Agonizing over whether to bid higher on a Mercian...
 

This is one of those that drew me in. I put in a decently high bid but now losing. This is a Mercian with a stuck seatpost, a dent on the top tube (likely bar crash dent), but is so cooooollllll. It is the non-Raleigh British addition I would love to add.

Right now at $135.00 + shipping. Tough to resist.


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...40ade0b04f.jpg

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the provision for topmount shifter puts it right at the 1982-83 time - if original

if you wish to become a Mercian owner have you considered to wait for a King or a Vincitore?


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One word: auctionsniper.com

Perhaps. I have kept all frame purchases in my stable below $300...sort of an informal goal. There have definitely been some beauties.

This one just called to me (probably because of its imperfections and challenges)...

Intersting. I should have pre-loaded the price a few days ago. Oops.

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:thumb:

certainly at a price in that vicinity one could not go wrong ;)

a third model you might wish to keep an eye out for is the seldom seen Barrachi Road (lugless, or "welded" in Brit terminology)


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Just do it. ;)

What nlerner said. You need to use sniping software to win an ebay auction. I use esnipe. It's almost pointless bidding manually.

I've been watching that item, too (but just as a curiosity, not to compete). I've been babying the Mercian frame I acquired a few years ago, and I'm finally *this close* to getting it on the road this spring. I would follow the advice above -- set your max price a little above your comfort zone and see how it goes with a sniper bot. Take a look at sold auctions and reassure yourself that if you don't like it, you could always sell it for X amount. It's a very cool frame that would look good in its current state with shiny components.

Spend a bit of time reviewing "Sold" auctions, determine how important it is to you to get this particular one, and set your snipe price at the highest price you're willing to pay for it, with a 3 second delay. Then walk away. Don't watch the auction end, just wait for notification if you won, or were outbid.

If you get a notification before the end of the auction that you've already been overbid, just think, "Suckers!" and move on.

That is a tough one because of the stuck seatpost and dented tube it is hard to put a value on.
If you can't live with the dent or it compromises the frame and had to replace the tube that could get expensive and require a re-paint.
It looks like it could use new paint anyway.
If it was not for the dent it would sell for a much higher price.
That is a Strada Speciale model which is probably my favorite Mercian. I am actually thinking of ordering a new one from Mercian.
A new frame like this is in the range of $1500 so you can use that as a reference.
I bought this King of Mercia frame a few months ago and built it up. I really like it but the geometry is not ideal for me.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...aa7271dccc.jpg

I don't mind a little ding, but that looks like a pretty sizable dent. Seat tube decal looks a little nasty.

Did you see this one?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/23429162074...sAAOSwcCxhlSBc

No dents but a lot paint scraped off in places.
Be aware that geometry on Mercian's can be all over the place, many are custom sized.
Mine has a really long chain stays and wheelbase.

Dented tube and missing pump peg? Not something I would spend my money on, but that is just me. That said, if your goal is to build something that lacks theft appeal, go for it but don't install high grade components. Those can act as theft appeal items.

Ooh, maybe this can be a Show Me Your Mercian thread:

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...96bf9cb4e.jpeg

You trying to push me over the edge...???

Nice one!

There already is one of those, but, you know, twist my arm…


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...dd5accd89.jpeg

On line auction strategy is so different than in person. Bidding early just alerts others to your interest. And knowing of your interest will cause some to bid higher. I know, it shouldn’t affect people but it does.

you want your interest to be a SECRET to all of your competitors (other bidders).

I checked it out and other than the top tube , it looks like it will clean up nicely. I have no idea of value on these but they have a following and I know enough to say if you like it and it is your size , go for it. I paid 150 for a 1978 Raleigh Pro that needs a paint job , frame fork BB and headset. I am building it up now and not keeping track of $$ because I really want one of these. I do know I will be ok even if I decide to have Jack at Franklin repaint it. Mine has no dents but I’m not sure if that would’ve stopped me. It was on the local Craigslist and only 25 miles away , so happy when I loaded it in my trunk!

We're wondering why we have to give you any push at all. :roflmao2:

Raleigh Pro

Schwinn Paramount

Motobecane Team Champion/Champion Team

Peugeot PX-10

Bike boom icons all, no way to go wrong with any of these. ;)

Plenty of them to be had by mere mortals then and now. :thumb:

Yes there were others, these were the top of the heap IMO.

I see them on CL pretty frequently without damage. This one doesn't have any decals so would need verifying:

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bop...436452906.html

Here's a shot of minehttps://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...61989abbe6.jpg

Yep. I made the mistake of putting a bit in there yesterday morning as a lark and it alerted someone.

Might put a final bid of something I can live with and let it go to kismet...

As charming as that orphan is, I'd have to struggle a lot if it is not my size.

They used to have off-the-peg geometries, as well.