markwebb

I decided to treat myself to a new bike. It must be steel - no Al. I want to keep it under $2,000 with full Ultegra. I prefer 9 speed (mainly so I can use same rear wheel set as my other bikes). I'd like to get a new bike which could include an older year model that is new old stock and never sold, or a 2005 model. I'd also like to buy on-line if possible - I have yet to find a good deal on a steel bike locally and there are Not even any steel bikes available locally - believe me I have tried.

Any ideas on where to look - models and urls???

SoftrideSam

I'm partial to the Lemonds. I just bought a Lemond Zurich on Tuesday and it is an absolute dream. The Zurich is steel and carbon and is one of the smoothest bikes I have ridden. For an all steel bike, I would look at the Lemond Sarthe. All steel with campy veloce gruppo for around $1599. That is the next bike I buy, when my year end bonus hits.
www.lemondbikes.com

No Exit

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=98084

dekalbSTEEL

https://specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=9360

This is my ride. Haven't changed a thing on it except the saddle . Picked up my 03 June of last year $400 off list, have about 1100 miles on it and no problems whatsoever.

Where are you located?

ginger green

I'm not endorsing this - but....
Motobecane and Mercier are both available on bikesdirect.com in steel with 105 or ultegra.

80vette

I second the Lemond Zurich.
What an awesome ride. Full Ultegra.
Ride one ..... Judge for yourself.

redfooj

https://www.gvhbikes.com/
Viner competition - Ultegra group - Steel, lugs, Italian, brand new (not ebay)... 1350$. You cannot beat it.

be73

You'll need to test a Lemond that's fitted correctly for you. The geometry is different from most bikes and doesn't suit everyone.

When I was buying a bike for my girlfriend we tested geometrys on a fit bike. She's a novice and couldn't describe exactly why some things felt better than others, but she went from "something doesn't feel right" on the Lemond geometry to "that's much better" when she was switched over to an italian setting (Bianchi).

rmfnla

Lemonds are nice... for a production frame.

For something really special check out:

https://www.curtlo.com/index.html

$2K will get you a beautiful custom steel frame with a full Ultegra package.
I have one w/ Dura-Ace and I love it!

Machka 

For steel bicycles, there's:

Waterford: https://www.waterfordbikes.com/2005/index.php
Gunnar: https://www.gunnarbikes.com/
Seven: https://www.sevencycles.com/
Serotta: https://www.serotta.com/
Trek's 520: https://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/Spe...g/520/index.php
Mariposa: https://www.bikespecialties.com/marip_randonneur1.html
Marinoni's Ciclo or Turismo: https://www.marinoni.qc.ca/html/2005/05_en_turismo.asp
Rivendell: https://www.rivendellbicycles.com/
Bruce Gordon: https://www.bgcycles.com/

And many, many more! When I was hunting for my bicycle, I actually came up with a list of at least 50 bicycle manufacturers who did steel bicycles.

markwebb

Wow - that Viner looks awesome. That may be "the one".

My LBS does have a 2003 Lemond Zurich but they are still wanting full retail for it - no discount even though its going on 3 years old.

I really like the Viner and it's got the Ultegra package. I may order this weekend !!

Baggsy

Try Jamis too...great bike for the price.

BillyD

I'm partial to Lemonds too -- smooth, silky-sweet-riding steel bikes.

Don't mean to change the subject, but what's with the frame sizes?? The largest Sarthe frame is a 57?? I'm 6'4" and needed a new bike last year and "had" to settle for a Ti bike because Lemond wasn't making the bike I wanted last year in my size (61).

What's with them?

rmfnla

I just checked it out; nice ride!

Surferbruce

check out www.soulcraft bikes.com
i also drool over the last couple years of cervelo superprodigys, the pinarello opera, and the derosa corum.

As You Like It

The Burley Fox Hollow would fit your wishes, I think. They're sweet; a friend of mine has one. His is orange--very pretty!

oopfoo

If you're particularly partial to steel, you might consider a classic steel frame. I looked around, too, and finally purchased a 1985 Serotta Nova Special frame in GREAT shape from another Serotta fan (check the serotta.com forums). I'm currently completing the build in Dura-Ace 10sp, Truvativ Rouleur Carbon crank, King threaded headset (kept the original fork), carbon seatpost-stem-bars, and TWO sets of Velocity wheels (Deep V and Nuvian gold-bling-bling) for significantly under $2000. It'll work out around $1600, it appears. Not bad for pretty much everything I wanted in a bike, on a frame I couldn't afford back in 85.

Grasschopper

MMM Salsa love. https://www.salsacycles.com/frames_05LaRaza.html They changed the color and the type of steel they are using this year (from Reynolds 853 to TT OX Plat.). Speedgoat.com sells the frame and I am sure would build it up to your specification for you as well.

sorebutt

If you can Find a 2003 Lemond Zürich get it.. the '03 are all steel and probably one of the best off-the-shelf steel bikes..

SoftrideSam

What is retrail on that 03 model. I just picked up my 04 Zurich, brand new from the LBS for $1500. If you're in So Cal. The Trek Superstores in San Diego have all of the 04 Lemonds on sale. I almost bought the Victoire TI/Carbon for $2199.

markwebb

A 2004 Lemond Zurich for $1,500?? That's hard to believe. That's way way below original retail - they gave it away !

ht001

It's got to be the Viner. Lugged rocks, plus it's actually made in Italy. Reminds me of my favorite bikeforums post ever:

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ght=huge+viner

FatguyRacer

I was gonna suggest Independant Fabrication untill i saw your price limit.

Totoro

Yeah, I have the 03 LeMond BA, same frame as the Zurich and mostly Ultegra. Great bike if you can find an NOS model or one that is almost new. IMHO, there's also nothing wrong with buying used.

Serpico

gunnar or burley for nice steel in your price range

good luck