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