Miss Mercian on UK ebay – UK only!

[mlteenie]

hHi all,

I just had to register and say how amused and surprised I was to find this thread as I searched for info relating to a Mercian Mixte - namely, the one I just won on ebay! It cost me a little more than I hoped, but if you compare a whole bike with the price of a Cross Check frame, it's a no-brainer (at least to me). It really is a charming frame.

Please rest assured it is going to a good home. I have a Mercian Pro lugless and they will be very happy together.

The bike is actually in very good condition and dates from 1992. I reckon a previous owner (not the seller) has removed a good groupset (prob the 600 levers are the last trace), and replaced it with low quality wheels, cranks, brakes, etc. I guess the bars, stem and h/set (Tange 'Mercian' model it appears! Coincidence?) are original too. Has dropout adjusters and the worst rust is the chain and gear barrel adjuster on top tube.

Paint is good and doesn't really need redoing.

I was wondering if anyone knows the correct seatpost dia, since the wrong one is in there.

If I remember, I will post pics when it is all done up in Campag, Brooks, etc.

Happy riding.

[LeicaLad]

Well, Congrats!!!

Drop a note to Mercian, along with the serial number. They should be able to give you the full details. My own KOM Mercian is 27.2, but I wouldn't go by that.

There is a "show us your mixte" thread here. When you get her cleaned up a bit, do please post a photo or three, eh?

...you lucky person!

[warneral]

welcome teenie! Can't wait to see your finished product. Happy riding

[Trek420]

There is a "show us your mixte" thread here. When you get her cleaned up a bit, do please post a photo or three, eh?

...you lucky person!

Here

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=19205

[mlteenie]

Hi folks.

Thanks for the goodwill. It is from 1992 and has a 27.2 seat post and 47-57 brake drop, in case you wondered. I got the original order sheet from Mercian (but it costs £10).

Unfortunately, my story was a bit less happy when I got the bike home and investigated further.

The person who had previously owned the bike (not the seller) had put in an undersized seatpost which, after clamping tight, had broken the seat lug and damaged the seat tube, only visible internally The seller was great about it and gave me a significant contribution, which eased the pain.

So instead of merely replacing the parts and cleaning it up, I have had to go for a complete refurb, inc. new seat lug and seat tube, drill fork for A/K brakes, new brake bridge, another set of bottle bosses under down tube, paint (mid Brunswick Green), lug lining in white and transfers.

It isn't going to be cheap, but it is going to be beautiful and as new when finished. I am going for Campag, rack and 'guards. Keeping the drops for now.

My other half will be very happy since it is her birthday present and also her first road bike.

Will try and remember to post pics when it's done after Christmas. Dontcha just love projects?

Happy riding!

[LeicaLad]

Ouch. Still, because you are close to Mercian, you can have it done right.

I, for one, will be very eager to see the results. It sounds like it will be just beautiful.

cheers!