Mercian, but what is it...?

drystonepaul · Jan 22, 2013

I picked up three bikes during a garage clearout this morning and I'd really like to find out more about them.

The first one is this Mercian.
The owner said it was a touring frame that was resprayed by Mercian a few years ago, hence the 'Reynolds 531 Renovated' frame decal.
The frame number is 34084 1 which from my brief research suggests it was built in 1984.

I'm not sure how many of the components are original or period correct for the frame as my knowledge of road stuff isn't very good.

So from the following images I'd really appreciate as much information as possible.
Thanks in advance...

legrandefromage · Jan 22, 2013

Looks like a much loved and upgraded bike put aside and forgotten about.

Cranks and f.mech are very likely original with some sort of mid life upgrade to the shifters and brakes.

As for Mercian, it appears to be identical to a 1984 Mercian I restored a couple of years ago - no model name just Campagnolo Nuovo Record PAT 84 parts removed and up/downgraded to Shimano Tiagra...

(not by choice)

Nice find.

And in my size if you get bored!

Ian Raleigh · Jan 22, 2013

If you contact Mercian direct they will be able to tell you more about 'that' frame...

http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/contact-us

bagpuss · Jan 22, 2013

I think it maybe their Campionissimo model.
This was their starter frame set,and it was the first model i purchase back in the 1970,s
Did 1000's of miles on mine.

If you e mail a picture to their shop they will tell which and maybe who built it.{include the frame number}

Midlife · Jan 22, 2013

Lovely looking 70's frame with very crisp brazing work, understated class

Shaun

matthew71 · Jan 22, 2013

nice bit of lug lining there paul,and is the tiny packer /washer on the rear mech lever to pull more cable ? or is the hole to big ?

drystonepaul · Jan 22, 2013

matthew71":1wb11nqn said:
nice bit of lug lining there paul,and is the tiny packer /washer on the rear mech lever to pull more cable ? or is the hole to big ?

Not sure what you are referring to there...?

matthew71 · Jan 22, 2013

drystonepaul":12tklf43 said:
matthew71":12tklf43 said:

nice bit of lug lining there paul,and is the tiny packer /washer on the rear mech lever to pull more cable ? or is the hole to big ?

Click to expand...

Not sure what you are referring to there...?

the one on the rear mech shifter

Midlife · Jan 22, 2013

The cable end stop looks a bit big to fit into the recess in the lever.....looks like a "quick fix"

Mercians were always well made, seemed to use slightly thinner rear stays which always made their frames look very delicate.....

Shaun

vivelesalpes · Jan 22, 2013

IIRC don't Campagnolo cables have smaller nipples than Shimano, Could be a 'bodge' after getting a Shimano cable stuck.

Mercian, but what is it...?

drystonepaul

legrandefromage

Ian Raleigh

bagpuss

Midlife

Retro Wizard

matthew71

drystonepaul

matthew71

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Midlife

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vivelesalpes

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