Tall frames with short top-tubes.
 

I just won a auction on a very nice 70s Bob Jackson Merlin: http://www.ebay.com/itm/160658892842...84.m1439.l2649

***EDIT: Seller responded saying it was actually a 58cm top-tube.

63cm seat-tube, which is great. But the 54cm top-tube is something I overlooked and I'm worried now that I won't be able to ride the thing comfortably.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5266/...1c87b0e4_b.jpg

not nearly as nice as yours but with a 54cm top tube as well.

i like a short top tube. i dont know if i have a short torso, arms, poor flexibility, or if its just my riding style.

Looking at that photo, I have a hard time believing those dimensions. Have you asked him to remeasure and instructed him how to do it? i.e., TT center of seat tube to center of head tube?

Yeah, he just reponded saying it's about a 57-58cm top-tube. Which would be great for me.

Just looking at the frame, that makes a lot more sense.

I like bikes that way, because that's just the way my body is put together. I can clear a 58 cm st, but feel to stretched out from size 56 (tt). Cinelli made it's famous and pretty 101 stem in 135 mm, might be an option for you.

My second road bike, a 1971 Nishiki Competition, had a short top tube, which made its 23" (58.5cm C-T) size tolerable for me. I did substitute a longer-reach stem to compensate a bit and obtained a very comfortable fit.

Any thoughts on the frame itself? Good buy?

I was watching it as well. Was it a deal at $495 plus shipping? I personally wouldn't say it was a deal. But if you were ok with the price and you like it and ride it lots of miles, then it was probably a deal to you. Good luck with it.

Check pm.

With the revised top tube length it would be a common geometry for a tall frame (long legs normal torso). The frame looks quite interesting and I can see why you were attracted to it..

There's always the option of a longer stem/lay-back seat post. Looks like a nice frame.