my mercian build thread

G rock

hi all,

having recently started a thread about the merits of a steel build, i have taken the plunge and put a deposit on a mercian frame (and yes, it is too late to say that bob jackson/hewitt/spa/ anyone else is better and cheaper, so please don't torture me!)

Holyboy has kindly agreed to put everything together for me and keep a watchful eye on component selection etc. (much appreciated!!) The plan is that he's gonna build the wheels too!

So far i've just sent off measurements, what i'm gonna use it for etc, and am waiting to hear back from them with a drawing of the proposed frame.

Still not decided on the exact model (between king of mercia, strada, vincitore at the minute), but thinking about 853 tubing, vertical dropouts, 25c tyres, mudguard mounts, and hopefully campag group.

will post updates as i have them, Feel free to follow along, and any comments welcome!

G

Bluefoam

Nice choice & best of luck with it.

Make sure your get the barber pole paint job!

ednwireland

used to live in derby and frequent mercian cycles, always loved teh look of the bikes hanging up in the shop
good choice

Lumen

Haha, nouveau retro bike porn! It's been a while.

Athena alloy is nice.

happytramp

Awesome! You've made a good choice. Personally, I'd edge towards the 'King of Mercia' but they're all good options. I'm assuming your going to go for threaded headset on a frame like this? What are you thinking about colour wise? Some chrome maybe? What about braze on's? So many decisions to make!!!

Miklos

Colour me jealous. I've my own steel build going on but it's moving quite slowly at the moment!

G rock

happytramp wrote: »

Awesome! You've made a good choice. Personally, I'd edge towards the 'King of Mercia' but they're all good options. I'm assuming your going to go for threaded headset on a frame like this? What are you thinking about colour wise? Some chrome maybe? What about braze on's? So many decisions to make!!!

as far as i can see the only difference between frames are the lugs, although i stand to be corrected on this. so it may come down to price!

yep, threaded headset with a nice quill stem. and credit where credit's due, it was holyboy that enlightened me about this!

i think colour may end up being the hardest thing to choose, just so many options, chrome would be nice alright, but again, will see what budget dictates (although this is gonna take about 5 months, so does that mean i can spend more since it's not all at once???)

@ lumen, that campag is exactly what i'm after, and a man in the know (thanks astramonti!) pointed me in the direction of good deal on it but unfortunately i won't be making a move on anything until the new year (apart from frame)-meant to be getting married in a few weeks, don't think it'd go down too well if a big campag box arrived anytime before then!

so far i've decided on:
racier geometry than what i'm on at min (just an entry Al bike), but TBC by merican
23-25c tyres with clearance for mudguard mounts
2x bottle cage braze ons
standard STI shifters and road group (should prob be putting downtube shifters on it but not quite there yet!)
1" threaded headset and corresponding stem, bars etc.
Holyboy wheels (looking forward to these)

That's about it, although my consiglieri (Holyboy) will hopefully help me out on these decisions too!

Hopefully turns out well, no turning back now

Holyboy

S and S couplings FTW!!!!!!!!!:p

Casati

yep, threaded headset with a nice quill stem. and credit where credit's due, it was holyboy that enlightened me about this!


I built a new steel build training bike, and the one piece that I would upgrade if I could would be the threaded headset for a threadless one- the newer technology is much better- stronger, doesn't get loose and way more stiffer - I put on a Dura Ace headed and a Cinelli XA stem and their is a loads of flex versus even the cheapest thread less stems options. You will find it v difficult to buy quality items too as they are out of production 10 years

Mercian's are really class frames though, so well wear with it

chakattack

Casati wrote: »

yep, threaded headset with a nice quill stem. and credit where credit's due, it was holyboy that enlightened me about this!


