Yeeeooooo!

Hi guys, I'm looking to start my first piece by piece build and I've decided I'd like to spend between $400 and $600 on the frame, The only requirement is Steel.

Through my own searching I've come across

SOMA RUSH

ALL CITY BIG BLOCK

LEADER 722

SURLY STEAMROLLER

EAI BAREKNUCKLE (I'm not crazy about the colors and its a bit over budget)

Wabi

Is anything else out there?


Anybody care to weigh in on these frames?


Thanks!

You could literally learn everything you need to know about all those frames by spending 45 minutes reading existing threads.

Fair enough,
that being said I'm pretty familiar with the listed frames through my own research, utilizing this forum, and asking peers. More than anything I'm asking if there is anything else I should consider that I've missed in this price range.

Got any advice Scrod?

Affinity LoPro; an NJS frame, Cinelli Gazzetta. Your choices are huge at that price range.

They'd all make fine bikes. Pick the one you like best.

The problem is that your choices are very different designs ranging from relaxed road geo (Wabi) to very tight track geo (BK). Are you going to fit fat tires (Surly SR and Big Block) ? Are you going with a threaded fork and quill stem (Soma Rush) ? There's a lot to consider besides simply choosing a particular frame material.

+1

Figure out what type of frame you actually want before narrowing it down to a handful of arbitrary choices.

Angelus, thanks for the suggestions!


I guess I'm not articulating myself properly,

IM NOT looking for reviews or opinions, however feel free to chime in.

I AM asking for input as to what exists in the price bracket. I understand my list may seem " arbitrary" but it's what I'm able to find with the tools at my disposal (sp).

i understand that all of these frames have quite a few things that vary between them, and with that, I don't plan to purchase until I test as many as I can and plan out my build.



Ja feel?

If it helps I'm leaning toward track geo as opposed to road bike

Not really.

Well, at least you're a conversationist

I gave you my input (as did TT) and happen to think you're going about this ass-backward.

Best of luck on your bike build. I hope it exceeds your hopes and wildest fantasies.

Of all the suggestions he's thankful to the person that throws out three random frames and obviously knows as much or as little as OP

Thats what I'm looking for at the moment.

I'm trying to build a list of options before narrowing down my selection. Is it really so strange to want to explore my options?

Fwiw I'm leaning toward the soma based on geo and threaded quill stems but that doesn't mean I'd exclude threadless options.

I appreciate the help you've all given me but its not what I'm looking for.

You're welcome.

Very good read, what kind of shoes should I buy?

I've had the Steamroller and Wabi. For rough country roads and urban abuse, the Steamroller was built a bit tougher and with more tire clearance. It was a little hefty, though. For longer road rides and general non-track use, Wabi wins. All depends on what you want.

That said, I still don't get why people would consider a track frame (BK) to ride on the streets. I had a Pista Concept and did not enjoy riding it outside of the velodrome.

Get the ones that will make you the fastest while making everyone else the jealousest. That's really the end game here, isn't it?

You're only one person. What works (and doesn't work) for you may not apply to others.

Exactly. Also, depends on your mood, the type of ride and so on. Today I went for a fun brisk non-stop 20 mile ride on my Dolan Pre Cursa. Very much track geo, very much stiff ride, very much enjoy. Yesterday, I tooled around my hood on the naranja at a slow pace, also fun.

i enjoy my bk and use it exclusively for cruising and street riding

To each his own, but I use my Bare Knuckle as a commuter and couldn't be happier.

What type of bike are you trying to build? a Tarck Bike, City Cruiser with Baskets, Racks and fenders, etc. Anyways check out Factory5.

I'm trying for an understated classic look.

Road drops, IRD defiant crank (maybe ill spring for a campy crank) box section wheels, brooks swallow and matching bar tape. but that's if I go soma


I'll check them out. Thanks!

Dammit, I've just had an N+1 moment.