Steel road bikes, who has one?

[NbyNW]

My steel Rodriguez is probably not in your budget even though it is also technically a stock frame size.

My other steel bike is a folder: a Dahon Speed Pro TT. In some ways I am more comfortable on it than on my Rodriguez.

Here is an 18-speed flat bar version that would be in your budget, if you are at all inclined to consider a folding bike:
http://www.shopatron.com/products/pr...15786.0.0.0.0?

ETA: Check out the "Show us your Mixte!" thread. You might get serious Mixte envy. And by and large they are affordable, and steel.