I have been riding a 27" frame (translates to 68.5 cm), 30-year-old Miyata 210, for....well, the last 30 years. Every time I think replacement I think complicated. I have become serious again about road cycling, and want a new high framed bike. What brand/line would you recommend? I'm in the Philadelphia metro area (north suburbs), and am willing to spend $1000 - $1500 (tops).

Checkout the KHS Flight 747 ($1800) and the Surly LHT Disc ($1400)!

www.khsbicycles.com/2013-khs-models/flite-747

https://surlybikes.com/bikes/long_haul_trucker

Alternatively, you could just order this SOMA ES frame in either a 64cm or a 66cm @ $400 and build it up into your dream bike complete with a Tiagra Gruppo.

https://store.somafab.com/somasmoothiees.html

Look into the Surly line of bikes. I think they introduced a taller LHT last year. The size is 64 cm is deceptive. I believe it is made to fit VERY tall riders. Unfortunately, most bike manufacturers nowadays serve about 90% of their potential clientele. The rest 10% (very short or tall customers) are SOL given the 4-6 different frame sizes most manufacturers make. Otherwise, you'll have to break the piggy bank by going custom ($4-5K.) If you do it right, the big plus by going that route is that it will most likely be the last bike you'll ever buy. Near you, Bilenky in Philly makes custom bikes of excellent craftsmanship.

Thanks Slim - there are dalers for both in the Philly area. Any opinion on the Soma, which I have read a little about?

Thanks Chris - you write from a beautiful place!

Yes, Samsdad!

SOMA designs their frames here in Northern California (San Francisco). However, their frames are actually manufactured in Taiwan. SOMA makes very high quality Tange Prestige heat treated chromoly steel frames.
They are world renown for having high quality steel frames.

How tall are you? And what's your cycling inseam?

I'm 6' 4" - cycling inseam is 36"

How tall is tall, How rapid is rapid?

Gunnar! Made right here in the USA!

Hi SlimRider, have you been able to locate the geometry for SOMA's frames? I can't seem to find any

This is for the regular Smoothie, not the ES, but.

Thanks! Found all geometries in their blog: https://somafab.blogspot.dk/2012/11/frame-geometry.html Might actually be a great option for a large fella (6'6" here).