Thinking of a road bike, steel? Touring?

[murielalex]

I don't have much experience with other, but I can say that I'm love my steel bike.

[indysteel]

I have a Bianchi Eros Donna that I love. You might add the Jamis Aurora to your short list, too. Ultimately, fit will have a lot to do with comfort. It's not just a question of frame material, although I do love steel myself. Try as many bikes as you can and give them a solid test ride.

[Hartmame]

I just went through this. I used to ride off road and my Kona Kula 14" was perfect but then I started riding on the road with slick tires, and I could really feel every bump with my Kula. I wanted to find a bike for the right purpose. I went with steel. My LHT fits me very well and is a much better ride. I'm sure you can find a steel bike with STI shifters that will work for you. Good Luck with your search!

[Chicken Little]

There is plenty of steel out there with STI's. Fit, as mentioned, and steel result in the perfect ride. (IMO) Good luck, and have some fun with it.

[BodhiTree]

It is possible to purchase shifters you prefer separately. Then have the bar-end shifters switched for the ones you like better.

[tiva]

I have the Cannondale synapse (feminine 5), which was my first road bike. I love it. I've had it for exactly two years, and the relatively-upright geometry works well for my body and my joint issues. It's actually a lot more comfortable for my elbows than my hybrid bike, oddly enough because my hybrid lets me right much more upright.

I've never tried a steel frame, so I can't compare it.

[Sky King]

It is possible to purchase shifters you prefer separately. Then have the bar-end shifters switched for the ones you like better.

yes, as long as you stay with drop bars, shimano only comes in 9 and 10 speeds. sunrace makes an 8 speed and we have been very happy with the quality.