New Frame Day - Mercian
07-21-16, 07:36 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
New Frame Day - Mercian
The new Mercian King of Mercia I've had on order showed up last night. Yay. 
Is it still C&V if it's new?? It's made from Reynolds 725 OS, touring geometry. Black pearl paint. Workmanship is excellent. The plan is to use this for both sport riding and some light touring/camping (weekenders etc). Being that the geometry is nearly exactly like the PX10 I've been riding recently, that should work out well. I'll probably do two sets of wheels. One 36H for touring, and another lighter set for going more faster.
I had to do a quick mock up. Crank is Sugino Mighty Tour. Brakes are Gran Compe 610. BB will be Phil Wood and HS is Chris King. I have a Brooks Swift saddle. I've not made up my mind yet on the rest, except white tape, for now. I'm not trying to go full on retro, but I am trying to be semi tasteful. Suggestions are welcome.
Is it still C&V if it's new?? It's made from Reynolds 725 OS, touring geometry. Black pearl paint. Workmanship is excellent. The plan is to use this for both sport riding and some light touring/camping (weekenders etc). Being that the geometry is nearly exactly like the PX10 I've been riding recently, that should work out well. I'll probably do two sets of wheels. One 36H for touring, and another lighter set for going more faster.
I had to do a quick mock up. Crank is Sugino Mighty Tour. Brakes are Gran Compe 610. BB will be Phil Wood and HS is Chris King. I have a Brooks Swift saddle. I've not made up my mind yet on the rest, except white tape, for now. I'm not trying to go full on retro, but I am trying to be semi tasteful. Suggestions are welcome.
Last edited by Salamandrine; 07-21-16 at 07:40 PM.
07-21-16, 08:49 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Manhattan & Woodstock NY
Posts: 2,766
Bikes: 1987 Mercian Pro, 1985 Shogun 500, early '70s Falcon San Remo, 1972 Peugeot PX-10, 1972 Schwinn Paramount P13-9, 1971 Raleigh International, 1971 Peugeot PX-10, 1970 Raleigh Professional Mk1
Mentioned: 110 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 944 Post(s)
Liked 3,010 Times
in
991 Posts
Welcome to Mercian ownership! I hope you enjoy many miles and years with your new classic. Going on 27 years with mine.
07-21-16, 09:17 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 20,305
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3464 Post(s)
Liked 2,834 Times
in
1,998 Posts
looking forward to seeing it with a set of wheels
07-21-16, 10:53 PM
#4
Senior Member
Love it. Looks like they might be mixing that black pearl paint the same as they did in '84. 
Def a classic look with that paint and the gold decals, fill, and lug lining.
Tasteful beginnings, and a stunning frame.
I'm going a little more flash with my next project, but I tend to think there's a strong possibility that a new frame from Mercian is in the cards somewhere down the line for me. I like the direction you've taken, that's for sure!
Def a classic look with that paint and the gold decals, fill, and lug lining.
Tasteful beginnings, and a stunning frame.
I'm going a little more flash with my next project, but I tend to think there's a strong possibility that a new frame from Mercian is in the cards somewhere down the line for me. I like the direction you've taken, that's for sure!
07-22-16, 12:51 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Port Angeles, WA
Posts: 7,922
Bikes: A green one, "Ragleigh," or something.
Mentioned: 194 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1627 Post(s)
Liked 630 Times
in
356 Posts
Dang, that's a class act. Get that thing built up and out in the SoCal summer evening sunlight where you can take some decent pics.
My size, too. Next time I'm in LA I'm going to come by your place and have you tour-guide me around your favorite riding places, okay? You can let me ride the Masi, this or the PX, I ain't particular
My size, too. Next time I'm in LA I'm going to come by your place and have you tour-guide me around your favorite riding places, okay? You can let me ride the Masi, this or the PX, I ain't particular
__________________
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
07-22-16, 05:14 AM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Schwenksville, Pa
Posts: 2,776
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 277 Post(s)
Liked 342 Times
in
181 Posts
I like the white panel on the seat tube and the lined lugs look great.
What is the plan for shifting and how many speeds?
What is the plan for shifting and how many speeds?
__________________
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
80 Mercian Olympic, 92 DB Overdrive, '07 Rivendell AHH, '16 Clockwork All-Rounder
07-22-16, 05:19 AM
#7
Semper Fi
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,943
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1173 Post(s)
Liked 358 Times
in
241 Posts
Absolutely beautiful, it should be fantastic when it is built to your liking. Don't keep us in the dark as you build this one up, please, lots of reports and pics would be a nice treat.
