all seem to be the same price points,any best value ones spring to mind, probably steel frame less than a 1k , or other makes to look at.
I have a Merlin Malt-R from a few years ago.
For the price (it was on offer) I was hard pushed to find anything else that matched the spec and Merlin had it with me quickly from the order being placed. They have also been superb with support in the years I have owned it, so I can't fault them there either.
I have a Ribble 7005 Ultralight Aluminium frame and Carbon Fork combination.
I've replaced it now but it's a great bike/frame/fork. Comfortable, light (1.4 kg frame) and handled very nicely. It was/is a great bike/frame/fork for the money.
It's hanging in the Garage at the moment but I intend to list it in the Classifieds soon - if you're interested 😀
Also had a Ribble 7005. Decent bike for the price. Only got rid because it was a little too big and I wanted something fancy with discs.
Friend had an entry level Merlin which was also good. If you are close to Chorley go and have a look in Merlin's store - they have loads of their own brand bikes on display.
I have a Dolan, love it, great service, this one (which I don't have) may suit: http://road.cc/content/review/214968-dolan-letape-105
[url= http://www.wiggle.co.uk/verenti-technique-tiagra-2016/ ]Verenti from Wiggle[/url] Not steel, but alu frame with a full carbon fork, £495 (discounted from £650) with full Tiagra / RS10 wheels. Shimano (non-Tiagra) brakes to allow mudguard clearances. Great service too
[url= https://www.merlincycles.com/felt-z85-road-bike-2016-93845.html ]Felt Z85 £499[/url] with change left over for some fancy wheels & tyres.
The felt frame, if similar to my F95, is fantastic. Really trying to keep hold of mine...
I have a Dolan Preffisio frameset. Unbelievably good for the price. Runs wider size tyres without a problem, has mounts for guards for winter riding, and has an excellent race geometry.
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Been looking at their CDX cross frameset for my next project....
Had a Ribble R872 for quite a few years now. Superb for the money.
I have a Dolan as Chef above, love it for the more race orientated geo,
Id buy another if it went. Hankering after there Tuono frame.
I've always had good service off them, I ordered a new headset off them last year, the one they sent had the lower ring that seats onto the head tube missing, phoned them and they sent a complete new headset the next day.
I have a Dolan Fxe that I've used for commuting for the last 18mths, it's been great. Dolan were good to deal with.
I've a carbon ribble, good value and a nice bike. I would suggest decathlon for vfm as well, a lot of their frames used to be made by the same factory who did ribblecycles
My son's have both had Dolan Pre Cursa track bikes, they now both have a Preffisio as above for winter duties (I prefer the geometry to my Felt winter hack so will probably get one as well).
My youngest also has a Dolan L'Etape.
I have not had any problems with any of them (and the Preffisios have had a right hammering).
Eldest now wants a DF4........
Ribble 7005 ultralite here too, great bike....comfy for a road bike, light (got mine down to 8kg) with a sensibly picked build which for a budget machine is impressive.
I have a Dolan L'tape (see review above). Been using it for two years for commuting and big road rides including the 295km Wales in a day. Great bike and great service from Dolan.
Before buying it I spent a Saturday visiting Dolan, Ribble and Merlin. Dolan were by far the most helpful.
I bought one of these. Wheels are a weak point but it has ample room for mudguards and a bit of a bargain..
http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/road-bikes-c5/road-c37/marin-argenta-elite-road-bike-2015-p13748
I built up a Ribble Sportive 365 with a cosmetic seconds frame.
It rides pretty nice. I like the reasonably sharp geometry and it has a good balance of stiffness, comfort and weight. I'd certainly buy from them again if I wanted cheap carbon.
What you looking to do on it? Secondhand can make a lot of sense for road bikes IMO.