[Doublej]

I am looking for a new bike in the sub $1K range.

Something like this Trek 7.3 FX,
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/bike_path/fx/73fx/

but in Cromoly as I find aluminum too stiff for me. Flat handlebars and wider tires are are must.

It's for urban road riding which means occasionally riding on loose dirt for a couple hundred feet and curb hop here and there.  And yes I want gears. I like to ride up big hills.

Any recommendations?
Is there a bike company that focus on Cromoly? Most of the big names (Giant, Trek, Specialized, Cannondale) seem to have Aluminum as their primary frame material.

Current bike is a Bridgestone MB5.

[bunnyma357]

You might look at Surly - the Karate Monkey is close to what you want, but costs more. I've also thought about getting their Cross Check cyclocross bike and adding a moustache handlebar.

http://www.surlybikes.com/bikes/

You could also look at buying a used bike on eBay. I built up several variations (brevet, fixie, commuter) using a $200 Maruishi, great quality and far cheaper than the current more specialized chromo manufacturers.

You might also look into Kogswell, and Redline's commuter bikes.

http://www.redlinebicycles.com/bikes/commute/2010-metro-9


Jim C

[Lyndon]

Current bike is a Bridgestone MB5.
Hard to beat. I've got a MB3, and a MB1, as well as a Bridgestone road bike from the 80's.

I would look at used higher level bikes, but most of the brands are offering an entry level
steel bike. Specialized has one as well.  Surly is built on their steel bikes. 
Flat handlebars should be an easy switch-out.
Spec. Allez Double Steel
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45678&menuItemId=0
Fuji probably makes some nice entry steel,
But take a look at KHS
http://www.khsbicycles.com/05_flite_250_10.htm
http://www.khsbicycles.com/06_urban_xtreme_10.htm
Have fun this summer on anything you ride!

[bunnyma357]

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/coda/10_coda.html

You might also look at something like the Jamis Coda, it comes with 28cc tires, but should have plenty of room for larger rubber if you feel you need it. I have an older Coda and it is a nice hybrid bike, although after figuring out what I like in a bike, I think doing the DIY update on my mid-80's Maruishi touring bike gave me a much more comfortable ride and higher level of performance for the money.

I've also got a Bridgestone - a 450, and also have a descendent of the MB line - a Rivendell Atlantis. I find the older geometry bikes, and the adjustability of a threaded headset just make for a bike that I can configure exactly as I want it, versus the more modern designs.


Jim C

[Lyndon]

Jim C said:

I find the older geometry bikes, and the adjustable qualities of a threaded headset just make for a bike that I can configure exactly as I want it, versus the more modern designs.

+1 on that comment, Jim.  To compensate for the loss of the threaded quill, Surly has lengthened the head tube on the Long Haul Trucker.  Not an even exchange in my book, but better than nothing.

[Bemopti123]

Look in craigslist for older Kona Lavadome MTBs.....they were all steel and retail around $650...you can get a decent one for much less and build up from there.  While I would NEVER think about purchasing used Alu bikes, those with steel frames can last you 50 years or more. 

[FullRangeMan]

I like some old models from Klein(aluminium) due the frame good geometry to my height.  But I would love a Merlin Titanium frame(no corrosion at all).
Good luck, Gustavo

[Folsom]

I would shy away from the commuter bikes offered and buy a road bike to swap straight bars onto. The reason is the geometry is better for riding up hills and things like that. They are just a little more aggressive so you can get your weight and power into the hills. That being said then I consider that typical road bikes often do not have room for 28c+ tires, so I would look towards the companies like Soma, Surly (not a fan), Gunnar, Salsa, etc...