Yeah, pretty much a pipe dream, I'm sorry to say. If you want something that's even close to a reasonable fit, you're pretty much limited to '80s-era Japanese sport-tour bikes, which, like you already know, had short top tubes. And they didn't fit 38mm tires. Especially not with fenders. You might find a couple touring models, like the Centurion shown in the other thread, but it still won't have a long top tube and it still won't fit 38s w/fenders. Prolly won't fit 38s at all.
If it's mostly about riding vintage, you'll just have to make do. If it's about saving money, IMHO you'd be better off saving more money for the tallest Surly, VO, All-City, Soma, etc. Just read the Soma Smoothie has or will have a 66cm size. Yeah, there's charm to vintage and lugs and all that, but it's also more fun to ride a bike that fits you well and takes the fat, puffy tires you want. Kinda can't have both...
Originally Posted by
hamnet01
I'm 6'7" and looking for recommendations for a 70s/80s steel road frame that will fit large tires (38mm+) with fenders. A lot of tall frames seem to come with really short top tubes, but I'd prefer something over 62cms. Also, I don't really care about the components, I'd rather have a decent/nice frame I can upgrade along the way.
I suppose I'm looking for the A. Homer Hilsen of vintage bikes. This may be a pipe dream, much like owning a Rivendell, so I'm prepared for a this to be a long-term search.
I'm not very familiar with what was out there (alas, before my time), or how different bikes ride (not a lot of big frames to try out) so if there are any models that might be worth watching for please let me know.