Agonizing over whether to bid higher on a Mercian...
01-28-22, 04:27 PM
#1
Edumacator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 4,024
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1272 Post(s)
Liked 1,143 Times
in
804 Posts
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.
Right now at $135.00 + shipping. Tough to resist.
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1980s Vanni Losa Cassani thingy, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981? Faggin, Cannondale M500, etc...Need to do an N -1...
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1980s Vanni Losa Cassani thingy, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981? Faggin, Cannondale M500, etc...Need to do an N -1...
01-28-22, 04:32 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Alta California
Posts: 11,683
Mentioned: 328 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2811 Post(s)
Liked 1,337 Times
in
980 Posts
-----
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?
-----
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?
-----
01-28-22, 04:42 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 15,521
Mentioned: 394 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2875 Post(s)
Liked 3,446 Times
in
1,565 Posts
One word: auctionsniper.com
01-28-22, 04:46 PM
#4
Edumacator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 4,024
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1272 Post(s)
Liked 1,143 Times
in
804 Posts
Originally Posted by juvela
-----
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?
-----
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?
-----
This one just called to me (probably because of its imperfections and challenges)...
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1980s Vanni Losa Cassani thingy, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981? Faggin, Cannondale M500, etc...Need to do an N -1...
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1980s Vanni Losa Cassani thingy, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981? Faggin, Cannondale M500, etc...Need to do an N -1...
01-28-22, 04:49 PM
#5
Edumacator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 4,024
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1272 Post(s)
Liked 1,143 Times
in
804 Posts
Originally Posted by nlerner
One word: auctionsniper.com
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1980s Vanni Losa Cassani thingy, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981? Faggin, Cannondale M500, etc...Need to do an N -1...
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1980s Vanni Losa Cassani thingy, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981? Faggin, Cannondale M500, etc...Need to do an N -1...
01-28-22, 04:57 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Alta California
Posts: 11,683
Mentioned: 328 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2811 Post(s)
Liked 1,337 Times
in
980 Posts
Originally Posted by jdawginsc
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)...
This one just called to me (probably because of its imperfections and challenges)...
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)
-----
01-28-22, 05:12 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 9,811
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 195 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3043 Post(s)
Liked 2,612 Times
in
1,704 Posts
Originally Posted by jdawginsc
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)...
This one just called to me (probably because of its imperfections and challenges)...
01-28-22, 05:13 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Berkeley CA
Posts: 2,217
Bikes: 1981 Ron Cooper, 1974 Cinelli Speciale Corsa, 2000 Gary Fisher Sugar 1, 1986 Miyata 710, 1982 Raleigh "International"
Mentioned: 85 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 759 Post(s)
Liked 661 Times
in
291 Posts
What nlerner said. You need to use sniping software to win an ebay auction. I use esnipe. It's almost pointless bidding manually.
01-28-22, 05:21 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Oakland, CA
Posts: 2,933
Bikes: '82 Univega Competizione, '72 Motobecane Grand Record, '83 Mercian KOM Touring, '85 Univega Alpina Uno, '76 Eisentraut Limited
Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 939 Post(s)
Liked 861 Times
in
540 Posts
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.
01-28-22, 05:35 PM
#10
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 10,012
Bikes: Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace
Mentioned: 34 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5405 Post(s)
Liked 5,660 Times
in
2,886 Posts
Originally Posted by noobinsf
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.
If you get a notification before the end of the auction that you've already been overbid, just think, "Suckers!" and move on.
__________________
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
01-28-22, 05:46 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Encinitas, CA
Posts: 1,219
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 105 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 60 Times
in
30 Posts
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.
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.
Likes For jnbrown:
01-28-22, 05:48 PM
#12
Señor Member
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 5,502
Bikes: Old school lightweights
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2286 Post(s)
Liked 2,916 Times
in
1,589 Posts
I don't mind a little ding, but that looks like a pretty sizable dent. Seat tube decal looks a little nasty.
01-28-22, 05:56 PM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Encinitas, CA
Posts: 1,219
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 105 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 60 Times
in
30 Posts
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.
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.
Likes For jnbrown:
01-28-22, 06:59 PM
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - burrrrr!
Posts: 11,174
Bikes: 1958 Rabeneick 120D, 1968 Legnano Gran Premio, 196? Torpado Professional, 2000 Marinoni Piuma
Mentioned: 199 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1209 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1,199 Times
in
705 Posts
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.
