Vincitore! Vincitore! Cena di Pollo!
Just when I think I've got the N+1 thing under control, I'm innocently browsing the Craigslist bike parts section and I come across a couple of vintage frames in my size, both with classic champagne paint. A few texts and emails later, I brought them both home.
I'll start with the one that gave me the title for this thread -- a 1971 Mercian Vincitore. I had never given Mercian bikes much thought before. I see them on here now and then and they're always beautiful, but I could say that about an endless list of bike brands. Mercian wasn't on my short list. But I have a particular weakness for either chrome lugs or particularly ornate lugs, and this one had lugs that were both chrome and ornate. I had to have it. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6a58ed70_h.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...fa141f95_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...a58c9235_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...ca269520_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...671df106_b.jpg The paint is rough, but that's actually a characteristic I like in old frames. It means I can send it off to [MENTION=381793]gugie[/MENTION] for some Gugificazione without worrying about the finish. I'm not sure how far I'll go with this one, but it needs at least water bottle bosses. As for paint, I'm thinking British racing green with a white head tube and seat panel. But wait, there's more! I mentioned two frames, right? Well, brace yourself for this next one... https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...e4af8bfd_b.jpg That's right, a Huffy Aerowind. The seller wasn't going to be home when I could come by, so he left it on the porch along with a jar for me to put my money in. Even within Portland city limits, this bike wasn't taken after being left out on the porch like that, can you believe it? I guess no one who wandered by was aware of its value... https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2f6349dd_b.jpg Well, this one doesn't have the original parts, so it comes up a couple a few 9's short of that value, but at least one person obviously thinks highly of these. Plus it has a brazed-on kickstand plate! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...cd221b8a_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...2f2f5d3f_b.jpg |
Originally Posted by Andy_K
(Post 22715950)
Just when I think I've got the N+1 thing under control, I'm innocently browsing the Craigslist bike parts section and I come across a couple of vintage frames in my size, both with classic champagne paint. A few texts and emails later, I brought them both home.
I'll start with the one that gave me the title for this thread -- a 1971 Mercian Vincitore. I had never given Mercian bikes much thought before. I see them on here now and then and they're always beautiful, but I could say that about an endless list of bike brands. Mercian wasn't on my short list. But I have a particular weakness for either chrome lugs or particularly ornate lugs, and this one had lugs that were both chrome and ornate. I had to have it. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...6a58ed70_h.jpg The paint is rough, but that's actually a characteristic I like in old frames. It means I can send it off to [MENTION=381793]gugie[/MENTION] for some Gugificazione without worrying about the finish. I'm not sure how far I'll go with this one, but it needs at least water bottle bosses. As for paint, I'm thinking British racing green with a white head tube and seat panel. H**Y CRAP those lugs are awesome. :thumb: Great call on the BRG paint, no brainer IMO. ;) |
I don’t think anybody could have n+1 under control when looking at a Mercian like that, it’s gorgeous! Not even seeing that seeing that Huffy next to it ruins it for me.
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Originally Posted by Andy_K
(Post 22715950)
innocently browsing the Craigslist
|
Originally Posted by Pcampeau
(Post 22715958)
I don’t think anybody could have n+1 under control when looking at a Mercian like that, it’s gorgeous! Not even seeing that seeing that Huffy next to it ruins it for me.
|
There are SO many things about that Huffy Aerowind that truly had me LOL! 😂
Can’t wait to see that one decked out in your usual Campy 10x3, maybe on an inverted Soma Hwy One bar. It really needs an aero seatpost. Do they come that small? Then add a mattress saddle to “match” the kickstand and its plate, not to mention that oh-so-artful rear brake “bridge” with its integral fender mount. Don’t forget those hooked washers on your front axle for safe retention. (But that Mercian truly does have lovely lugs. It will be a beautiful bike when you’re done.) |
Originally Posted by Dfrost
(Post 22715962)
There are SO many things about that Huffy Aerowind that truly had me LOL! 😂
Can’t wait to see that one decked out in your usual Campy 10x3, maybe on an inverted Soma Hwy One bar. It really needs an aero seatpost. Do they come that small? Seriously, this thing weighs over 12 pounds as pictured. I don't know how they got there. I had my wife hold each of these. She asked if one had hollow tubes and the other was solid. |
That Mercian rocks. So glad you got it!
|
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here is a Rebour rendering done for Andy Bertin illustrating the Vincitore's BOCAMA semi-sloper - https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...163c606a7d.jpg ----- |
I’ve seen that Huffy kicking around CL for awhile so it’s great it found a loving home.
The Mercian would be hard to say no to. Fancy chrome lugs make my bits tingle too. I’m sure it’s gonna look fabulous when it’s done! |
“ Just when I think I've got the N+1 thing under control, I'm innocently browsing the Craigslist bike parts section and I “
isn’t that sort of like a recovering alcoholic dropping by to chat with his favorite bartender? The Mercian is fabulous, love those lugs |
You are one lucky C&Ver, Andy. I would ride that Huffy proudly.
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Would love to GCN put that Aerowind up against the latest aero super bike in a side by side comparison. I'm guessing the results would be surprising...
Nice score Andy. |
So, 3x10 Campagnolo for that sweet Huffy?
You know, an Aerowind jersey would be absurdly cool. Make sure you acquire an aero helmet to take full advantage of that frame's air slicing capabilities. |
It's like if Napoleon Dynamite and Breaking Away had a bike baby.
|
Mercian
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...78a198cfd.jpeg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...92401b73e.jpeg Nice find. Yes your Mercian would look good in BRG, like my Waterford. Not exactly BRG, but close. Or blue and white with red striping like my 1974 Mercian Pro Road frame. Union Jack colors. Bill |
Originally Posted by juvela
(Post 22715992)
-----
here is a Rebour rendering done for Andy Bertin illustrating the Vincitore's BOCAMA semi-sloper - https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...163c606a7d.jpg ----- |
Originally Posted by BFisher
(Post 22716146)
So, 3x10 Campagnolo for that sweet Huffy?
You know, an Aerowind jersey would be absurdly cool. Make sure you acquire an aero helmet to take full advantage of that frame's air slicing capabilities. |
Originally Posted by jethin
(Post 22716101)
You are one lucky C&Ver, Andy. I would ride that Huffy proudly.
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Originally Posted by Bianchigirll
(Post 22716027)
“ Just when I think I've got the N+1 thing under control, I'm innocently browsing the Craigslist bike parts section and I “
isn’t that sort of like a recovering alcoholic dropping by to chat with his favorite bartender? |
That's BBC though, so it isn't based in reality. https://budgetbicyclectr.com/vintage...-sale.html?p=3 |
Originally Posted by dedhed
(Post 22716468)
That's BBC though, so it isn't based in reality.
https://budgetbicyclectr.com/vintage...-sale.html?p=3 |
Originally Posted by Andy_K
(Post 22716453)
Yeah, it is a bit like that. I was there looking for wheels for a different frame. Ultimately this could end up being a net gain because I'm going to need to sell a few bikes to finance the paint for the Mercian.
Personally, I like your work. You could probably do a fine job. |
Originally Posted by jdawginsc
(Post 22716493)
Getting this one professionally done?
Personally, I like your work. You could probably do a fine job. |
There's a sign right above the entrance to the Atelier:
"Bring the Mercian, leave the Huffy" There wasn't earlier till I saw this post. |
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