hmmm. sounds like i'd rather pass it and be more patient, then.
yeah. i wouldn't want to pay over 100 (in case of air shipping) for a sub100 frame, right?

thanks for all the insights. really feel like i am home here in the bikeforums.

re: ColonelJL's point,
did you imply the size of the frame?
(if i haven't known) does old french frame come with a different combo in terms of the dimensions?
thought 54cm at SP meant a safe 'mid' size frame. maybe it's a part of taller triangle vs modern frames?
i'm 5'8" having about 32" inseem, fyi.

thanks!