The Mercian appreciation society

I guess I could either junk it or get it fixed. doesn't make too much sense to junk it so I will have Winston replace the stays and Mario do the respray. It will be lovely when done but FML.

So this is back, no longer orange. Mario Vaz did the paint.

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That's a stunner

I wish I could have plumped for a multi-colour paint and chrome ends etc but I simply couldn't justify it. Happy with how it came out though

Less is more!

not when it comes to Mercian paints

What about a bit of lug lining? Maybe In white?

Mario offered to do lug lining for a little more cash but this is already way over budget, and the lugs are so ornate I didn't feel they really needed anything to set them out. I have pretty much everything I need to put this together but still trying to make a few last decisions or two.

ghetto lug lining

Normally I'd say line those lugs up but that looks really great, subtle and balanced.

Just found this, 35% off for today only!

http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/latest-news/126/sale-time

Had a lovely 50 miler on the mercian today.....it was a bit blowy, but a beautiful day! I haven't ridden it for a while, and forgot what a lovely ride it is /0)

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I need some Campag 10 speed mechs for a triple front.
Ideally a matching pair but that's not easy to find second hand.
Something like the Daytona or Racing T would sweet.

If you see any anywhere please do let me know.

Many thanks.

p.s. These are for my Mercian build. Hence posting here. I'm hoping a little community love will get results.

Mafac Racer!

Spent a bit of time on my KOM this weekend getting it ready for the Audax season. Put on a compact Shimano chainset, Campag Record headset added a M12 rack and put some cheap but decent looking rose bikes cages on.

Slightly painful as I had to drill the fork hole larger to fit the rack and found the old headset was seized , cue much swearing and I got it off, fortunately I had the Campag one in the spares box as I had decided not to bother changing it until I got it repainted at some point.

Bit of a mixed bag, mostly Chorus 8 speed with a Miche 13-28 cassette, and now 50/34 Shimano chainset. Eventually intend to respray and update with 10 speed but does the job for now.

Easily my favourite bike I have ever owned, and is the one that sees all the miles.

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Classic and contemporary go together well....
:0)

@pharoahsanders How is the refurb going? Any pictures?

@PQR it's a bit stalled at the moment. I have everything I need to build it I think, but there are two issues, one easily resolved the other not so much. Firstly, because it's an old frame it takes a nutted front brake. The ones I have in the parts bin are all recessed. Simple enough, so I got out the drill and but the bit jammed again and again (tried lube, etc.). Been planning to take it to an LBS to get sorted but just been busy at the weekends. More importantly, once it's built I don't really have anywhere to store it. The frame is now under a bed, bits in boxes, etc. But once complete there isn't an obvious place in the house to keep it (I store my bikes indoors). So I kinda need to sort that out :(

Have you looked into storage at HHV? I've a bike there

Planning to ride this around town/on the road not at the track so that wouldn't do me much good. I have a plan, hope to get it in place soon.

keep it at my house, no problem ; )

Maybe I should just sell the Mather to make room ....

Noooooooo!
Keep Mather at HH?

Or seek counselling for your terrible bike addiction... although counselling is quite expensive and it'll be more fun to spend that money on bikes instead.

Was just kidding, that's unlikely to happen anytime soon. I can probably clean some crap out of a back hallway to make room for storage of the kids' bikes. I might be able to get it sorted and this built this weekend. #hopespringseternal

Fuuuuuuuuu. So was all ready to get the track frame built this weekend, only to find that the rear spacing is 110mm. I put a 120mm wheel in it when I first got the frame, there was a little coaxing involved but not much. But since the chainstays were replaced, they are stronger than the originals and I could probably force a 120mm in there but fixing a puncture/changing gear etc. would be far too much hassle. I know I could bend the seatstays but would rather not. Anyone have any spare 110/100 track wheelsets about? Hilary Stone has some lovely Airlite hubs that would build into something perfect for this, but this was supposed to be a budget build. Campyoldy has some red anodised ones that are even better but a bit eye watering at £170 . They would be amazing however with the light blue frame. Beans on toast for a month then splurge on the red ones? These

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