CRs:
I bought a Mercian 'Strada Speciale' frameset directly from Mercian (mail order purchase to the Pontefract St. works) in 2001. Bill Betton took my order and Derek built the frameset.
It's a nice, tight riding bike, and I thoroughly enjoy it for rides of less than 60 miles or so. For longer rides, I definitely prefer the "boulevard plushness" of my Richard Sachs.
Andrew Gillis (starting the annual overhaul of my Richard Sachs, in Long Beach, CA)