Stainless Reynolds 931 or 'budget' Titanium frameset

Stevo I am looking at the Issimo too. Like you I found there is nothing much in terms of reviews on the web. Does the frame have mudguard mounts? What’s it like to ride?

I've got a stainless frameset - a Bowman Layhams "audax" frame. Impressively stiff, very comfy. Even on 25s it does a great job of ironing out road buzz. Having had a number of carbon, aluminium, and steel frames its the stiffest and most comfortable frame I've ridden. Looks fantastic too, with bare stainless detailing. No hesitation in riding that all day.

Bowman are starting a custom stainless build programme soon, depends on how long you want to wait.

Have a look at the Genesis Equilibrium and Volare, they have 931 or Ti versions of both and you can normally pick up one up in your budget onEbay

Personally speaking, I'd be looking at the Moda.

I love the way decent steel frames ride, a lovely mix of stiffness, compliance and beautiful feedback through the frame. 

The spitfire is a decent enough bike though, I spent a year racing on one and I'd say that it handles Ok, its comfy and a good weight. I'd also say that riding one will certainly help you with your retirement - they ain't the raciest of frames so you'll get no flash backs to the good old days when riding it. 

shame you can't test ride both really. 

Don't have either but I would say the Spin is probably a bit more comfortable/less stiff than the stainless (all things being equal in contact points/same tyres/pressures etc). A bigger BB/headtube/stays (over the frame you're comparing) will likely accentuate that stiffness even further so the design of the frames will obvs influence the ride characteristics as much as the frame material.

My own 22 year Raleigh Ti (with Mizuno full carbon forks) is great for long loping days, can I still bang it about a bit, yeah but that's not the bike I'd use for giving it the beans.  it's a stress free, bit of a posing bike that you can just float about on, it'll take a 27mm tyre at the rear (which is good for my ex rugby league forward frame) which leads onto the next poser, which one provides better clearance for your tyre choice?

Which one has the better build quality?

Which one offers the better guarantee/customer service?

Spin has a threaded BB, not sure about the moda but I'd be wanting threaded BSC over pressfit.

looks wise I think the Spin is nicer but eye of the beholder and all that.

GL deciding

PS, the SPIN frame sans fork/headset is only £610 from PX