__________________
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
"98% of the bikes I buy are projects".
01-28-22, 07:09 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 15,521
Mentioned: 394 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2875 Post(s)
Liked 3,446 Times
in
1,565 Posts
Ooh, maybe this can be a Show Me Your Mercian thread:
Likes For nlerner:
01-28-22, 08:28 PM
#16
Edumacator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 4,024
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1272 Post(s)
Liked 1,143 Times
in
804 Posts
You trying to push me over the edge...???
Nice one!
Nice one!
Originally Posted by nlerner
Ooh, maybe this can be a Show Me Your Mercian thread:
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1980s Vanni Losa Cassani thingy, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981? Faggin, Cannondale M500, etc...Need to do an N -1...
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1980s Vanni Losa Cassani thingy, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981? Faggin, Cannondale M500, etc...Need to do an N -1...
01-28-22, 08:47 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Oakland, CA
Posts: 2,933
Bikes: '82 Univega Competizione, '72 Motobecane Grand Record, '83 Mercian KOM Touring, '85 Univega Alpina Uno, '76 Eisentraut Limited
Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 939 Post(s)
Liked 861 Times
in
540 Posts
Originally Posted by nlerner
Ooh, maybe this can be a Show Me Your Mercian thread:
Likes For noobinsf:
01-28-22, 09:33 PM
#18
Thrifty Bill
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).
you want your interest to be a SECRET to all of your competitors (other bidders).
__________________
See my vintage steel bike tribute page on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BillsVintageSteelBikes
See my vintage steel bike tribute page on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BillsVintageSteelBikes
01-29-22, 02:54 AM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Ventura County ,California
Posts: 2,154
Bikes: 71 Stella,72 Mondia Special,72 ItalVega Grand Rallye, 73 Windsor Pro,75 Colnago Super,76 Kabuki DF,77 Raleigh Comp.GS,78 Raleigh Pro,80 Moto Gran Sprint,82 Medici Pro Strada
Mentioned: 28 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 500 Post(s)
Liked 1,028 Times
in
610 Posts
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 $$ because I really want one of these. I do know I will be ok even if I decide to have Jack at Franklin repaint it. Mine has no dents but I’m not sure if that would’ve stopped me. It was on the local Craigslist and only 25 miles away , so happy when I loaded it in my trunk!
Likes For Kabuki12:
01-29-22, 04:30 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 9,811
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 195 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3043 Post(s)
Liked 2,612 Times
in
1,704 Posts
Originally Posted by jdawginsc
You trying to push me over the edge...???
Nice one!
Nice one!
01-29-22, 04:37 AM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 9,811
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 195 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3043 Post(s)
Liked 2,612 Times
in
1,704 Posts
Originally Posted by Kabuki12
I checked it out and other than the top tube , it looks like it will clean up nicely. I have no idea of value on these but they have a following and I know enough to say if you like it and it is your size , go for it. I paid 150 for a 1978 Raleigh Pro that needs a paint job , frame fork BB and headset. I am building it up now and not keeping track of $$ 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!
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.
Yes there were others, these were the top of the heap IMO.
01-29-22, 05:50 AM
#22
amateur
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 mine
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bop...436452906.html
Here's a shot of mine
__________________
Previous bikes: 1985 Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, 1988 C'dale ST1000, 1987 C'dale ST400, 1978 Raleigh Super Grand Prix, 1984 Trek 400, 1984 Centurion LeMans 12, 1979 Peugeot Super Sport
Previous bikes: 1985 Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, 1988 C'dale ST1000, 1987 C'dale ST400, 1978 Raleigh Super Grand Prix, 1984 Trek 400, 1984 Centurion LeMans 12, 1979 Peugeot Super Sport
Likes For sixer:
01-29-22, 06:12 AM
#23
Edumacator
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 4,024
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1272 Post(s)
Liked 1,143 Times
in
804 Posts
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...
Might put a final bid of something I can live with and let it go to kismet...
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1980s Vanni Losa Cassani thingy, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981? Faggin, Cannondale M500, etc...Need to do an N -1...
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1980s Vanni Losa Cassani thingy, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981? Faggin, Cannondale M500, etc...Need to do an N -1...
01-29-22, 06:50 AM
#24
Senior Member
Originally Posted by jdawginsc
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)...
This one just called to me (probably because of its imperfections and challenges)...
01-29-22, 06:56 AM
#25
Senior Member
Originally Posted by jnbrown
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.
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.
