Current steel framebuilders?

I want to have a new frame made to replace my Mercian, which after years of use I have decided is annoyingly just too small even though I had it made to measure.

What/who are the best options for a MTM steel frame currently?

Audax / light touring, budget around £1k (more if I could be convinced it was worth it).

I wouldn't go back to Mercian because I found the fitting unconvincing and the correspondence complacent.

I would consider going for a professional fitting and passing on the details if that's a good idea.

I would hope to transfer ALL the components across (yes, even the quill stem).

I would consider OTP though I doubt I'd be able to get the exact spec I want in terms of braze-ons etc.

Any thoughts would be thoroughly appreciated, thanks!

P.S. the Mercian frame will be up for sale in due course...

I'll build you one.
(No I won't)
But cmon man, we have a thread for this!
https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/133119/?offset=225#comment13295565
And an page made by other Henry.
http://www.findaframebuilder.com

Ps- id use @coldharbour (Talbot)

Or Dave Yates for trad geo stuff.

If I was in the market for custom steel, I'd also be going to Matt at Talbot having been to his shop several times and seen him work, his level of craftsmanship and dedication is fantastic.

I really like his work too but I think I'm after something painfully traditional. Also really not into the trademark wishbone seat stays.

Thanks for the links 'Brows, I'll have a sift. Really just after highly biased opinions and hearsay for the time being!

He can do normal stays too :)

Winston Vaz

Sadly dave yates is hanging up his gas torch and retiring . He still has a few frames to sell. Including his very own gorgeous track bike which is up for grabs

Sadly dave yates is hanging up his gas torch and retiring . He still has a few frames to sell. Including his very own gorgeous track bike which is up for grabs

Sad indeed! I feel lucky to have one or two.

Rourke are very nice ...

http://www.rourke.biz/

What Amey said.

That's his website. I'm sure you're aware but he was Roberts' main builder for 25 years plus.

Rourke, Shand or Talbot look like they know what they're doing. That's who appeal to me. But do they appeal to you?

Donahue (the Norwich one)

Feather

Do Singular do anything that fits the bill?

Robin Mather - he would work with @scherrit or cyclefit fitting data

chickens frame emporium is worth a look. he defected from enigma a few years ago, super high workmanship

arregui-Velazquez in Madrid.he is good.

*Donhou

Feather is about to reopen his books which is good but cash $$$

Robin Mather has had a deposit belonging to a friend of mine for almost 18 months... no frame, nothing >>>>

If you don't want to wait for an eternity Vaz or Talbot. Having faced the same decision, Talbot was a no brainer.

Stockton of Greenwich does great work.
@Jingle_Jangle will be able to confirm

Considering the budget you've established and the likely trad geo (although not necessarily), Winston Vaz, as suggested above. Pm me if you have questions, my experience with him was excellent.

(How's the Mercian too small, not obvious from that picture?)

Caren Hartley.

/thread

There's a chance The Hackney Pedlar have exactly what you're after having bought a lot of the Roberts stock when they closed.

I'd go see Caren Hartley for a traditional style modern frame.

oh... already been mentioned.

Tom donhou is now based in hackney