Quote Originally Posted by KnottedYet
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I know I want a full steel frame (no carbon fork or carbon seat stays.... full steel!). It has been tough to find one in my price range. I know the geometry I want is loaded touring. I'm looking at complete bikes, and frames that you have the shop add the components to. Buying a complete bike (like an Aurora) is cheaper, even if I cut corners on the frame build-up (like a Surly or Soma). Surly is owned by Quality Bicycle Parts, and they can give some good deals on complete bike kits for Surlys, as long as you buy the complete package.
Knotted, when I replaced my fork, I wanted a steel fork. Samm. Bikes had one but they talked me out of it. they said that the carbon gives you a lot less jolty bumpy ride. There were 3 of them there; and one mechanic said he had a bike with a steel fork and it was a lot harsher than the carbon ones..

so.. i'm on my 3rd carbon fork on two bikes...