Well, to say it briefly ... "Getting it right" ... I really wanted a classically styled bike ... If you don't feel a tingle of nerves when you flop a massive down-payment on a frame being built in another country something's wrong. I had never owned a touring frame nor had I ever had a frame built so there was always the "did I make the right choice" stuff. I'm a researcher type and it took me a few months to pick a company I wanted to buy a frame from. When I finally discovered Rene Herse and Alex Singer (Stunning stuff) ... I knew what I wanted ... then I saw the prices and started hunting for a middle ground. I liked Bob Jackson, Rivendell, etc but non of those was "it" ... I sorta stumbled onto Mercian's website and was sold on the heritage, quality, and styling. So, once I picked a frame ... what parts? I spent weeks looking at derailleurs, wheels, etc. One last minute audible was to buy modern aero levers. I had some old stock non-aero and I knew they would look cool but not feel as comfortable. It all sorta come together after that. Stress was in the indecision and the wait. It was supposed to take 6 months and it ended up taking eight plus (full term). Then the box showed up and looked completely smashed. I was freaked out. I'm just glad it's done. The first ride was amazing. I knew then it was all worth it. It fit! ... the reach was right and it was snappy quick and didn't feel heavy and clunky.