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--