I've been riding an IRO Mark V for the past 3 years and am ready for something new. I will be running it fixed and it will be used as a commuter bike. The three bikes that I am trying to decide between are Surly Steamroller, IRO Mark V Pro, and Soma Rush.
Things I like / dont like about my Mark V: Likes-no toe overlap, water bottle mount, comfortable geometry. Dislikes-cable stops, not a super smooth ride (maybe due to crappy steel ?), paint comes off easily.
I am leaning toward the Soma Rush but a bit concerned with the track geometry for commuting. I used to have a KHS Flite 100 which was a bit tight for long rides.
Re Steamroller, I am somewhat concerned with weight, but if its a comfy ride I can live with the weight.
I'm sure I would be happy with the Mark V Pro but I kind of want to try something different and a bit more track oriented.
Thoughts ? Opinions ? Bareknucke is out of my price range, I'm looking at $500 max for a frame and fork

dont get the mark v cable stops & brakes are for suckers. why u wanna stop the bike? go witht he rush because track geo makes for really fast bike. it can also barspin with drops which adds to the wow factor for teh ladiez.

Considered a Salsa? I don't have one but want one...

$7XX complete so frame and fork is probably in your price range...

hate the cablestops on the salsa. prolly go with the soma. i like the new khaki green frame with straight chrome fork. hows the toe overlap on the soma ?

i just use a hacksaw if i dont like teh way cablestops look at me and put em in there place. toe overlap ha! whats that

What's that?

My FAIL senses are tingling.

What is with the sudden influx of trolls with really old accounts?

Anyway, OP, if all you're looking for is a frame and fork, I would go with a Wabi: https://www.wabicycles.com/bike_main_pg2010.html
Only $350 for the Classic with double butted Reynolds 725 steel. Pretty sweet deal, me thinks.

Arthritis and osteoporosis.... they choose to mess with us younguns...