guelphite

I have an old Mercier 300 that I purchased and was wondering on the value.
The only thing that is not original is the wheels.
Wheelsmith was hired to rebuild the wheels from tubulars to clinchers.
Any idea of the value?

Kingshead

Welcome to the site. That's a great looking bike, it's worth whatever someone will pay. I would keep it and ride, a new, lugged, steel frame bike will set you back $1400 minimum. Not sure what this is worth but if you like it, it's priceless.

Juha

Welcome to Bike Forums.

We have a dedicated forum for Classic & Vintage value inquiries, which is where I'm moving this thread (from Introductions).

--Juha, a Forum Mod

randyjawa 

Vintage Bicycle Value is difficult to predict. Some of the things that impact final value have nothing to do with the bicycle, itself. Location, size of the bike and, certainly in Canada, time of the year, all impact value. Take some time to look through the article and you will better understand what I am talking about.

Other than that, the window of value for that bike could be anywhere from $250 to $1500. Honestly, there is just no way to predict how much someone will pay for it.

FastJake

To get full value you'll need to figure out some specs on the bike. Frame tubing, components, etc.

From the one picture I can tell it's a higher end bike, and that crankset is awesome. My guess is $300 plus, I have no idea on the upper limit. Need more info.

Bianchigirll 

I agree with Kingshead, if it fits, and your a cyclist, it looks like a great keeper/rider.

juls

That's a beauty-IMO, 300+

T-Mar

I'm not sure if the OP is looking to flip or trolling for a value of his purchase. Regardless, right now, in Ontario, it would not bring anything more than $200 CDN, unless it's located in one of the 4 major markets.

guelphite

mercier300_03.jpg21” Vintage 52cm Mercier '300'
Vintage early 70s'
Frame: Reynolds full '531' tubing (and forks), BCM head tube lugs and Simplex drop-outs
seat tube: 21” center to top (53cm)
top tube: 21.5” center to center (54.6cm)
Rear spacing: approximately 125mm
Dérailleur, rear: Simplex 'Criterium'
Dérailleur, front: Simplex 'Criterium'
Shifters: Simplex 'Criterium'
Cranks: Stronglight
Bottom Bracket: Stronglight
Headset: Stronglight
Wheels: Built by Wheel Smith #006450
Hubs: Normandy 'Competition' – red label
Skewers: Maillard quick release
Rims: Super Champion clinchers with presta valve
Tires: Hutchinson (Made in France)
Freewheel: Atom - 5 speed
Brakes: Mafac 'Racer'
Seat post: steel
Seat/Saddle: Ideale TB 80 Record leather bike saddle (worth $200)
Pedals: Lyotard
Bars: Bell, aluminum
Stem: Bell, aluminum
Brackets: Simplex
Clips: Simplex
Brake brackets: Mafac
Notes: New cork tape

I have owned this for many years and thinking of selling due to being a bit small.

juls

Best bang for your buck would be to part out. Too bad tho-appears to be in excellent shape. Hang onto it-possibly keep it in the family?

auchencrow

The 300 was Mercier's equivalent of the PX10 - and it's similarly equipped.
However - the Mercier "300" does not have the same level of name recognition, and not so many people have their RSS feeds looking for one. - This depresses value, but I would say it is stil worth every bit of $300, and possibly $400+, based on the color, condition, and the PX's going for 3X that much on e-Bay of late.
(Selling it locally would be a mistake for most of us, as it would not bring anything near its real value in most markets.)

PS - I also think this would be best as a keeper or heirloom than a flip, even at that price.

3alarmer 

IIRC Mercier marketed three basic models, the 100, 200, and yours, the 300
which was their top of the line....sorta like a PX-10 or a Gitane TDF.

It's French, which kinda knocks it down a little, but appears to be in
excellent condition, which boosts it up a little. Here in Northern California,
probably in the 4-500 dollar range tops, maybe lower now that the season
is over and the winter rains have set in. There's a Gitane TDF I've been
eyeing in the 350 range, but not in as good a shape as yours.

Good solid high end French bike from the 70's, and there are fewer and fewer
remaining in really outstanding condition. Personally, I think they are way
undervalued, which is why I've bought several in the 300-400 dollar range
in the last couple of years. Yours is also too small for me.

kroozer 

It's a top-of-the-line, original vintage French racer in what looks like primo condition. If it was mine, if I couldn't get at least $500 for it, I'd hang onto it. I actually like it better than the PX-10's because it's not so common.

Kingshead

Also way too small for me, but better too small than too large as you can always raise the seat. Definitely hang onto that bike, the replacement cost of anything comparable would be exorbitant to say the least. If it's too small for you also then look to trade it for something in your size, this is the only way you might get close to it's actual value.

guelphite

Thanks guys!

I'm rethinking on selling it now since your advice and sell another bike instead.
I restored a PX10 and bought this due to the price and wanting to ride a great French bike (so I wouldn't dirty the Peugeot).

I did sell a Gitane TDF with Campy drop-outs but it was too large. That was a nice riding bike.
Happy trails all!

jet sanchEz

I sold a really beat up lower model Mercian for $160 in Toronto so I am sure you can get an easy $300 for your bike. If you do decide to list it, list it on the Toronto Kijiji and Craigslist, the drive isn't too far, especially for a beauty such as this.

lostarchitect 

I dunno what it's worth, but it looks fantastic. I think $300 is pretty low for it.

guelphite

Sorry for the confusion. Actually I used '300' to designate the model.
Someone assumed that it was the price but my focus was to get some advice.

I did list it on Craig's list and didn't get too many offers and I wanted to see if I was out of touch.

I know that I would do better if I was based in the states and that I don't get as much being in the 'Great White North'.

I'm planning on keeping her and selling off my bare frames.

Thanks all!!!