I've been looking into new road bikes to replace my old workhorse. It will be Durace or Ultegra $2500 - $3500. It will need to be race worthy and a good reliable trainer (Old work horse will be used on the mag trainer and rainy days). I cannot afford to have a bike just for racing. Besides if I am going to spend that much money I am going to ride the darn thing as much as I can. Here are some of the frames I have been looking at. I would appreciate your experience and suggestions. I'm just not sure if I want to go Carbon or AL at this point. I've lost weight 230 to 197 and plan to get to around 175 so I am not concerned about weight. I like the Eddy Merckx AL bikes, but have not had the opportunity to ride one yet. Tell me what you think.
Colnago Master X Light
GURU Steel
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I'm a little confused, the thread title is for steel frames and you talk about AL. In any case, just something to consider if you are looking into steel frames, burley (the child trailer maker) is now making steel road bikes. You can buy them built up, or just the frame. My buddy just got one, the welds are very impressive and the steel is really high quality. He is really happy with the ride so far (he's had it for about two weeks now). So look into them if you can. (The frame price with carbon fork (no headset) is about $1200-1400 canadian. Good luck.
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I ride an earlier version of the Colnago Master and like it alot. If the XL is an improvement in performance (I'm told it's stiffer in the BB) then it's a contender. In fact it would be hard to beat, imo. (I'm not too sure about Shimano on a 'Nago though)
Waterford as the true successor to the Schwinn Paramount would be a great choice as well. Do they use Reynolds 853? I haven't ridden such a frame yet but when I can finally talk the wife into a new bike I'm looking seriously at a LeMond in 853.
Don't know much about Gurus. May be a great bike but others will have to advise.
Either the MXL or the Waterford would be great for any riding except maybe loaded touring. Ride em and race em though with all that airbrushing on the Colnagos I'd just sit and cry the first time I threw it down the road.
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check this out retails at about $1900.oo (Guru Strada)
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Or this: retails at about $2800.oo
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i like the steel from IF, Cherry, Steelman (which is what i ride). the welds are magnificent. i also like waterford. of course lemond and derosa.....
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IMHO you cannot get a better frame than Waterford. Yes they use 853 they also use True Temper OX Platinum and the new S3 steel tubing.
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Love the Colnago Crystal, take a look around some well established bike shops, they probably have a few kicking around.
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Serotta CSi Serotta Richard Sachs
J.P. Weigle (of the framesaver stuff) Vanilla (good price for custom)
Bianchi has some nice steel frames.
The Serotta, Sachs, and Weigle are expensive so
they may be out of the picture.
another very good steel frame
is Pegoretti, some on sale at competitive cyclist
Marty
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Good call! I totally forgot about Pegoretti, you'd be hard pressed to find a frame better built than theirs.
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cervelo prodigy.
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Give Seven a call.
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If you want to save a few bucks, get the Surly Pacer. I have one and the thing is unbreakable (by road bike standards, of course).
Seven is a good choice, but pricey. Steelman cycles offers a great package. I haven't ridden a Steelman, but their bike received the bike of the year from Road Bike Review.
