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I think the OP is looking for mid priced steel road bikes, not the thruster. I agree it’s driven by demand, most (not all) roadies place more value on less weight and the latest technology (which is CF, then AL for price). I think most of the SS/FG crowd look for best price / value (seems to be more young consumers with less disposable income), and since FG bikes started out as conversions of old steel frames the aesthetic of traditional geometry and thin steel tubing is still relevant.

I have CF, AL and steel frame bikes, my all time favorite is an old Reynolds 853 steel frame LeMond. After that I’d say CF, AL, then CroMoly steel. I haven’t tried Ti yet, my $0.02

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Didn’t know where else to post this, this is pretty cool.
[video=youtube_share;hO2G0cOMQRM]http://youtu.be/hO2G0cOMQRM[/video]

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I could’ve used this info on monday morning

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17 miles each way is pretty hardcore, kudos.

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things you can’t un-see…

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@jrenaut 37949 wrote:

And no one has weighed in on finding an old frame (or even an old complete bike) and upgrading the components. Is that because no one thinks that’s a good idea, or just because no one who thinks that would be cool has weighed in yet?

If you find the right frame and have the time, money and desire I’d vote build (I have tools I can loan you and can help). That Handsome XOXO frame you posted is nice (except it has vertical dropouts, horizontal would be best for SS / FG conversion). I wouldn’t expect to see many of those around, I like unique bikes. You should be able to reuse most parts from your wrecked Giant (brifters, maybe seatpost if right diam, saddle, bars if not bent, rear derailleur, cassette, crankset, pedals…) You would have to buy new wheels(?), front clamp-on derailleur, mini-V brakes to work on the CX frame and with your brifters. Looks like you’d need a quill stem too.

Older steel road frames will have horizontal dropouts, but probably not the tire clearance you need for fat studded tires. A late 80’s steel frame would have the best chance for horizontal dropouts, 130mm rear wheel spacing, 700C wheels, standard bottom bracket, headset, seatpost diam… If you go too old it may be difficult to find parts that fit.

I found this 1988 Fuji Tiara frame on CL for $65

I re-used some spare parts I had (crankset, chainring, pedals, bottom bracket, bars, rear brake, saddle) but had to buy a few new parts:

Bought a wheelset from CL and used spacers to get the chainline right:

I’ve been swapping parts as I find deals on CL, Fizik saddle, Look Keo Classic pedals…

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$80 for a 58cm single speed, how could you go wrong for that price?
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/3474460669.html

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this looks like it would fit you:

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik/3341899208.html

(not steel though)

Building a bike is great if you have patience, if I were in your situation I’d get a complete bike to ride as soon as possible then hunt for deals to build a second bike. Building will always cost more, but you get exactly what you want and will probably be unique.

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Doesn’t have fenders or rack mounts, but it does have BIG FRENCH WORDS
http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?2884-Flat-bar-commuter-or-drop-bar-tourer&p=36958#post36958

seriously, it can be converted to SS, i think it’s in the price range and is steel

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GuyC- Did you pinch flat at the last race? If so better check that tire pressure.

Dave – if it rains you can get classic muddy cx race photos, so pro.

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Wish I could join you but I’m broken, will race again after I heal

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@jrenaut 37849 wrote:

Bike is totaled. The rear fork is out of alignment, and both the bike shop’s Giant rep, and, more importantly, the Giant legal team say it’s totaled.

So, at least I have the silver lining of being able to build a new bike.

You get to keep the parts AND shop for a new bike, right?

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@eminva 37836 wrote:

Hello KayakCyndi! If you are on the trail at the same time as dcv, I am often out there, too. What are you riding? Can you post a picture of it to this thread?

On page four of the same thread, you’ll see the bike I’m usually riding. (Although today I was on none of the above; had to ride my son’s mountain bike.) Say hello if you think you see me!

Liz

gold steel frame Masi if i remember correctly – am i right KayakCyndi?

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@ShawnoftheDread 37835 wrote:

And now karma has bitten you on the ass. Almost literally.

that’s what i get for being so selfish

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@Bilsko 37826 wrote:

Also worth a spousal-beating (too much??) is Twin Six’s 26% off SSCX frame ($666 down from $900) – alas the only size left is a 59…to big for me.

Apparently my spouse has a very high “S” number (Rule #12) http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/

Also I have a confession: I found a Felt Breed SSCX on CL last weekend and didn’t post it here, I kept it secret and bought it for myself.
sorry

[Author]

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