Hi Joe, You seem to know pretty much what you desire, and what you'd
like to have, but I reckon your getting the "sticker shock blues".
I can relate to this "feeling", and like you, I also had a desire for
a very good steel frame, and top of the line components on board to
boot, without having regrets on a super huge investment, just for a
bike.
To some folks, a $4K-$5K investment doesn't phase them. Either they
can afford it, or others will go without many other things to have
this caliber of bike.
None the less, I guess this is a certain fact, that if you won't
settle for nothing but the best, it's gonna cost.
I know there are a few great small companies who build, but most I
believe are custom builders, and it sounds to me that you're looking
for something directly off the shelves.
I currently ride a Steel Frame Bianchi, but what I did, was I found an
NOS Steel Lugged Frame, a Mint NOS '89 Paramount 50th Anniversary.
(Actually an old Waterford is what it is)
Perhaps this is way below the quality of what you are seeking, so you
have the dilemma of having to pay the piper.
Another make, or builder I personally would look to, if I was looking
for the finest steel lugged frames made in USA, would be Richard
Sachs.
Again, price of admission does cost. You can't expect a brand new,
hand made lugged Steel frame to sell for $499.
Being lucky, and at the right place at the right time does help. You
might be able to 'Luck" into a Sachs frame, or something similar, that
somebody has bought, but is forced to sell do to financial, or other
reasons? Ebay may be a venue to search for your dream bike? Hope
these ideas help you some, Mark
[email protected] (Joe) wrote in message news:<
[email protected]>...
> I've been looking around for a great American-made LUGGED steel frame
> (preferably with 853 steel). I don't need anything custom, just a
> regular size. I've looked at Waterford, but they are WAY too
> expensive for what I need (all the custom stuff they do obviously adds
> to the price). Does anybody know of a builder/company that makes
> great lugged steel (e.g. 853 tubeset) frames for less money?
>
> Thanks in advance--