Bill
Bill
__________________
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
Semper Fi, USMC, 1975-1977
I Can Do All Things Through Him, Who Gives Me Strength. Philippians 4:13
07-22-16, 06:09 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: New York Metro Area
Posts: 3,864
Bikes: '02 Litespeed, '99 Bianchi Alfana. '91 Fuji Saratoga, '84 Peugeot Canyon Express, '82 Moto GR, '81 Fuji America, '81 Fuji Royale; '78 Bridgestone Diamond Touring, '76 Fuji America, plus many more!
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 181 Post(s)
Liked 225 Times
in
128 Posts
Missed out on a King of Mercia touring bike with the correct frame size at an unbelievable price recently. Still crying over it. If the guy who bought it reads this .. you are one lucky b@$&%#%!!! Mercian will even repaint and rebuild their old bikes for you if you can get them to their shop in Derby England.
Last edited by cycleheimer; 07-22-16 at 06:15 AM.
07-22-16, 07:15 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 8,896
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 196 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
Beautiful frame and I like your color and decal choices. That should make a great riding bike. If I ever order a custom frame, Mercian will be on my short list. I bought a Bob Jackson World Tour "off the peg" about six years ago and it's been a great bike, but I get the impression that Mercians are a little nicer quality. How long did it take to get your Mercian after ordering it?
07-22-16, 07:24 AM
#10
~>~
07-22-16, 08:11 AM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 2,701
Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1136 Post(s)
Liked 650 Times
in
336 Posts
What are you thinking for the drivetrain? I remember you mentioned DT shifters a while back (DA 10 speed?).
My Mercian frameset is coming in about a month. Looking forward to how this one builds up
My Mercian frameset is coming in about a month. Looking forward to how this one builds up
07-22-16, 08:42 AM
#12
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,434
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 189 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1223 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
232 Posts
Nice!
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
07-22-16, 02:14 PM
#14
Shifting is fun!
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,044
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 283 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2215 Post(s)
Liked 4,699 Times
in
1,794 Posts
I will venture out and even say: very nice!
07-22-16, 02:16 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Berkeley, CA
Posts: 7,256
Bikes: '72 Cilo Pacer, '72 Gitane Gran Tourisme, '72 Peugeot PX10, '73 Speedwell Ti, '74 Peugeot UE-8, '75 Peugeot PR-10L, '80 Colnago Super, '85 De Rosa Pro, '86 Look Equipe 753, '86 Look KG86, '89 Parkpre Team, '90 Parkpre Team MTB, '90 Merlin
Mentioned: 87 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 838 Post(s)
Liked 2,167 Times
in
560 Posts
Ohhh, classy looking frame! Looking forward to seeing it built, and hope it gives you many happy miles.
07-22-16, 09:09 PM
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for all the kind comments folks. It's nice to share the enjoyment.
I went through all sorts of crazy paint schemes on the way too addictive Mercian frame builder app on their website. I did seriously consider schemes with metallic purple and lime green flamboyant based, but ultimately went for a color a banker would pick... The black pearl isn't really metallic black, but more of a very dark anthracite when the light hits it. I wanted a slightly flashier version of the Hercules 3spd I had when I was 11.
The shifters and derailleurs are not determined yet, but tentatively considering Dura Ace 10sp DT shifters and either Shimano or Microshift derailleurs. I have not ruled out campy Athena or something, as long as they are silver. I'd need to go with friction shift, which I am ok with. Seems to work on the Bianchi L'Eroica.
Tarwheel: build time was about 8 months. They had actually told me 10 months when I placed the order, so I'm caught a bit off guard WRT parts for the build. Not that I'm complaining.
Since I posted last night I noticed a new feature. Heart shaped cutout on the BB shell. Pretty cool. I was expecting a plain shell with a tapped hole for a plastic guide, this is much classier. I guess it's just a off the shelf cast shell, but still I like it.
I went through all sorts of crazy paint schemes on the way too addictive Mercian frame builder app on their website. I did seriously consider schemes with metallic purple and lime green flamboyant based, but ultimately went for a color a banker would pick... The black pearl isn't really metallic black, but more of a very dark anthracite when the light hits it. I wanted a slightly flashier version of the Hercules 3spd I had when I was 11.
The shifters and derailleurs are not determined yet, but tentatively considering Dura Ace 10sp DT shifters and either Shimano or Microshift derailleurs. I have not ruled out campy Athena or something, as long as they are silver. I'd need to go with friction shift, which I am ok with. Seems to work on the Bianchi L'Eroica.
