steel--wanna play?

[elk]

I'm just obsessed with bikes....my hobby these days is looking at tons and tons of them and imagining what I might buy...I got really close to a vintage Pinarello...but the woman selling suddenyl stopped corresponding. I assume she sold it...so otherwise I honestly don't think I can do much better for myself than my aurora unless I go custom....so I'll start saving my pennies.
And today I want a custom Waterford

BUT! DH has a Trek 7000...nice bike, but he doesn't LOOOVVVEEE it. And being practical, he sees no reason to get a different one.. The geometry is good...although the flat bar is limiting...


I think that's crazy because I know there is a bike out there he WOULD LOOOVE. SO. (He loved the look of the Amsterdam, but hated riding it)

He's the kind of guy who--stylewise-- should really be on a black vintage Raleigh or a Dutch commuter, but he's actually into riding and we do have these HILLS. He's a primo candidate for a Riv...but $$$$$...

SO...I'm looking for an upgrade FOR him...something with a more upright geometry, a triple, in STEEL....... as far as I'm concerned love springs from buttery steel...I've been eyeing the Trek 520 but wonder if we could put more upright bars on...or a Volpe, or Randonee NOvara...

A black Surly with moustache bars?
but there must be something out there for under 1000.00 that is perfect...
what do you think?

here's his current bike: