Actually, I'm pretty sure Mercian will provide an extended headtube like Rivendell at a reasonable additional cost, and of course make the fork to match.
Regards,
Jerry Moos
Houston, TX
>
> 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