Mini velo mercier, Good Value?
03-06-17, 09:20 PM
#26
Senior Member
Out of curiosity...
How much would you folks throw at a steel minivelo frame like this?
03-07-17, 12:03 AM
#27
Full Member
I would pay good money for a titanium frame with a nice cabon or titanium fork but the frame would have to be for disc brakes with the modern style of the rear triangle similar to BF.
03-07-17, 12:15 AM
#28
Senior Member
03-07-17, 12:28 AM
#30
Senior Member
03-07-17, 01:13 AM
#31
Full Member
03-07-17, 01:53 AM
#32
Senior Member
03-07-17, 02:55 AM
#34
Senior Member
03-07-17, 09:00 AM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 449
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Well, I wouldn't worry about suggesting it... everyone seems to like the bike, for the money, which is why I went for it myself. Trouble is, when its such a small operation if anything goes wrong (financial, delivery, etc) it ends up causing a big problem down the line. Doesn't help that we seem to be dealing with someone without a lot of business experience.
If I learned anything, its that preorders from anywhere that is not well known are not for me, and even then... a preorder implies something, right?
My only issue now is what to get instead?
Like I said, I like the Hooligan, but I also previously owned a Swobo Folsom which I loved EXCEPT for the aluminum frame. Really was wanting something steel framed.
I work in an old Vitorian building with a crazy steep and narrow staircase with a 90 degree twist to get up to my office, so the mini velo was the solution to make that easier. (Not into many, if any, of the folder designs out there... simply an aesthetic choice, personally).
So, sorry for the thread jack overall, but to get back on track... I guess I might be looking into the Mercier again myself, and just plan to hit up the thread with all the upgrade suggestions. Or just find s decent frame and start from there.
If I could find an Origin8 Bully that would probably be perfect.
I'm waiting to see how requesting my refund goes first, though, to be certain a bike doesn't just show up on my door miraculously.
This shouldn't be this hard, lol.
If I learned anything, its that preorders from anywhere that is not well known are not for me, and even then... a preorder implies something, right?
My only issue now is what to get instead?
Like I said, I like the Hooligan, but I also previously owned a Swobo Folsom which I loved EXCEPT for the aluminum frame. Really was wanting something steel framed.
I work in an old Vitorian building with a crazy steep and narrow staircase with a 90 degree twist to get up to my office, so the mini velo was the solution to make that easier. (Not into many, if any, of the folder designs out there... simply an aesthetic choice, personally).
So, sorry for the thread jack overall, but to get back on track... I guess I might be looking into the Mercier again myself, and just plan to hit up the thread with all the upgrade suggestions. Or just find s decent frame and start from there.
If I could find an Origin8 Bully that would probably be perfect.
I'm waiting to see how requesting my refund goes first, though, to be certain a bike doesn't just show up on my door miraculously.
This shouldn't be this hard, lol.
03-07-17, 10:20 AM
#36
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 10
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yeah, I'm still reeling that I went to do some research on where they get their bikes and found them for sale on Alibaba in literally 60 seconds. Its pretty clear that all of these companies are sourcing from the same (relative) place.
Which is fine, but ultimately means that those of us looking for a mini velo are probably better of finding a frame and going from there. Again... kicking myself. lol.
I just found Rabasa btw... wow those are pretty bikes.
03-07-17, 12:03 PM
#37
Full Member
03-08-17, 10:53 AM
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 449
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
LOL!
Yeah, I'm still reeling that I went to do some research on where they get their bikes and found them for sale on Alibaba in literally 60 seconds. Its pretty clear that all of these companies are sourcing from the same (relative) place.
Which is fine, but ultimately means that those of us looking for a mini velo are probably better of finding a frame and going from there. Again... kicking myself. lol.
I just found Rabasa btw... wow those are pretty bikes.
Yeah, I'm still reeling that I went to do some research on where they get their bikes and found them for sale on Alibaba in literally 60 seconds. Its pretty clear that all of these companies are sourcing from the same (relative) place.
Which is fine, but ultimately means that those of us looking for a mini velo are probably better of finding a frame and going from there. Again... kicking myself. lol.
I just found Rabasa btw... wow those are pretty bikes.
03-08-17, 01:57 PM
#40
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,325
Bikes: 9+,...
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1114 Post(s)
Liked 849 Times
in
593 Posts
LOL!
Yeah, I'm still reeling that I went to do some research on where they get their bikes and found them for sale on Alibaba in literally 60 seconds. Its pretty clear that all of these companies are sourcing from the same (relative) place.
Which is fine, but ultimately means that those of us looking for a mini velo are probably better of finding a frame and going from there. Again... kicking myself. lol.
I just found Rabasa btw... wow those are pretty bikes.
Yeah, I'm still reeling that I went to do some research on where they get their bikes and found them for sale on Alibaba in literally 60 seconds. Its pretty clear that all of these companies are sourcing from the same (relative) place.
Which is fine, but ultimately means that those of us looking for a mini velo are probably better of finding a frame and going from there. Again... kicking myself. lol.
I just found Rabasa btw... wow those are pretty bikes.
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
03-08-17, 02:52 PM
#41
Senior Member
I'd be sorely tempted to get a frameset like that if it was in the $600-800 range, but outside of that, not so much. Not a fan of the through-holes in the top tube, the proprietary seat-mast arrangement, and one obligatory fillet braze on an otherwise TIG-welded bike.
03-08-17, 03:54 PM
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Albany, WA
Posts: 7,393
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 321 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
I also questioned the one fillet braze. I like the holes. Good but hard to do paint job. Is it stainless?
You could possibly convert the seat tube to receiving an internal seatpost with a clamp.
You could possibly convert the seat tube to receiving an internal seatpost with a clamp.
03-08-17, 04:07 PM
#43
Senior Member
03-08-17, 07:53 PM
#45
Senior Member
03-08-17, 09:03 PM
#46
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 10
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
03-08-17, 11:13 PM
#47
Senior Member
The only thing that gives me pause is the integrated seat tube/seatpost. Once I cut it to size, there's no going back to a taller length for a future 2nd hand owner. I may yet decide to not keep it, and sell it.
Last edited by Abu Mahendra; 03-08-17 at 11:21 PM.
03-08-17, 11:50 PM
#48
Full Member
You can also look at Louis Garneau Japanese menivelos. The version I personally like (on the picture below) costs $750 but there are other different versions of the bike with and with out disc brakes, front and rear suspensions or none at all, cheaper and more expensive.
Last edited by shrooms; 03-08-17 at 11:54 PM.
03-09-17, 12:02 AM
#49
Full Member
03-09-17, 12:57 AM
#50
Senior Member