Classic and Vintage Bicycles: What's it Worth? Appraisals and Inquiries - Mercier Special Tour de France on CL Worth a Look?

Not much to go on. Seller is asking $125 for steel cottered crank 5speed. All he says in add that it is '60's-'70s.

In a return email he describes the saddle as "Mercier," RD as "Huret," and brakes as "Mafac Racers." No more pictures available.

http://nh.craigslist.org/bik/1108651391.html

Since this would be my first venture outside of mostly Schwinns or Cannondales, I welcome your sage advise! :)

EDIT: Opps! I pasted in the link using the Image Icon!!!

Worth a look? Yes. How far away is it?

My advice is rust. Rust is evil. Rust never goes away. If its more than peppering on the hardware walk away.

Worth a look? Yes. How far away is it?

My advice is rust. Rust is evil. Rust never goes away. If its more than peppering on the hardware walk away.

Nothing is all that close here in the NH mountains, but in this case it would mean about 45-60 minute drive each way, unless we can meet more in the middle.

I'm also worried about the rust, this is why I asked for better photos and I'm a little hesitant since he said he didn't have any more and couldn't get any.

Do you know anything about this particular model? Would be on the older side since it only is a 5 speed and has the steel crankset? I couldn't get much to come up using the search on BF.

The CL link:
http://nh.craigslist.org/bik/1108651391.html

I dont know a thing about Mercier's but that one looks OK.

Its going to need ~$50 worth of parts, tires, bar tape and mybe a few cables plus the ever ellusive Mafac hoods.

The only reason I'd go look at it is beacaue of the leather seat. That in itself has inherent value. I guess it comes down to your reasons for wanting it. Do you want it to flip? Because its cool? To add to a collection?

If $125 is somewhat disposable and you want it because its cool or as part of a collection then yes, why not. As a 'flip' bike? No way.

+1 Not a flipper around here anyway. I would be hard pressed to get $125 for it, in clean, ready to ride condition.

Thanks Miami Jim and wrk! I hadn't thought about it as a flipper, but to tell you the truth a 5 speed is not very practical here in the mountains. A bike like this does have more appeal in Boston where Neal Learner is located. Maybe we can work something out.

Speaking of the hoods and the calipers, I know the hoods are hard to comeby, what about replacement brake pads? I don't have to have originals, but are there alternatives that will work and are available. For instance would something like a KoolStop Eagle Claw work?

http://www.niagaracycle.com/images/sbsimages/101917md.jpg

Yes they will.

The Eagle claws pictured have an offset post which redistributes braking forces to the fornt of the pad which in turns reduces brake noise. IIRC the post may be a slightly smaller diameter but they do work.

Jim



Thanks Miami Jim and wrk! I hadn't thought about it as a flipper, but to tell you the truth a 5 speed is not very practical here in the mountains. A bike like this does have more appeal in Boston where Neal Learner is located. Maybe we can work something out.

Speaking of the hoods and the calipers, I know the hoods are heard to comeby, what about replacement brake pads? I don't have to have originals, but are there alternatives that will work and are available. For instance would something like a KoolStop Eagle Claw work?

http://www.niagaracycle.com/images/sbsimages/101917md.jpg

Well, the Mercier was sold even before I could look at it. What will be will be. Mrs. PB will be happy.