The Mercian appreciation society

I did indeed. It was for a friend though so unfortunately not one of mine.
Good use of the word 'patina' by the way. I'm looking forward to seeing the build.

Stunning.
There's so many amazing Mercians on the forum. We really need to have a group ride.

I could possibly do 21st, as long as I'm back by 6pm thenext day.....would we be riding there? camping? come on! lets do it!!

You know you're winning when your wife encourages you to do this kind of thing!
What's the plan for it, Tim?
(gaz)

Fucko I figured that was you as your avatar migrated over if not your username. Sadly no special plans for it like full period etc. Probably will be boring modern functional to start then we will see where it goes from there. I can't decide if I should do a respray or not. Would that be killing the puppy?

My greater concern is if the paint needs to be stripped, surface rust sanded away then primed and repainted for the next 50 years. The worst is where the top tube meets the seat tube here:

And a little bit on the downtube here:

Opinions welcome on how much attention, if any, that needs as I have very little experience in this area.

I'd like a whole thread on on "how much rust is too much rust?"...
In the meantime, I think it's better to kill a puppy then to have a very sudden seat tube failure.

(modern functional 2 - period correct 0)

In other news, I was in the Derbyshire Peak District last week, and Mrs Pharoah and I on the way back popped into the shop in Derby to have a look around. Knowing there was some interest here in a group going up for the Derby ride on the 21st, I spoke to the shop manager about the potential. She said that given notice and depending on numbers she could arrange to have the shop open and could also open the workshop (the framebuilding/painting happens at a separate location about a mile from the retail shop, I guess an industrial estate is a little more appropriate than a suburban storefront for that kind of thing).

I have her contact details and am happy to coordinate if there is interest. Time for a list for a visit to the Mercian shop?

1. Pharoah (I need to be in Toronto and Montreal that week so may not be able to make it).
   
   

I'm up for that, pending my rota......

First time out on my Mercian this weekend for AGES. Forgot how much I love this bike :)

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Finally got some extra speeds fitted. Have fitted Shimano Altus from my dad's old Roy Thame which sounds weak but it's not bad looking and period correct ish! Despite a herniated disc in my lower back, I'm still planning on doing the 21st so would be good to see other owners!

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Ah ha, I was wondering who got that news and great to see someone who can appreciate it. Same year as nine. Been riding it much more over the last month so let me know if you are around.

Note to self, when messaging from my phone do check for typos

@pharoahsanders I tried to paste the image but imo a respray would bring it up a treat. I was at the HHV jumble and picked up a period campag front break for £15

Have a look on instagram for @philqr

I would be very interested in a London or south east mercian ride though

Here's mine

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But big for you but I suppose you might grow into it in a few years. What cranks are they on the top, campag?

That top picture is pretty much the bike I have imagined for my next build. Lovely bike!

Love my King of Mercia so much a Super Vigorelli is definitely next on my list!

Thanks they are campag record cranks

Stunning!

My Mercian.

I have never uploaded a photo before so don't diss me if it didn't work

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Have you tried it with pedals?

Yep.

Right now it has M520s SPDs

I previously ran it with some C-Record stuff.

Gearing is too short at present for the local chain gangs.

Fuck. I sent the orange track frame off for a respray, which uncovered that the chain stays are made of Swiss cheese. So much for the budget.

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Dam..

Ouch. What are you going to do?