I don't think that's quite accurate. By the mid-70's, at the end of Poulidor's long career, the team bikes were full Campy, but Mercier, like most Fench manufacturers, made a top quality, all 531 DB model equipped with top quality French equipment. Don't know the model number of Mercier's top French-equipped model, but it was the equivalent of the Motobecane Le Champion (Team Champion was all Campy), the Gitane Tour de France and the LeJeune F-70. Peugeot, of course, did not make an all-Campy model until the 80's.
The Mercier in the auction is said to be 60's era, and it is at least possible the team bikes at that time could have been equipped that way, with Campy hubs and Cinelli bars, but with Stronglight cranks and MAFAC brakes.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
Nick Zatezalo <nickzz@mindspring.com> wrote: Pink was the classic team color.
Mid - low end Merciers were outfitted with French gear; while the high end bikes all came with Campagnolo and other Italian gear.
Nick Zatezalo Atlanta,Ga
-----Forwarded Message-----
>From: Ken Freeman
>Sent: Jul 24, 2006 6:45 AM
>To: 'Don Wilson' , 'Classic Rendezvous'
>Subject: RE: [CR]Ebay 60s Mercier Team 531
>
>What do you think the original wheels would have been? I fairly clearly
>these in the Chicago market back when, with sew-ups, but I don't recall if
>Mercier went with Italian wheels (Campy/Fiamme et cetera) or French
>(Normandy Luxe, Mavic Montlery a la Peugeot). Seems pretty original,
>otherwise.
>
>Ken Freeman
>Ann Arbor, MI
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org
>[mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Don Wilson
>Sent: Monday, July 24, 2006 3:37 AM
>To: Classic Rendezvous
>Subject: [CR]Ebay 60s Mercier Team 531
>
>Finger in back of throat fuscia paint, but nevertheless a significant big
>brand French bike from the 60s, which as the saying goes, if you remember
>it, you weren't there.
>Don Wilson
>Los Olivos, CA USA
>
>D.C. Wilson dcwilson3@yahoo.com
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