I like the idea of using a dropper post for this. The PNW coast dropper also adds some suspension. The 27.2 droppers all only go 4 inches, though. And they’re all satin black, which is an aesthetic problem for the class of bikes we're talking about in this thread. Controls are a problem too. If you want a double front, the lever is in the way. Mountain bikes now are set up with the dropper pull lever on the left in the place the shifter pull lever used to be. The small rocker levers are not as nice to use.

Rivendell still makes a step through that is more classic than the Clem. I forget what the name of it is now. It’s not the Cheviot anymore. Platypus, now. It’s still about the same level as a mixte