.

Sigh, not high enough to afford any of the above.

Is Salsa Pistola out of reach too?

No. MSRP would be but with coupons and ssales I have come across a few online that would be within reach. I am a little put off by the sloping TT and up close in photos the welds look somewhat pedestrian from an aestetic standpoint. But the Tru Temper Platinum tubes have my attention.

Tange #1 (aka Champion #1) competed with Columbus SL and Reynolds 531, later known as 531c (competition) back in the 80's. Prestige was a thinner walled (ie. lighter) version of the same Tange1 alloy tubing, similar to 531p (professional) - a thinner walled version of 531.

853 frames are generally lighter & stiffer than ones built of 531 (& their competitors), but of course there are many other factors that affect this, besides just tubing selection.