"modernish" mass production high quality steel frames

[steveoz]

Going to throw a nod towards Black Mountain cycles road frame - it does check off a lot of boxes- tire clearance, price, quality ....

[martl]

Originally Posted by ST165

Good day all. I'm a very new to road bikes. I'm looking for some information on what companies made/make "modern" road bike frame made with high quality steel. Unfortunately budget is my constraint, so the artisan quality boutique frames are out of reach. Any information is appreciated so I can widen my search. I need a 54 if you know of something that fits the description.

For example, I know Specialized made the Allez Comp and Allez Elite from 2004-2007 time frame. They both used Columbus Foco tubing.


Ryan

There is the problem of availability, but there are a few smaller brands which are reasonably priced, like Mercian. I saw some chinese-made classic steel bikes that vere very nicely made, chromed lugs and everything, at tradeshows when fixies were hip. Many of those were sold rebranded. One could have one made from Columbus stainless for marginally more than the retail price of the tubeset, iirc - below 1000€.

[GonaSovereign]

Originally Posted by Tony T

https://stelbel.it/en/stelbel-frames/
https://stelbel.it/en/model/stelbel-rodano/
https://stelbel.it/en/model/stelbel-antenore/

100% qualify as awesome.
0% qualify for budget constraint.

[RFC]

(Just saw the BM reference above)

I have both new and old steel.

As to new steel, I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Black Mountain Road. Think Bridgestone RB-1.

IMG_4942r by Robert Copple, on Flickr

[speedevil]

I would suggest you check out Wraith Fabrication - https://wraithfabrication.com/.

I'm seriously considering a Paycheck for Dirty Kanza next year.

A friend has a Wraith Hustle and he really likes it.

Small batch fabrication, made in USA.

[ST165]

Sorry for the late response. I was out of town racing my mountain bike. I did get a podium though.

I appreciate the great suggestions and I've been looking at them. My budget for a frame is going to be sub $500. That puts me in the used category, and I realize that chops out a lot of the new super high quality frames.

I've been looking locally and regionally for used 54 bikes. Almost exclusively, everything in 54 is very new and very high end. But move to 52 or 56 and the options are endless. lol.

The BMC seems to be the bike that checks all the boxes.

This bike will be built up with Shimano 10 speed components (6600/6700). I won't be running anything bigger than a 28c tire.

Thanks again for the suggestions!!!

Ryan

[wkeller79]

Bob Jackson!

My gf is loving her BJ Audax End-to-End. Highlights included....

Reynolds 631 Steel (tube upgrades available)
Disc Brakes
Clearance for 35mm tires
Custom Color Options

..... all for roughly $1k (with shipping)

[cmg]

get a Curtlo, https://curtlo.com/ or a Meech http://www.meechcustombicycles.com/ I've had both, excellent custom builders at a reasonable price.

[Rada]

Soma Fabrications has some nice frames around your budget.

[donevwil]

Originally Posted by ST165

Sorry for the late response. I was out of town racing my mountain bike. I did get a podium though.

I appreciate the great suggestions and I've been looking at them. My budget for a frame is going to be sub $500. That puts me in the used category, and I realize that chops out a lot of the new super high quality frames.

I've been looking locally and regionally for used 54 bikes. Almost exclusively, everything in 54 is very new and very high end. But move to 52 or 56 and the options are endless. lol.

The BMC seems to be the bike that checks all the boxes.

This bike will be built up with Shimano 10 speed components (6600/6700). I won't be running anything bigger than a 28c tire.

Thanks again for the suggestions!!!

Ryan

What about this 54 Black Mountain Road being sold by nighthawk in the classified, he's apparently ready to part it out so that should get you frame, fork and headset well within your budget.

[ceolwulf]

Marinoni Piuma definitely fits the brief.

[gintas_ce]

Gios, Crema cycles and also Veloheld