New Steel Framed Road Bike

Runoutofgears

My C2W scheme comes around in the next few months and I will have the opportunity to replace my present commuter an all Aluminium hybrid. I have a carbon road bike which I very occasionally use for my commute but I’ve got this “bee in my bonnet” about getting a steel road bike to commute on.
Problem is there don’t seem to be many about in my price range. Budget is £1,500.
From my search of the web I have tracked down the following:

Condor Acciaio, (I think this is steel)
Condor Classico
Bianchi Dolomiti
Kona Haole
Kona Kapu

So far I’ve I haven’t found anyone who has one to look at or try, does anyone have any experience of any of these or can offer any other suggestions for a new steel framed road bike?
Although I quite like the retro look I’m not particularly bothered if it doesn’t have a leather saddle, brazed lugs or a quill stem.

Slow Downcp

Try Mercian, they have a few frames on offer as well:

http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/offers.asp

Easily build up for £1,500 with a classic retro look

GyatsoLa

I can't give a personal recommendation as I haven't recieved mine yet, but since you already have a road bike, then maybe the steel framed Ritchey Breakaway would be a good option for that price?

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... -away-9092

From the review, it seems that it rides as well as most steel bikes, but it has the advantage of having couplings for when you want to take it on your holidays.

rolf_f

Or there's Woodrups or Bob Jackson in Leeds for a handmade machine. I think you can get those in budget.

Roastie

Condor Fratello is what you're after, I think. It is very classy.

Otherwise, perhaps a custom build based on a Surly Pacer frameset?

Then you also have lovely custom builders like Villers Velo, Mercian, etc.

nigeve

I can't imagine you'd get a better steeley than one of these....

http://www.enigmabikes.com/index.php?_a ... oductId=14

the_hundredth_idiot

Roastie wrote:

Condor Fratello is what you're after, I think. It is very classy.

Otherwise, perhaps a custom build based on a Surly Pacer frameset?

Then you also have lovely custom builders like Villers Velo, Mercian, etc.

+1 for the Fratello (but I'm biased). Other options perhaps Hewitt and Thorn (SJS Cycles)?

will3

Surly Pacer

http://www.surlybikes.com/pacer.html

TheBrogueadier

Take a wander down to Strada and have a chat with them, I vagually remember seeing some nice classic look steel bikes in there the last time I was in.

http://www.stradacycles.co.uk/

Runoutofgears

Guys. thanks for the suggestions, I’m going to start ringing around the British builders to see what they can do for my budget, I have the preconception that custom built means big money, I’d like to be proven wrong.

I’m interested in the Enigma steel bike,[Elite] and also the Condor offerings. I don’t have any experience of the likes of Hewitt, Mercian, Bob Jackson, etc. to be honest I'm a bit nervous of sounding ignorant with specialists as although I know what I like, I’m not always sure how you specify it!

At some point I must get down to Strada, it was they that got me interested in steel with their Colnago Master which was on display in the window at the time. Shame that the frame only price would swamp my budget.

pst88

will3 wrote:

Surly Pacer

http://www.surlybikes.com/pacer.html

Why is Tim Westwood in a dress riding that bike?

pst88

will3 wrote:

Surly Pacer

http://www.surlybikes.com/pacer.html

Why is Tim Westwood in a dress riding that bike?

TheBrogueadier

Heh, I consider the Master X Lite a personal challange.. Replacing my current frame with it would elivate my bike to retro godlyness (The current Atala San Remo frame is a little iffy, but the entire 6sprocket super record gearing of goodness is still butter smooth despite it's 30odd years)

Also, don't forget to call Argos - they're not vastly expensive for a custom build, and they're local!

Argos are also handy if you can get a decent second hand frame - They'll be able to repair and repaint it for a reasonable price.

Runoutofgears

This may be an age thing but, (sticks head in lions mouth), who is Tim Westwood?

will3

Runoutofgears wrote:

This may be an age thing but, (sticks head in lions mouth), who is Tim Westwood?

you mean you've never seen "pimp my ride"?

Where have you been

Runoutofgears

Is that the programme where they ruined a VW camper?