it’s a maybe…
…but it kind of depends what kind of sort of bike you want, and you might need to build it yourself i guess. You can get something like a Planet X Kaffenback frame for less than £200, and Veloce 08 full groupsets can be had for £250 or so. Add some wheels (Fulcrum Racing 5s or Campy Ventos are £150 or so) and a carbon fork for £150. You’d have £250 left for your bars and saddle and stuff, which is plenty. if i can do the math. but it’s not the most exciting starting point, the kaffenback. anyone got a better idea for a sub £300 steel frame?
Other options are maybe a framebuilder? Dave Yates’ Prima frame is £489 and as he can do you a full build, you might scrape under a grand. depends how much he gets the bits for 🙂
Most of the nice classic steel machines are a bit more though. The Bianchi Dolomiti is £1499, you might get one for less if you shop around, but you’re not going to get it for £1k