Tarwheel: build time was about 8 months. They had actually told me 10 months when I placed the order, so I'm caught a bit off guard WRT parts for the build. Not that I'm complaining.
Since I posted last night I noticed a new feature. Heart shaped cutout on the BB shell. Pretty cool. I was expecting a plain shell with a tapped hole for a plastic guide, this is much classier. I guess it's just a off the shelf cast shell, but still I like it.
07-22-16, 11:27 PM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 2,701
Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1136 Post(s)
Liked 650 Times
in
336 Posts
Do the 10 speed Dura Ace downtube shifters even have a friction setting for the RD shifter? I thought I had read somewhere that it is index-only.
Edit: Nevermind, must've been thinking of something else...
Edit: Nevermind, must've been thinking of something else...
Last edited by TenGrainBread; 07-23-16 at 12:01 AM.
09-02-16, 02:59 PM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,461
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4251 Post(s)
Liked 2,965 Times
in
1,821 Posts
So nice. I can't wait to see how you eventually get this built up.
09-05-16, 10:44 PM
#19
Full Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: lake Oswego, OR
Posts: 322
Bikes: Colnago Mix, Dean El Diente Ti S&S, Lynskey Cooper CX Disc Ti S&S, Mondonico Futura Legerro, DeRosa Primato, Tommaisini Tecno, Ciöcc Mokva80, Colnago Classic, Brompton M6L, Bob Jackson Audax End-E
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 116 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yea, that is sweeeeeeetness!!! I can't wait to see it built up and on the road.
What part of LA do you live and normally ride Sal? I grew up in SoCal, in Torrance/Redondo area. Also lived in the Conejo Valley where there is some of the best cycling ever.
Man, I can't wait to see the Mercian! Makes me think I should just splurge and get a KoM over the Bob Jackson and Holdsworth.
What part of LA do you live and normally ride Sal? I grew up in SoCal, in Torrance/Redondo area. Also lived in the Conejo Valley where there is some of the best cycling ever.
Man, I can't wait to see the Mercian! Makes me think I should just splurge and get a KoM over the Bob Jackson and Holdsworth.
09-15-16, 09:26 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 2,701
Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1136 Post(s)
Liked 650 Times
in
336 Posts
Any updates on this @Salamandrine ?
09-15-16, 09:32 AM
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Middle Earth (aka IA)
Posts: 20,439
Bikes: A bunch of old bikes and a few new ones
Mentioned: 178 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5892 Post(s)
Liked 3,479 Times
in
2,081 Posts
Very sweet; I'm looking forward to the build threads. This may get me motivated to build up my 1979 Trek 510 which is also a touring/sports touring model.
09-15-16, 10:01 AM
#22
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Any updates on this @Salamandrine ?
It's being built up with (semi) go fast wheels for now. The 36h touring wheels probably won't get built up till the spring.
In case anyone is interested, here's the parts list:
Frame: Mercian King of Mercia, Reynolds 725 OS, touring geometry, custom 58cm top tube, black pearl with white band
Headset: Chris King no-threadset silver - w/silver spacers
Wheels: White Industries A11, Velocity A23 28/32, DT 14/15 spokes
Skewers: Hope red road skewers
Tires: Continental 4000S II (or Fairweather 700x28)
Rimstrips: Stan’s rim tape
Handlebars: Nitto M172-42
Stem: Nitto U21EX 11cm
Seatpost: Nitto S65 27.2 250mm
Seat: Brooks Swift Ti – blk
Handlebar End Plugs: Velox black
Tape: Fizik dk grey, soft superlight
Chainstay Guard: black elkhide
Brake Calipers: Gran Compe 610 center pull
Levers: TRP RL black hoods
Cable Hangers: Problem Solver’s cyclocross & Nitto AS-1
Crank: Sugino Mighty Tour 50/34
BB: Phil Wood JIS 111
Derailleur, Front: Shimano CX 70
Derailleur, Rear: Microshift Arsis
Shifters: Dura Ace 10spd DT
Chain: Shimano 600 Cassette: 11-28, Shimano 600
Pedals: Shimano A600
Bottle cages: Nitto R (x2)
Front rack: Gran Compe ENE
Rear rack: Nitto Campee (convertible)
09-15-16, 09:21 PM
#23
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Promised update pic, worse quality than ever, but there it is. No light and no time to work after work this week. BB and cranks installed. The rest will have to wait till saturday.
09-23-16, 09:59 AM
#25
Junior Member
now im looking forward to Saturday for two reasons
Last edited by stormy_ll; 09-23-16 at 09:59 AM. Reason: english much