I built a new steel build training bike, and the one piece that I would upgrade if I could would be the threaded headset for a threadless one- the newer technology is much better- stronger, doesn't get loose and way more stiffer - I put on a Dura Ace headed and a Cinelli XA stem and their is a loads of flex versus even the cheapest thread less stems options. You will find it v difficult to buy quality items too as they are out of production 10 years

Mercian's are really class frames though, so well wear with it

+1

happytramp

Casati wrote: »

I built a new steel build training bike, and the one piece that I would upgrade if I could would be the threaded headset for a threadless one- the newer technology is much better- stronger, doesn't get loose and way more stiffer -

Since when is a tiny increase in performance more important than massive amounts of sexiness?

G rock

Believe me, I doubt very much that someone as unfit and as talentless as me will notice any flex in a stem!

Have been looking at velo orange, think they have a few that might do the job

feck sake lads

in the words of the great Monty python
you lucky lucky bastard.
steel is still the best and 853 is well you lucky lucky bastard.;)

kumate_champ07

Casati wrote: »

yep, threaded headset with a nice quill stem. and credit where credit's due, it was holyboy that enlightened me about this!


I built a new steel build training bike, and the one piece that I would upgrade if I could would be the threaded headset for a threadless one- the newer technology is much better- stronger, doesn't get loose and way more stiffer - I put on a Dura Ace headed and a Cinelli XA stem and their is a loads of flex versus even the cheapest thread less stems options. You will find it v difficult to buy quality items too as they are out of production 10 years

Mercian's are really class frames though, so well wear with it

threadless just doesnt look right on steel, Ive had 2 quill stems that never flexed , Nitto Jaguar chrome and 3T pro chrome corsa. the 3T was light considering its steel, the nitto was over 400g!

theres a few other stems made from colombus tubing that look nice.

kumate_champ07

Piercemeear

I know it's going to hurt, and that you'd probably rather not think about it, but I'd love a final price tag once all this is done. Just so I know how many organs I have to sell before I start my own steel build.

G rock

where are those stems from kumate? very nice!

still no reply from my friends in derby, although it was only monday when i sent off measurements, so i guess i can expect to wait a bit longer

feck sake lads

try sjs cycles or spa cycles.

Hermy

G rock wrote: »

where are those stems from kumate? very nice!

still no reply from my friends in derby, although it was only monday when i sent off measurements, so i guess i can expect to wait a bit longer

The pic is from www.benscycle.net.

kumate_champ07

G rock wrote: »

where are those stems from kumate? very nice!

still no reply from my friends in derby, although it was only monday when i sent off measurements, so i guess i can expect to wait a bit longer

benscycles, problem is it costs $249

kumate_champ07

this looks much nicer in real life, I have one in 130mm


http://defietsenmaker.nl/index.php?item=cinelli-pinocchio-stem-columbus-tubing&action=article&group_id=10000012&aid=152&lang=EN

heres a nice shimano stem
http://defietsenmaker.nl/index.php?item=shimano-600ax-stem-_-100mm-lenght&action=article&group_id=10000080&aid=985&lang=EN

this seller is very good for 90's nos components
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-3TTT-3T-TTT-Pro-Chrome-Corsa-Stem-110-mm-/390290672956

G rock

kumate_champ07 wrote: »

benscycles, problem is it costs $249

ouch!

Hermy

kumate_champ07 wrote: »

benscycles, problem is it costs $249

Ouch!

granda

this site is fairly good for retro stuff
http://hilarystone.com/

G rock

first word back today re frame geometry.

i told them my current road frame seems a bit of a stretch for me (not comfortable in the drops at all) and mercian seem to think that the top tube is fairly long to avoid toe overlap.

now my pompino has a bit of overlap, and doesn't bother me at all really.

should i be concerned with the possibility of some overlap on new frame?

studiorat

Planet X have a nice range of stems. I got a 3T one from them recently, about 13 sterlings. Looks very nice on my Strada!

manwithaplan

G rock wrote: »

should i be concerned with the possibility of some overlap on new frame?

Don't think so. There's a good bit of overlap on my road bike and it doesn't matter at all. I only notice it if I'm stopped at the lights and try to manoeuvre the bike in some odd way while still clipped in.

