Classic & Vintage - Have Mercier on My Soul

...for asking this (and including such a horrible pun - HA!). I find myself looking at a sixth bike. Just the other day it seems I only had one. This vintage bug is quite infectious (anyone else with this problem).

Anyway, on to the question at hand. I've come across what looks like a vintage Mercier and will share the very little I know about it (plus a photo I got).

Brakes: Racer brand
Wheels: 27 in.
Other: rear rack (probably a Pletscher?)
Fork: chromed (rear dropout too)
Stem: looks like alloy
Handlebars: replaced? (note bar end shifters)
Frame: green, lugged, steel

...for asking this (and including such a horrible pun - HA!). I find myself looking at a sixth bike. Just the other day it seems I only had one. This vintage bug is quite infectious (anyone else with this problem).



Um, yes, pretty much everyone on C&V has the hording problem. That's why we're here.:)
Like you said, you start with one, then two, and before you know it you're contemplating hanging them on your loungeroom wall...

If you get that one you'll save me - I have an email into the poster as well. I noticed the chrome fork, leather saddle, and possible Mafac Racer brake calipers. I have a mix of 6 road/cross/ss bikes in my stable and 4 projects for resale at the moment.


...for asking this (and including such a horrible pun - HA!). I find myself looking at a sixth bike. Just the other day it seems I only had one. This vintage bug is quite infectious (anyone else with this problem).

Anyway, on to the question at hand. I've come across what looks like a vintage Mercier and will share the very little I know about it (plus a photo I got).

Brakes: Racer brand
Wheels: 27 in.
Other: rear rack (probably a Pletscher?)
Fork: chromed (rear dropout too)
Stem: looks like alloy
Handlebars: replaced? (note bar end shifters)
Frame: green, lugged, steel

looks pretty nice, I've only seen a few Mercier 300s and some really cheap ones, this seems like a mid-grade and sort of rare. That rack doesn't look like the common Pletscher, if it is I need to see some more Pletschers. Why do you think the bars are replacements? is there any reason to think you can't fit SunTour barcons into French bars? The crank is the Sugino (or the SR look-alike) Maxi...these were spec'd on some pretty well-regarded bikes, back then, even tho they were "budget" alloy cranks.

looks pretty nice, I've only seen a few Mercier 300s and some really cheap ones, this seems like a mid-grade and sort of rare. That rack doesn't look like the common Pletscher, if it is I need to see some more Pletschers. Why do you think the bars are replacements? is there any reason to think you can't fit SunTour barcons into French bars? The crank is the Sugino (or the SR look-alike) Maxi...these were spec'd on some pretty well-regarded bikes, back then, even tho they were "budget" alloy cranks.

UNWORTHY,

I stand corrected - I thought bar end was a recent trend and not compatible back to and especially on french bars since sizing is usually different everywhere (threading on BB, headset, pedals, etc.). Thanks for the additional info...ROBTOWN - go get that bike so I don't have to!!

Score - I hope to pick up this weekend. I'm considering reconditioning her for the classic bike show in Leesburg this summer. I just picked up a couple rolls of black cloth tape - perfect for the project.