The Mercian appreciation society

That 653 fillet-brazed Mercian is really nice!

Just picked this beauty up. It's a 1997 Superlight (I think) ... I went a bit over budget but it's worth every hard earned penny. I've already adjusted the bar position, swapped out that saddle for my black Swift and plan on putting on some new bar tape - I just can't get on with this yellow/red Cinelli stuff. Any thoughts?

Either plain black, or black with a very subtle flair, like Cinelli Caleido.

Thanks Mr B. I've already got some black Cinelli tennis bar tape that I've been saving for my commuter and was thinking of using but it didn't look quite right. I like the the Caleido though so might have to collect my pennies (yes, things have got that bad) and have some sent over!

a member of the Mercian un-appreciation society....

The poor thing

Look at the decoration on the front wheel, somebody loves that bike. It might not be pretty but as long as it is loved surely that is all that matters.

the front wheel has cut-outs of butterfly wings attached to the spokes. It's my best friends bike, he loves it.....but really abuses it/ rides it hard every day. he had issues with the rear mech so converted it to bodged single speed...... i think it deserves a total re-build..... i guess no one will steal it looking like this.....

Who rides a Yellow Mercian conversion with risers around Islington on their commute?

Look at the decoration on the front wheel, somebody loves that bike. It might not be pretty but as long as it is loved surely that is all that matters.

This.

Just picked this beauty up. It's a 1997 Superlight (I think) ... I went a bit over budget but it's worth every hard earned penny. I've already adjusted the bar position, swapped out that saddle for my black Swift and plan on putting on some new bar tape - I just can't get on with this yellow/red Cinelli stuff. Any thoughts?

Got my restored King of Mercia frame back today (that's it in the box). I'll post some picks once I start building it up.

Look forward to seeing it.

I can't get a BB in my Mercian and I'm worried it's knackered. I know I can get threadless BBs but I'm wondering if it's worth taking to a shop and just getting a definite answer first.

Thoughts?

A few years ago I had the same problem on a second hand Mercian frame I picked up.
Nic at LMNH sorted it out for me really quick, re-taped the thread and re-faced the BB, I'd recommend getting it looked at..

Look forward to seeing it.

I can't get a BB in my Mercian and I'm worried it's knackered. I know I can get threadless BBs but I'm wondering if it's worth taking to a shop and just getting a definite answer first.

Thoughts?

What's the issue with it? Will it just not screw in? I'm assuming you've done all the usual shit with cleaning the threads etc? This might be a weird one - it couldn't be a european frame with mercian branding could it? Might explain if youve got the wrong threading or something?

A few years ago I had the same problem on a second hand Mercian frame I picked up.
Nic at LMNH sorted it out for me really quick, re-taped the thread and re-faced the BB, I'd recommend getting it looked at..

Thanks for the info. So he re-taps the thread slightly larger, what does re-facing the BB entail?
How much did it cost all in?

What's the issue with it? Will it just not screw in? I'm assuming you've done all the usual shit with cleaning the threads etc? This might be a weird one - it couldn't be a european frame with mercian branding could it? Might explain if youve got the wrong threading or something?

I've tried cleaning and It's just on the drive side so I know I'm using the correct BB.

It's not taping it larger I think it is just making sure that the tread is clear and true right through and re-facing makes sure that once installed it is fitting flush.
I can't remember exactly what it cost but it wasn't much, maybe £10.
If you're close pop in and see nic she's very helpful.

It's not taping it larger I think it is just making sure that the tread is clear and true right through and re-facing makes sure that once installed it is fitting flush.
I can't remember exactly what it cost but it wasn't much, maybe £10.
If you're close pop in and see nic she's very helpful.

I get it. Very delicate job by the sounds of it.
I'm actually Brighton bound but I know a very trustworthy shop.
Thanks Dangeek, that's certainly put me at ease a bit.

As promised here's a photo of my King of Mercia frame. Now I just need to find some time to build it.

That is really lovely. Ever been tempted to fill in the word Mercian on the seatstay topeyes with white paint?

I was just thinking that when I took the photo. I'll see what I think once it's built up, maybe I'll add it later.

Don't do it after a big lunch though, like Bob Jackson and co. used to.

That is super tidy.
Such a beautiful job.

I've just finished this build. If it's nice weather tomorrow I'll take it for a test ride and post a photo.