Advice on frame for build

I'm looking into building up a reasonable bike to replace my dirty conversion for my commute and general riding. I'd like something solid light and dependable, I've looked at new bikes like the Pista, Plug etc, but I prefer the feel of older bikes, and I enjoy the process! So i'm happy to spend around £200 - 300 to build up something nice.

So, i'm just looking for advice on sourcing parts and any advice on good manufacturers and components. Frame is a good place to start, so for my budget what would you recommend?

Thanks in advance!

So i'm happy to spend around £200 - 300 to build up something nice.

That's a pretty tall order man, For something "nice" you'll need to double that.

Old lugged track frame will cost you £250 ish
Wheels another £200 ish
That still leaves you with stem, headset, BB, bars, cranks, pedals, chain, seatpost and saddle and a brake if you use one. Oh and tyres, tubes, grips. (almost forgot the rubber items!)

You cant really compare the price of a classic track bike with "nice" parts to an off the peg.

Sorry.

Fair cop,

I'll downgrade to reliable and cheap items, but better than the conversion i've just done (www.photosinthedark.com/Personal/Conversion) just be nice to have something that will get me from A-B fast without the creaking and slack geometry.

Still aiming to high?

Perhaps.
How about converting something with tighter geometry? My beater (which I do 99% of my miles on) is a conversion and I love it's shape/size.

You can get away with cheap parts for a lot of stuff but I'd invest in good wheels.

If you really really want a track frame I suggest you get hold of Jos and see what he has. Paul at Kiwi cycles can build cheap wheel-sets. Then look through ebay and bike jumble at Herne Hill Velodrome for the rest.

Good luck.

Thanks! I'll look into it, I wasn't planning on going for a track frame as they're rather expensive, but a nice lightweight road frame would be fine, just not sure which frames are recommended, obviously looking for good grade steel and a more racing geometry..

I'll keep my eyes on ebay and local bikeshops..

oh cmon, you can source 2nd hand parts for a respectable £300 bike build.
It's definately possible.
If you buy new then no it's not.
It will probably take a lot of lurking around gumtree, ebay, here and a keen ear,
but you can do it, it's just takes patience.

edit]

don't skimp on the frame and wheels. concentrate on getting those spot on :)

So apart from looks and geometry what should I look for in a frame, should I be looking at complete bikes to strip down... or just go for the frame? eg. i looked at this one http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=250273512756

Any cheap manufacturers to look at?

that puch wud have been a goodun.

frames u look for good tubing, reynolds, columbus.
But you need to look into that yourself, cos there's more to it than meets the eye.

youll can get something very nice for £300!

Even if you go shopping in londons famous london you can.

Check out tour de ville based in seven sisters. Setup by jos & jeith on here.

They have tons of frames from all over europe. The surprising thing is, they sell at sensible prices! More or less the same youd pay elswhere in the country or as an ebay bargain you have to pickup from somewhere dodgy etc. But they are top blokes with loveley quality treasure. Go and check em out you wont regret it.

Why don't you take your time and build something nice

Quality parts pay for themselves over time

£300 is doable.
(Maybe we should have a £300 build thread.)

My T.Pena polo/do it all bike was £300. I'll up pics soon.