Which Audax frameset?

[goody]

I'm looking to replace the frame and forks on my Ally commuter. I want a steel frame suitable for commuting, Audax type events and a bit of light touring, so it needs to take a rack. The ones I have been looking at are, Condor Fratello, Bob Jackson, Thorn Audax, Surly Pacer, Spa Steel Audax, Ribble 525, PlanetX Kaffenback,
any old steel 531 frame off ebay. They all have their pro's and con's the Condor seems to tick every box but would take a bit of saving up for, the Ribble seems good value but not much tyre clearance (the option of running 28's would be good). The planet X is good value but disc specific so need to add new wheels and brakes. I think the frames are all around the 2-2.2kg mark some are with some being 525, 725 and 4031 would they all give a similar ride? I'm drawn towards the Spa and Surly, the Spa is a bit cheaper but with a carbon fork, the Surly has a steel fork but no rack eyes. I am after a smoother ride than my current bike. (I know I could achieve tha same changing the tyres from 23's but I want a steel bike). Anyone ride any of the above?

 

[musa]

I have an easy come easy go steel all rounder very sturdy bike

 

[Fab Foodie]

Cheap, steel, sprightly takes guards, looks good and cheaper than a Fratello: etc:

http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/frames/equilibrium/equilibrium

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Genesis Equilibrium 853 will be my Audax, and Audax style riding, 'weapon' of choice once I've finished building it up.

 

[Crackle]

Kinesis do a steel frame too

 

[Holio cornolio]

I have an easy come easy go steel all rounder very sturdy bike

Is that 'the clanger' ?

 

[Dogtrousers]

I ride a Spa steel. I like it. I don't really know what else to say. I don't ride audax randonneur distances, 100 miles or so is about my limit, which I do occasionally and in comfort. I don't have very wide experience to compare it to. My other bike is another older, heavier steel job and by comparison I think the Spa rides more smoothly (but it also has better components and wheels).

On another thread was a series of photos of bikes that people had finished some uber audax event or other. There were all sorts of bikes, as you would expect, but the one type that cropped up several times was the Spa steel.

 

[jazzkat]

I've just bought a surly cross check for similar duties. It has rack eyes front and back!
I've not ridden it yet, I've not even built it yet.
It looks well put together.