> with the exception of my specification error, it would pass for a
> '60's or
> '70's bike. The people at Mercian were very accommodating. I have a
> beautiful paint scheme (good), Nervex Lugs (good) lots of chrome
> (good) BUT
> I specified the three(3) cable guides on the top tube(bad). I also
> specified
> longer chain stays which was also good. I should have, however asked
> for
> cable stops to be brazed on the lower portion of the top tube similar
> to the
> older bikes. In my defense, I was not trying to spec a classic bike,
> but
> rather what I thought was a good design.
I did the same thing with my KOM Touring. Not so much for period-correctness, but rather, reduction in cable friction. Open housing would have been a big improvement in that respect.
Were it not for back and other health-related issues, I'd still have my Mercian. The frames are a very good bargain, and the workmanship is quite good. They offer plenty of options to produce a modern-vintage-esque frame/bike. Plenty of color choices that harken back to the 50's/60's/70's/etc.
--mc
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Mark Chandler / JustRidingAlong@yahoo.com
Superior, Colorado