Any question answered...

stack height - the effective pedaling platform is almost certainly at a different height - thus making your saddle height effectively change.

When I swapped to speedplay zero's and speedplay specific shoes for example I had to lower my saddle quite considerably due to the much lower stack height compared to SPD-sl

Bollocks my seatpost is stuck.

Get a chisel and shave half an inch off your perineum.

Stick some platforms on the bottom of your shoes so they are like cleated brother creepers.

I'd guess the spds have pushed you up compared to straps? So you need to shave a bit of your feet or get a bigger saddle?

@peter_v, any track frame with a none track fork will give you the track ends with front brake hole you require... Loads of choices... Failing that any off the peg singlespeed/fixie... Charge plug, trek soho, specialised Langster, giant... You get the idea?

I'd expect an SPD setup to have a lower total foot-axle height than clips-and-straps unless you're using classic leather-soled track shoes.

d:

Unusually, that's supposed to be D: (with a capital d - if it'll let me do it there). The de-capitalisation makes it look like I rather enjoy the idea of shaving half an inch off my perineum. I can assure you this is not the case.

cheers, but I don't think you got my idea.

I really do want a frameset only similar to the Macinato I mentioned, made of steel, for f&r caliper brakes. sadly nothing you mentioned is available as frameset and only the Plug (would be suitable if available as frameset and) is made of steel.

I was just wondering why On-One would take it out of their range... is a Surly Steamroller the only option?

Have you actually asked On-One about Macinatos? They are a batch-production business, so they might be getting them back ar some point, although September might not be that point - if I'd sold out of road frames in August, I'd probably target Feb/Mar for restocking to avoid holding a lot of stock over winter

Really? My spd shoes more than make up for the smaller pedal when compared to my normal shoes...

You also said used, so that includes the old Langster, and plugs that are being sold for spare parts... Do a search on eBay and here and you'll find millions of options.

good call, will do. as far as I know they've been out of their range for well over a year now.

ebay's always an option, yes. I should have been (even) more specific. thanks for your reply anyway, Charge Plug's a nice bike and unbelievably cheap.

I want to get a steel frameset and put a cheapish groupset and wheels on it. What would be the best groupset/wheel combo for around 150? (Can a decent one be had for that?) It's for longish summer rides when my knees need a break and I feel like kicking my legs out as I go down some hills.

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: I previously wanted to get an Ultegra 6600 groupset but didn't as I wanted to do it on a budget. Is this a wise idea of should I just go for the Ultegra?

2015 model is £330, hubs are not sealed bearing like the £400 model, and I think only singlespeed.

cheers. is cheap, no? how is the quality, better than a create-like fixeh/ss biek I would think?

I previously wanted to get an Ultegra 6600 groupset but didn't as I wanted to do it on a budget. Is this a wise idea of should I just go for the Ultegra?

Not necessarily Ultegra, but assuming you're decided on Shimano then don't go below 105. Current ebay listings seem to indicate that decent used 5700 groupsets are expected to fetch £150-£175, so you should probably add £100 to your budget to get a groupset + wheels which won't be more trouble than they are worth. You then start to wonder whether £250 for used 5700/RS10 is really worth it when new 5800 + RS11 wheels can be had for £400, and so it begins :-)

Definitely better, especially coming from a brick and mortar shop where he can simply bring it in if there's a problem.

I'd go for the £400 model on account of sealed and flip flop hubs if you think he'll ride more in future.

Teetotallers: I don't want to give up beer, cos it's very nice, but what I would like is to find a soft drink that is savoury/dry like beer. I'm sick of everything being so sugary and sweet, even orange juice.
So is there a good alcohol free ale or lager? Are there any other savoury drinks that aren't beer?

Bovril

Virgin Mary

Soup

Are there any other savoury drinks that aren't beer?

Which is basically @dancing james suggestion of a Virgin Mary, but ready made.

A bit sugary, but plenty of flavour

Tastes of mud; I like it, but it's definitely marmite.

Dry, not stupidly carbonated, always have this on the dinner table at family lunches.

So is there a good alcohol free ale or lager?

My brother quite likes the German alcohol-free lagers, but I've never tried them. I think you can get some of them over here, too. Bitburger or Clausthaler?

Edit: Blimey, there are loads.

http://www.alcoholfree.co.uk/alcoholfree-beers-c-2_65_12.html?osCsid=cec496c005f29e29cd285dada0c1e289