Newbie + Mercian

Hi there,

I've recently been restoring an old Raleigh loop framed 3 speed for my girlfriend. While out sourcing parts I came across a lovely Mercian frame underneath a pile of bikes in a local junk shop.

I picked it up dirt cheap, thinking it might make a nice SS or fixed bike. I don't know how old it is, my guess is 1984 based on the serial number on the bottom bracket (18984). The paint's not in great shape, it's been roughly touched up all over (weyoo) but to be fair it only looks to be cosmetic. Based on the research I've done, the clover lugs suggest it's a Strada Speciale. I'm wondering if anyone knows any more about the frame?

Would it make a nice fixed gear bike, or would I be doing it an injustice? This will be my first fixed project and ideally I'd like to remove the braze ons and boses, but I don't want to ruin the frame if it's something really special.

Any ideas what it might be worth if I decide to just sell it on?

Cheers guys
Cedric

Don't remove the braze ons etc. It's a beautiful frame, an English classic. Do it as a single speed if you must, but don't chop it up just to make it look like something it isn't.

Or sell it. You've had a very lucky find!

A 531c Mercian frame for dirt cheap? Some people have all the luck!

Do it as a single speed if you must, but don't chop it up just to make it look like something it isn't.

+1

mercian build quality frames, looks like you got a great bargain

some people...

never seen these kind of lugs on a mercian before.

So is it your size too? Bit of a find if you fit it!

a local junk shop.

Where was this exactly?

Hi Mercian frame fetch a good price on eBay. IMHO they are one of the best frames. If it was mine I would keep the braze on, on the frame and send it or take it to Mercian to be repainted they do a fantastic job.

Well done on your find.

Cheers for the input guys.

Hi Mercian frame fetch a good price on eBay. IMHO they are one of the best frames. If it was mine I would keep the braze on, on the frame and send it or take it to Mercian to be repainted they do a fantastic job.

Any idea on price for a paint job by Mercian? Initially I was just thinking about a powdercoat job.

So is it your size too? Bit of a find if you fit it!

Amazingly it's pretty much spot on for me!

Ced

foams at mouth

lucky you

Cheers for the input guys.

Any idea on price for a paint job by Mercian? Initially I was just thinking about a powdercoat job.

Ced

Depends what you want doing. There's a price list here

Cheers for the input guys.

Any idea on price for a paint job by Mercian? Initially I was just thinking about a powdercoat job.

Amazingly it's pretty much spot on for me!

Ced

Not the cheapest, but certainly a very good job. I had my 1991 King of Mercia resprayed last year. Fantastic job check it out on flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22292450@N07/5169345450

And your right about the date

some people...

never seen these kind of lugs on a mercian before.

I think they still offer these, called cast clover leaf cutout or something...

Nice find!

IMO - if you want to take off the braze ons, go for it. The clue is in the name - they are brazed on, and can be easily replaced. What I wouldn't do is to remove the derailleur hanger, as that can't easily be replaced. I think.

See them here.

you can easily enough replace the mech hanger - you could replace the whole dropout if you were to braze it, or weld it on if you wanted to replace just the hanger bit.

you'd have to respray after brazing, obviously. (but probably not after welding)

Thanks for the info everyone.

It's a beautiful frame, and I feel lucky as hell for finding it.
I just can't let it go. I'm unlikely to get such a good frame so cheap ever again, especially one that's the perfect size.

I've decided I'm gonna convert it to a fixed/ss and (sorry purists) remove all the braze ons but keep the hanger. I've got a mate who knows his metal so it'll be done well and hopefully should leave no trace.

I'm not likely to sell the bike for many many years (if ever) so it's a perfect opportunity to make it mine and give it a new lease of life. Thinking about a nice shade of grey for the frame, though I'm not sure my budget can stretch to a Mercian paint job.

I'm now on the look out for parts to bring this thing alive!

If it's not the right size you might be better off just ebaying it and buying something that is.

Right decision. Please don't powercoat it whatever happens! You'd be better off keeping the current paintwork and not worrying about chipping it.

I think he said it was the perfect size, unless I misread.

If you do manage to run to a fancy paint job (well worth it and given how much you've saved in buying it I'd seriously consider it) wrap it in helicopter tape afterwards. Virtually invisible and stops scratches.

I wish I'd known this before I started getting my nice expensive respray chipped :(

I think you would be a mug to start hacking of the braze-ons, it an absolutely beautiful frame. Convert it to a SS if you want, but you may change your mind later. Also, just leave the paint as is, if not, have it repainted properly (check out the Mario Vaz thread) hes cheap and very good.

Right decision. Please don't powercoat it whatever happens! You'd be better off keeping the current paintwork and not worrying about chipping it.

I think he said it was the perfect size, unless I misread.

If you do manage to run to a fancy paint job (well worth it and given how much you've saved in buying it I'd seriously consider it) wrap it in helicopter tape afterwards. Virtually invisible and stops scratches.

I wish I'd known this before I started getting my nice expensive respray chipped :(

Any reason why you wouldn't powder coat? Is it because it's difficult to remove? Loss of definition in the lugs?
I recently got a ladies bike coated and the finish was brilliant, and as strong as an ox.

Right chaps — could do with a bit of advice. I've been reading and reading and then reading some more about converting to fixed and I'm getting there, but I still feel a little in the dark.

I'm after all the components, apart from a headset to get this thing on the road. After reading up about chainline, it seems 42mm is the magic length I should be shooting for. Whilst getting a 130mm rear hub to match the frame would be preferable am I right in thinking I can space out a 120mm if the axel is long enough?

I have no idea which bottom bracket/crank/ring combo to go for in order to (a) fit the frame, (b) achieve the desired chainline and (c) be as cheap as possible without being shit.

I've got a really small budget, about 250 squids ( maybe slightly more) to buy everything for the bike.

Appreciate any help.

+1 on leaving the paint as is. A powdercoat won't look half as good. It's in its original state, give it a clean, end of story.

build it up with gears.