Where the cheap steel frames?
 

Hi, I’ve been looking for a steel frames on Craigslist and eBay to no success. I’m not trying to spend more than 100 dollars so clearly it doesn’t need to be new. I’m trying to make my own single speed bike or convert one. Any thoughts on where to look. I’m in Austin,Texas btw and biking is becoming a lot more easier.(pic related)

Austin CL is loaded with cheap steel. Another great place to look is Facebook Marketplace.
Otherwise, look here for great advice.

I appreciate that info :)

There has got to be a zillion bikes in Austin that would do the trick. You may have hit a slump in ads. Whenever I browse craigslist ads up here in Foat Wuth, sometimes I'll expand the search to Austin and always see something tempting.

Best buys are 1980s-'90s rigid fork mountain bikes. Check both the 26" and 700c types. My '92 Univega Via Carisma is a 700c MTB-lite, a predecessor to the later hybrid genre. Conventional diamond frame, would be brutal as a "mountain bike," but is terrific for all day rides on mixed terrain -- pavement to gravel. Over the years I've morphed it from the original flat bar as a MTB-lite, to a 2" riser bar with slight backsweep, to its current and probable permanent form with albatross swept bars as a do-it-all bike.

But check this forum's threads for the frequent "What's your favorite... etc." lists of the many brands and models that would be suitable for conversion projects.

You should see a ton of Treks, from entry level to mid-price chromoly or mostly chromoly bikes with some high tensile steel bits (forks). Nothing wrong with hi-ten steel, it's just a bit heavier but perfectly comfy to ride. My first serious bike was a 1976 Motobecane Mirage, all hi-ten steel. I rode the heck out of that thing, from 20 mile daily round trip commutes to 100-250 mile weekend group rides. I even raced a few criterium on it in beginner and intermediate categories, and managed to keep up as long as I drafted carefully.

BTW, the 1970s Motobecanes are good too but will need a few slightly different tools and bits and pieces. It's easier to find tools and bits for American made Treks or US market bikes. The French, Italian and other vintage bikes are lovely but more of an investment in money and love.

Here's another local source for ya.

Have you tried the dump?

Craigslist is your best bet although usually people are selling complete bikes, not frames.

For frames, eBay is a great option. There are tons of nice frames for pretty cheap. Just search "vintage steel road bike frame". Or a more specific brand or model. I find prices to be very reasonable. Just be wary of shipping costs.

I rarely market frame sets on C/L as there just aren't any customers for them out there. I either put them for sale here or eBay. I donate off the lesser ones. Not worth the trouble to pack and ship.

Put a WTB ad in the bicycle for sale section of your local C/L. You may get flagged eventually, but you will shake some loose. Certainly if I were in your area (I am not), I could offer you many choices.

Ask the police if they hold bike auctions.

Check out yard sales and estate sales and church rummage sales.

In my basement.

Where the cheap steel frame owners at?
 

snort

You just want the frame? They rarely pop up on CL, so my advice would be to buy a whole bike and sell the extra parts you don't want. You could also look for bikes that aren't in ready to ride condition- those should go for a decent discount. This '85 Tempo for example:

Schwinn Road Bike made in Japan Classic for sale - $80 (East Campus)

https://austin.craigslist.org/bik/d/...924693114.html

https://images.craigslist.org/00b0b_...h_1200x900.jpg

I have no clue what size you ride though.

The gold '78 Raleigh was a $20 CL find. The green one, a '73 Raleigh, my bro-in-law found in a pile of bikes destined for the scrap metal man. Both turned out to be 531 frames Super Course, and are great riding bikes. I went nuts $$ on the green Raleigh build (my first), the gold one was a totally "how cheap can I build it?" budget build from mostly parts bin. Frames are out there, happy hunting. There is a sweet 3Rensho in the BF classifieds now, too small for me.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...b77fda3e7b.jpg
$20 on local LA CL.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5ff3a8877e.jpg
Low buck build.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7cb00818d0.jpg
Free from the scrap pile. Cracked brazing, stuck seat post, incorrect fork, but nice Capella lugs and decent chrome underneath ugly paint.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...11c8fba299.jpg
Finished bike, spent too much, but worth every $$$ ... to me.

You didnt mention a size....probably hi-ten steel...offer $50.00...guy needs to move,
 

https://austin.craigslist.org/bik/d/...917641973.html

Vintage Raleigh Fixed Gear Road Bike w/ flip flop hub - $80 (Austin)

https://images.craigslist.org/00E0E_...ZD_600x450.jpg

bicycle frame material: steel bicycle type: road
brake type: caliper
condition: fair
cryptocurrency ok
electric assist: none
frame size: 60cm
handlebar type: bullhorn
make / manufacturer: Raleigh
suspension: none (rigid)
wheel size: 26 in

This would be a great project bike for someone looking to start with a vintage Raleigh 70s era frame for a fixed gear bike with flip flop hub. I was riding it up until about a year ago when the bearings on the rear hub finally wore out. The rear wheel will need to be replaced.

Frame fits me, and I’m 6’2”. I believe it’s about 60cm.

It’s been a great bike for me, but now I’m moving cross country and won’t be taking it with me.

post id: 6917641973
posted: 25 days ago
updated: 12 days ago

Unless you have some specific requirements, buying an entire bike is the way to go. At least around here, early Treks and Schwinn LeTour type bikes are very reasonable. Most times if you see a frame, it's been stripped to sell off piece by piece by a flipper so you may end up paying just as much for a frame as an entire bike. It's fun to build a bike frame up - but depending on your situation, the most expensive too.

Maybe check out the North Austin Bike Farm. Search them on CL.......appears to have many many bikes in various conditions.

You might try less populated areas on Craigslist that are near enough you don't mind making the drive.

Also, I frequently visit antique shops. I've found some really good deals on old road bikes in these businesses.

Who modified the grammar of the thread title? It previously complied with a certain vernacular style. Now it's totally incorrect.

Guilty. algorithms led me to Eddie Murphys 1st Carson performance from '82 last night and I added the inappropriate 'at' in a weak nostalgic moment.

And there is always the metal pile at the local dump.

The words "Austin" and "cheap" do not belong in the same sentence.

-Bandera