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the wheels are in fact 27", like you suspected. Very good news.
For me 27" wheels are never good news (see my comments passim).
However, that Gillot looks a bargain. It's a classy frame with some good (and some bad) kit.
The top tube isn't especially long for the frame size. When you say 22" would be your maximum, what length handle bar stem do you have in mind? This bike comes with a short stem and it would be possible to go shorter.
Looking at the photos, it's clear that this machine did not belong to a 1st cat. roadman - the position looks all wrong, with the handlebar stem too high (it should never be above the nose of the saddle) and the saddle too far back. Just five minutes work with a spanner would make it look far classier.
I don't think it's ever certain whether or not a particular frame will really suit a particular rider; my experience is it's best to suck it and see. If you think you have a use for this bike and you can get it anywhere near the price mentioned - go for it!
clubman-
Thank you for your very helpful reply. Just had contact with the very nice seller and he is open to packing for posting. I shall see how the bidding develops, when the time comes. The bike has this reserved beauty about it. Really nice. I know what you mean about some of the parts - the saddle hurts my eyes. A nice old Brooks or similar would go a long way already.
About sizing, my old Daccordi fits me like a glove: 55cm c-c top tube and 55ish c-t seat tube. It rides like a dream with a bit of rake to the forks, but the frame (Columbus SLX) is so light, I feel the bike struggling under the stress of just a small Carradice saddle bag. Maybe a Reynolds 531 frame is stronger. With a 55cm c-c top tube, I can have a 10cm stem and feel confident. Nothing 'nervous' or twitchy about it. The drop bars are I think 42 wide. The spine around my neck area isn't ideal, so I guess a 57cm top tube leave me wondering. Anyway, let's see. Good advice, thanks again!
Hornsweep
Thanks for your reply on the bike!
I've checked with the seller and the wheels are in fact 27", like you suspected. Very good news. The top tube is a bit long for me though, so I think I understand now why the stem reach is shortish. It's 22.5" c-c. Need to think that over. 22 would normally be my maximum, but maybe it's not the end of the world.
Sorry your offer was rejected.