Casati

manwithaplan wrote: »

Don't think so. There's a good bit of overlap on my road bike and it doesn't matter at all. I only notice it if I'm stopped at the lights and try to manoeuvre the bike in some odd way while still clipped in.

I would not worry about this, but its crucial this new frame fits you like a glove and so i would be much more concerned over getting the top tube length comfortable for you. Note take your time getting nice bars to match- a more compact bar with a shorter drop will be easier to get into the drops with

LastGasp

G rock wrote: »

still no reply from my friends in derby, although it was only monday when i sent off measurements, so i guess i can expect to wait a bit longer

I was going to order a Mercian Audax frame last year, but when I heard about the 5 MONTH lead time, I changed my mind, and got a made-to-measure Titanium in 5 weeks instead.
Only problem is the Ti one cracked all round the bottom bracket over the last few weeks, and had to go back to the manufacturer for warranty replacement !

G rock

ok so here's a picture they have drawn up for me using measurements (i hope i can post it properly!)

what do you all think??


http://www.flickr.com/photos/59132352@N03/6516057861/

G rock

toying with the idea of a silver frame with something bright on head and seat tubes

although also like the look of the more traditional deep blues.

what to do, what to do...

thoughts?

happytramp

My 2p

Not sure if it's just the bike cad design pic but the top tube seems to have a very sever angle for a Mercian. Look at the gallery on their website, nearly all of their bikes have more traditional geometry. As far as colour goes it's totally personal but my 'holy grail/dream bike' will be something like cinelli supercorsa 'Azzurro lazer' although now that I look at them again all the supercorsa colours are amazing.

http://http://www.cinelli.it/scripts/prodotti.php?Id=1&lang=EN&IdBici=558&Colore=23&ViewMode=2

G rock

i hope it's the drawing.

have had a bit of correspondence with mercian and it's pretty much their standard "sportive" geometry.

i wanted something that wasn't completely upright, something fairly fast and light, and that's what they came back with!

hopefully won't be disappointed, i'm taking my lead from them!

smush76

Hi G rock, I've been following this thread with interest and although I personally wouldn't have gone with a Mercian congratulations on going the custom route you won't be disappointed. Don't proceed with the build until you are completely satisfied with all aspects of the design and finish after all this is the reason for taking this option, in terms of finish have a look at the NAHBS site for some inspiration, Im particularly fond of these two, the second is maybe a bit flashy but imo its beautiful
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bishopbikes/6304329292/in/set-72157627985356353
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bishopbikes/5619523914/in/set-72157626003835942/lightbox/
oh and this....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bishopbikes/archives/date-taken/2011/08/10/

G rock

ok so after a fairly eventful few weeks, my mind is being drawn back to this project (ok, ok, so it was never too far from my mind!)

just being lazy now, but does anyone know where i'd get the best price for campag athena?

i think shinybikes was the best i could find at around 570stg, but hoping there might be something a bit cheaper around

AstraMonti

Are you after the carbon or the silver one? The silver is 659e with shipping from jedi-sports.

G rock

the silver.

nice one, i knew someone else would have better google fu than me!

thanks

Mycroft H

Someday I will have a King of Mercia. Someday.

Actually my girlfriends dad who doesn't cycle anymore has one exactly like this. Trying to convince him that it would be better I having it then rusting in the shed.

studiorat

BX 19 wrote: »

Someday I will have a King of Mercia. Someday.

Actually my girlfriends dad who doesn't cycle anymore has one exactly like this. Trying to convince him that it would be better I having it then rusting in the shed.

Take the mans daughter and then come back for his Mercian? You sir are a rake and a scoundrel.

