spthealien

It seems that you being married to a particular aesthetic, yet having physical bodily dimensions that seemingly cannot be met with the typical non-compact bicycle frame, may have to go the custom frame route.

exile

I kind of understand Merkin and I kind of don't. My suggestion is to give yourself time and be very patient. I started looking for my bike somewhere around August or September and ended up buying in November or December. I ended up buying from Trophy Bikes in Philly which is about 3 hours away from where I live. If you are willing to travel and scour the internet you might find something eventually.

If you do plan on traveling see if you can combine trips or make a day of it. Say you go to a larger city just look at a bike visit all the shops in the area. A lot of places have websites where they may not have pictures of there inventory, but will have the brands they carry. Simply call ahead and let them know what you are looking for and if they have something in your size. Trophy had Waterford, Surly, and a Jamis Aurora Elite (next years model) but it wasn't in my size.

spthealien

I see where you're coming from--sort of. You had mentioned that you prioritize fit over appearance, but when you see your bike sitting clean leaning on a wall, it's a great sight.

I, too, come from an "art" background. I had studied architecture before my computer science degree came into fruition, but have continued down the non-technical path. I have won several photography awards and have taught some photo workshops.

That being said, it's pretty tough to match the feeling as actually riding on a bike tailored to my dimensions. And a dirty muddy mountain bike--awesome.

So I'm a bit confused when you say that you "agree that fit is more important than aesthetics. If I was choosing aesthetics over fit, I wouldn't have posted this thread." But then you consider yourself in the camp that would not wear a visually abhorrent shoe, regardless of comfort.

By the way, I know what shoes you speak of. They are called Crocs. And I got married in them.

LarDasse74

Wow that's tacky.

I, too, was confused by the OP's insistance that fit was all important... except for looks.
If you have the money, OP, you CAN get everything you want. If it is going to mean that much to you... there is only one answer.

Merkin

This is basically my line of reasoning: I know that a LHT will fit me. I was curious if there were other, similar frames that are offered in small sizes along that same vein that will also fit me, that I hadn't come across in my searching. I am not going to buy a bike that does not fit me. However, within that set of bikes that fit me, I am going to buy the best looking one I can afford. Hence, I mentioned the bike at the current top of my list, some other bikes that I quite liked but don't fit, and asked if I was overlooking anything, which I was. If there were no bikes that fit me and looked good to my eye, I don't know that I would be particularly interested in buying a bike. Fortunately, there are at least a handful of bikes on the market that are in my size range that I consider at least passably good looking. Is that snobbish of me, or am I being too picky? Perhaps. If good bikes were dirt cheap, I would definitely consider myself snobbish or too picky. However, buying a good bike is not an inexpensive proposition for someone who has the special needs in a bike that us larger people have. I will be spending more on this bicycle than I spent on my first car, and it is a bike that I will be riding for years to come, so I think it is perfectly reasonable for me to make sure that it is a purchase that I am completely happy with. It was that desire to make sure that I will be purchasing the best product available within my loose price range that prompted me to start this thread, and I have gathered loads of good info. I really do appreciate everyone's help. If I can ever be of assistance to any of you, please don't hesitate to ask.

jmccain

OK - breaking your posts into paragraphs would help me to read them.

I understand your quest for aesthetics, but if you concentrate on the human-machine interface I think you'll be a happier rider. Maybe not owner, but rider.

Wherever you're touching the bike is the most important parts - in my opinion.

spthealien

Ha! Tacky, yes. Comfortable? Absolutely.

iforgotmename

Get the LHT...you won't regret it. Here is a pic of my 2010 26in 56 cm before cassette change and after powder coating. I hate blue... color is really not an issue.

Rhodabike

The Masi Randoneur might fit the bill. It has a classic look, takes fairly wide tires for commuting, and comes with fenders. The bottom bracket is about 1" lower than most cyclocross bikes, which in my experience is a little more comfortable for stop-and-go traffic where there's a foot touching pavement every few blocks.

QStorm

Hey, I don't know if this is a little too 'low end' but have you considered the pake c'mute [https://www.pakebikes.com/pakemute.html]. I also am someone who was looking for a low(er) cost alternative to the LHT. I'm nowhere near pulling the trigger but this frame has me intrigued...