Mercian

[merckx]

What is the scoop on these frames? Are they a quality built machine? I'm thinking about a KOM with mudguards. I mostly want to know if they are built straight. Danke.

[Idris Icabod]

I got a KOM last year, had it built to the same geometry as a Moots. It is a first rate frame, rides as good as my Moots SL. I've posted pictures before here. Everything about the buying/ordering process was great. Build time was exactly as quoted and questions answered quickly by Grant and Jane. I guess they've been in business since the 1940's so they must be doing something right! Paint is incredible, I went all out and got the barber pole.

[axel23]

I used to ride a King of Mercia (KoM) in the 80s. Silver paint, beautiful lugs. Smooth riding, mostly due to the relatively long wheelbase. Mine was Reynolds 531, so a bit on the heavy side. If you have a chance to try one first, that might be a good idea.

[merckx]

I got a KOM last year, had it built to the same geometry as a Moots. It is a first rate frame, rides as good as my Moots SL. I've posted pictures before here. Everything about the buying/ordering process was great. Build time was exactly as quoted and questions answered quickly by Grant and Jane. I guess they've been in business since the 1940's so they must be doing something right! Paint is incredible, I went all out and got the barber pole.

Couldn't find you KOM in the gallery. Did you post it in the custom gallery?

[Idris Icabod]

Couldn't find you KOM in the gallery. Did you post it in the custom gallery?

It's here

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?p=1445159#post1445159

[merckx]

It's here

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?p=1445159#post1445159

Yes, now I recall seeing it. Proper machine it is.

[bikingshearer]

Mercian has been around for a long time and has a good reputation. Well built? No doubt about it. Built straight? I'm sure they are. Getting one set up top take mudguards? Hey, they're Brits. Nobody does "bikes for riding in dreary, rainy weather" better than Brits. After all, they get so much of it . . . .

[witcombusa]

Mercian has been around for a long time and has a good reputation. Well built? No doubt about it. Built straight? I'm sure they are. Getting one set up top take mudguards? Hey, they're Brits. Nobody does "bikes for riding in dreary, rainy weather" better than Brits. After all, they get so much of it . . . .

You would think so, but maybe not. I would talk to them about this when having a build conversation. I would prefer a stud on the brake bridge. I found their tapped bridge way to fragile.(not enough material there)

Really my only complaint regarding my custom Audax.

[mccx]

[/B]

You would think so, but maybe not. I would talk to them about this when having a build conversation. I would prefer a stud on the brake bridge. I found their tapped bridge way to fragile.(not enough material there)

Really my only complaint regarding my custom Audax.

Nice.

What size tires are you running there?

[witcombusa]

Nice.

What size tires are you running there?


She is wearing 700 x 28 Ruffy Tuffys'

[Idris Icabod]

I guess I'll add a one year brief review. Still great but the most notable item for comment is the paint. I've ridden the bike pretty hard and have had a number of rocks fly up and clank off the frame, but I've only found one very tiny chip in the paint, so very happy with the durability of the enamel, way better than my Colnago C59. The only criticism I have of the entire Mercian experience was I thought the frame was supposed to be prepped (mostly threads chased) before shipping and that wasn't done, so all in all a very minor gripe.

[rodcad]

I had a custom KOM built around 9 years ago. The tips of the lugs weren't in alignment with each other and lugs were overall very sloppy (I had a 1" headtube extension put on so lugs needed to be modified). Yes, I'm pretty picky.

I returned it and had the other builder (Derek Land) build me a Vincitore. It came out great and I ordered another one a few years later. It is/was wonderful also. Paint is very durable.

Mercian is GREAT to work with.