IcySmooth52

2015 seems to have a large focus on retro steel road bikes (not touring) that're for the mainstream market. I mean mainstream because there's many options under $2k, and even under $1k. Discussion on new retros becoming a common option and sight on the road.

Two brands I want to point out are Kona & Raleigh because they both have a range that addresses this want in the market:
KONA BIKES | 2015 BIKES | ROAD BIKES
Raleigh Bicycles - Heritage Steel
I think the Kona Kapu is really hot, just a touch too relaxed in frame design for my preferences.

LesterOfPuppets

Maybe check out the All City Mr. Pink. Steeper angles than the Kona and the top tube is closer to horizontal.

IcySmooth52

I'm not doing a thread for my own ownership research, but sharp looking ride. A bit on the gravel-side of things instead of a solely road design. If I were to get a steel ride, I'd get a Ritchey Road Logic. Retro, but still a focus on speed.

Marcus_Ti

Think it is a natural counter reaction to the CFRP craze. For a while early this century every manufacturer was going crazy with shark fins and bladed profiles espousing the milliwatts saved...now that every manufacturer does it, quite honestly CFRP bikes have started looking damn near a dime a dozen.

LesterOfPuppets

I think the Mainstream Retro Race bike crown has to go to the Specialized Allez Steel Double from a few years ago.

It's tough to get any more mainstream than Spec.
It's tough to get any more retro than DT shifters.

IcySmooth52

That made me think of Fuji's Connoisseur. If they still made it, I'd own one. It was just a great deal: Reynolds 725, 16 speed, and just a sharp-looking bike!