Another budget friendly choice--Salsa Casseroll.
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Lisa Holman: any updates on the search?
"Things look different from the seat of a bike carrying a sleeping bag with a cold beer tucked inside." ~Jim Malusa
2009 Trek 520-Brooks B-17 Special in Antique Brown
2010 Surly Long Haul Trucker-Brooks B-17 Standard in Black
1983 Fuji Espree Single Speed-Brooks B17 British Racing Green
Another budget friendly choice--Salsa Casseroll.
I also own one steel bike, it is a Bianchi Eros - which is fairly inexpensive with stock components. I did not like the stock build and changed everything except the frame - but if you are happy with the veloce or centaur group it comes with, and with alloy seatpost/handlebars etc then it should be in your price range. Also you can find several of them used - either 10 speed or 9 speed - for very low prices, around $500-600.
It's a very good bike.
E.'s website: www.earchphoto.com
2005 Bianchi 928C L'Una RC
2010 BMC SLX01 racemaster
2008 BMC TT03 Time Machine
Campy Record and SSM Aspide naked carbon on all bikes
I've been riding a Torelli Corsa Strada for 9 years now and love it. The only other road bike I've really ever ridden for any distance is a carbon Trek 5200, which admittedly is a touch too big (it was my husband's and is now my "Michigan summer vacation" bike)
I *much* prefer my Torelli. It's so comfortable and rides so smoothly. Sure it's heavier than the Trek, but I'm not racing, so I don't care.
Hey, we're bike cousins My Mondonico's made by the same guy. I love it.
Fancy Schmancy Custom Road bike ~ Mondonico Futura Legero
Found on side of the road bike ~ Motobecane Mixte
Gravel bike ~ Salsa Vaya
Favorite bike ~ Soma Buena Vista mixte
Folder ~ Brompton
N+1 ~ My seat on the Rover recumbent tandem
https://www.instagram.com/pugsley_adventuredog/
I have a Jamis Satellite. I use it for commuting. It is steel. I love it. I prefer steel...I think it handles the road better (absorbs bumps better etc.). It is a bit heavier than an aluminum frame, but for me, it is worth it.
I have really liked the way the Jamis fit me also.
I would definitely hit several local bike shops, and ride as many things in your price range as possible!
Good luck!