bfloyd6969

Hello all. I am looking for some ideas on a budget friendly chromoly road bike. Another option would be just a frame / fork. My budget looks something like this:

https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...9#ReviewHeader

but I would like to know if there are any other similar priced options out there - or if the Nashbar bike is even worthy.

I also mentioned just a frame, or frame and fork, as I can build the bike up from as many parts as I can use from my current bike and then buy the rest what is needed. I have been riding on a Kinesis aluminum frame but recently got a Schwinn Madison and love the way the steel rides. So much so that I am now looking for a steel road bike (with gears).

Any recommendations, tips, advice, etc., is greatly appreciated.

RollCNY

Just an observation. I had only owned aluminum bikes since I started riding again two years ago, and decided a few months back to get a steel frame, and check out the "steel is real" commentary. I bought a Felt Brougham, single speed steel frame, and have been massively underwhelmed by it. Low budget steel may very well be crap.

I looked at that Nashbar bike before buying the Felt, and it looks like a great price, but it may be a very underwhelming ride.

canam73

Here's another cheap one: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...e_xi_steel.htm

But if I wanted steel I would go used. Plenty of good stuff on eBay and craigslist.

ahsposo 

Yeah, get one pre-rusted.

bfloyd6969

Thanks for the replies and advice all.

I didn't know about the Mirage, thanks canam. I like the geo on it better than the Nashbar - more relaxed.

I'll look around at used as well... hopefully no rust

SlimRider

Chromoly steel is your best investment!

Paul Y.

I have a ox platinum steel frame and a Titanium frame. Both very light. Maybe you can pick up on a Lemond or Gunner frame.

lostarchitect 

If you want steel and want to spend $400 or so, used is your best bet. But don't expect to get a modern high end group. You might want to watch the classic & vintage sales forum on Bike Forums, there are often surprisingly good prices on very nice steel bikes over there.

lostarchitect 

For instance here is a large-ish Bianchi with an 8-speed campy group for $400: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...i-and-Fuji-Ace

And here's a small-ish touring Miyata with a 7 speed shimano group for $285. https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...-sale-or-trade

What's your size?

bfloyd6969

Thanks everyone!

@ lostarchitect - I'm in a 58cm or so. I like an approx. 570mm top tube length...

trek330

Go old Trek and you won't be disappointed.I'm selling one that's too small for you.

Walter

LeMonds in 853 are superb. Would think any well built frame in 853 would be as well.

StanSeven

I don't see much different at all with geometry. The difference in a size 56 is 0.25 degree in seat tube. Haed tube and chainstay are identical. Between the two, I think the Nashbar has better components.

bfloyd6969

In the 58cm (my size) the Nashbar has a 74/74 degree head/seat tube and the Mirage has a 73/73 degree head seat tube angles. I agree that the comps look better on the Nashabr but I would be more comfy on the Mirage.