Mercian frame no 68360

[AndyMart]

Picked this up today, frame number is 68360 which could be 1968 or 1960 judging by pics I've seen on the Mercian register, very elegant frame with the vigorelli wrap over and lots of lovely braze on's including co2 pump on the downtube. If anyone could tell me more I'd appreciate it.

 

[Nob]

Re:

That'll look nice done up as a tourist bike & a TA triple chainset would be period feature as a start.

 

[AndyMart]

Re:

I actually think it's a little racier than that, brake clearance is around 60mm with 700s and those stays are pencil thin. I've a stash of nuovo record waiting for a project so this could be the one. Not period correct I know but nice and usable.

 

[Jamiedyer]

Very nice looking frame Andy.
Do you have any background about it, it must have a few stories to tell after all these years Besides the Nuovo record what's the plans for it?

Jamie

 

[AndyMart]

Re:

Unfortunately no background, it was on eBay with a £85 first bid and that's what I paid for it, rescued it from a life of singlespeeding in London. It has a riders name hand painted on the the top tube, Steve Aldridge. It's in pretty good nick no dings, the chrome is tired though. If I repaint I'd like to brighten it up, flam blue with red or white panels and gold lining.

 

[Jamiedyer]

Wow! What an absolute bargain
Nice colour combination for the repaint

Jamie

 

[bagpuss]

Re:

The Mercian London road head badge is a bit of history in its self . My first drop bar bike came from there .

 

[AndyMart]

Re:

Any idea what model it's likely to be? I'm thinking king of Mercia. This from the 1963 brochure seems an accurate description. It has campag ends btw, also is that a TDC headset?

 

[AndyMart]

Re:

Popped a few parts on to test fit, feels perfect.

 

[Jamiedyer]

Looks perfect

Jamie