G rock

ok so i need 39/49 drop on brakes, but when getting campag group do i get the d skeleton or dual pivot?

is there a difference in drop between the two? as in are the dual pivot the long reach and the d skeleton the short??

can't see it mentioned anywhere!

thanks to the campy heads who can help me out!

smush76

39/49 or 40/50 is I think the standard drop for any of their brakes, personally I would go with the dual pivot (front and rear) option as opposed to the differential set up (single pivot on the rear, dual up front), looks a little better IMO and probably, although not noticeably to any great extent, more powerful. I may have missed this in the thread but what wheels are you going for (please say hand built!!) and what color scheme did you settle on?

happytramp

Skeleton mightn't look as nice on a steel frame.

G rock

smush76 wrote: »

39/49 or 40/50 is I think the standard drop for any of their brakes, personally I would go with the dual pivot (front and rear) option as opposed to the differential set up (single pivot on the rear, dual up front), looks a little better IMO and probably, although not noticeably to any great extent, more powerful. I may have missed this in the thread but what wheels are you going for (please say hand built!!) and what color scheme did you settle on?

Will prob get dual pivots as I ain't think I could be bothered with a cone spanner to adjust the skeleton brake. The dual pivots you can centre by hand (i think)

Yep, hand built wheels by holyboy, thinking record hubs and open pro rims. Pity the record hubs don't come in silver anymore! So I'll have unmatching rims and hubs, I'm sure that's prob frowned upon!

smush76

NOS campag 9 or 10 speed hubs would do the trick, they are compatible with an 11 speed set up and would be available in silver, some prudent searching should throw up a pair although some examples are going for crazy money on ebay right now, is it possible that a shop somewhere in Ireland or the UK might still have some lying around? There are other options, ambrosio zeniths for eg and several others depending on your price point, Royce, Hope, CK's, phil woods etc if you want that polished look. So what about the color or are you waiting for a big unveil?

G rock

smush76 wrote: »

NOS campag 9 or 10 speed hubs would do the trick, they are compatible with an 11 speed set up and would be available in silver, some prudent searching should throw up a pair although some examples are going for crazy money on ebay right now, is it possible that a shop somewhere in Ireland or the UK might still have some lying around? There are other options, ambrosio zeniths for eg and several others depending on your price point, Royce, Hope, CK's, phil woods etc if you want that polished look. So what about the color or are you waiting for a big unveil?

Reckon those hubs would be fairly pricey!

Yeah have seen some comments mentioning that nos silver hubs are going for big money.

Black ones on bike 24 are an ok price (i think)

Not unlike your own build, I've chosen a predominantly white frame. Completely impractical I know, but I like white bikes! will also have some blue, well let's call it "detailing"!

Not a retro paint job at all, but wasn't going for a full retro bike build anyway, just one with a nod to classic styling I suppose

smush76

Sounds lovely G rock, really looking forward to seeing some pics of the frame. White is a great color for a frame and with blue accents and shiny group I think its gonna be a real head turner, did you go for 853 in the end? As far as the wheels go, record hubs are top notch its a shame that Mavic don't offer the open pro with the ceramic coating anymore or indeed the new exatlith finish used on the Kysirum SLR's just for consistency on that element of the build, silver machined sidewalls on black rims just don't look right imo, saying that blue anodised hubs (hope/CK/Tune) and silver rims would be a nice nod to late 80's-90's retro and a quality set of hoop's too although I realise that option might be a tad too much for some.

G rock

ah you've just made matters more difficult for me!

sometimes not knowing about the myriad options available makes it easier to settle on one choice!

looking forward to seeing it myself, although it's gonna be another few months. getting the components now though so that everything's ready to go by the time the frame is ready.

i really hope it's up and running by the end of april or so. doubtful though.

how's yours going?

oh yeah, did go for 853 in the end

gman2k

Found a decent price(£69) here for Ambosio Zenith - 36h in silver would make a lovely start for a wheel set!

G rock

gman2k wrote: »

Found a decent price(£69) here for Ambosio Zenith - 36h in silver would make a lovely start for a wheel set!

Ooh those look nice!

Holyboy

+1

G rock

Holyboy wrote: »

+1

So what you reckon, those or the records??