Re Dale's post about the reintroduction of steel frames, check out this listing for Fuji's low end road bike, the League:
"They don't build them like they used to goes the saying and in the case of bicycles that's a good thing. This bike several years ago would have cost you hundreds more. Cro-Moly frame and fork, Shimano 24 speed drivetrain, forged aluminum crank, QR aluminum hubs. The list goes on and on. USA Suggested Retail Price $359. USD"
The bike has indexed downtube shifters, fender eyelights and weighs 25 pounds. It's selling locally for under $300. In 1972 I paid $350 for my 24.5 pound Raleigh International.
On a CR note, thanks to all the list members who offered help in hunting down an old frame for my 17-year old, 6' 4" son. Over the holidays we hunkered down in the basement and built up a late 60s Raleigh Grand Prix frame from spare parts. A fun and instructive project for us both with the various mechanical riddles that popped up from mixing and matching the cast-off pieces from several bikes. The result: a 28.5 pound black-and-white monster with fenders, lights, rear rack and right pannier.