RE: [CR]Re: Rivendell fit with a classic look, an option

(Example: History:Norris Lockley)

From: "John Price" <jprice@2-10.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: RE: [CR]Re: Rivendell fit with a classic look, an option
Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 09:47:11 -0700


Depending where you're at with the sizing a custom stem may not be necessary. Something like a Nitto Technomic has a pretty long "insertion" part.

John Price Denver CO

-----Original Message----- From: NortonMarg@aol.com [mailto:NortonMarg@aol.com] Sent: Monday, March 24, 2003 9:41 AM To: sweetangel55@attbi.com; classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: [CR]Re: Rivendell fit with a classic look, an option

I was asked this question off list, and thought the group would appreciate the idea of a possible solution.
> I'm considering ordering a new Mercian frame. They seem hard to beat for
> the money. I have a used Mercian now and like it a lot. My dilemma is I
> want a retro type bike, yet I want a "Rivendell" type riding position
> for comfort, which is pretty upright with the handlebars level with the
> seat. So, I'm wrestling with exactly how to order what I want. Rivendell
> seems to go with the largest size frame you can handle, which I guess
> keeps the seat down and allows the bars to be higher.
>

For the Mercian, here is what I would recommend you do. Order it with the fork steerer an inch or so longer and put in a spacer. Ordinarily the problem with this is you run the risk of having the stem expander land in the threaded portion of the steerer (very bad). To get around that, you will have to have a stem custom made that is a bit longer in the "insertion" part so that it clamps well down in the tube away from the threads. I'm presuming that since you are ordering a frame that it will be made to measure with the

correct seat angle and top tube length. Therefore you should know in advance

what stem length you will need. I think the Rivendell guy can make you a stem, if not, I know Ed Litton can, out of steel. It can be done so it looks

like an old Cinelli (if you like) for a vintage look. There may also be a number of builders on the list, such as Curt Goodrich (among others) who would also make such a stem. For more on top tubes and fit, I posted something rather long and complete that you can find in the archives. If you don't know exactly what seat angle

and top tube length you want, look this up and go get fitted by someone who knows what he's doing. Ignore anyone who says knee-over-pedal-spindle doesn't matter unless you have found it doesn't apply to you.
Stevan Thomas
Alameda, CA