leilin

found a bike in a thrifty store. have no idea of the value.

Mercier on the head tube, on the top tube there is a "bordeaux paris". crank set is "nervar", brakes are compy. no name F/R deraileur. Mavic rim, 27 inch wheel. On the tube, read Made in France.

Price. 69.99$

Is it a good catch? Have not bought yet.

Opinions needed.

Thanks

Lei

cuda2k

obvious first question is if the bike fits and what other expenses does the bike need - tires/tubes/cables or more? I'm no expert but $70 doesn't sound too bad for a good solid vintage bike in the Austin area. Not the best catch, but doesn't sound too over priced to my ears.

leilin

fits well. I am sad that I am living in a 'bike' town, may be because Lance lives here too. Last sunday night I went to the "jingle bell" ride and saw many people riding bikes, around one thousand. I wish some day I will be qulified into "Catch of the Day".

USAZorro

If the brakes are Campagnolo, it is definitely worth the price. Did you recall if the crankset was cottered? Was there a derailleur hanger built into the rear dropout? Unless you come across a better deal in the next few days, I'd go for it. Even if you do find something nicer later on, you'd still be able to recover your investment.

Catch of the day material? Well, if you actually catch it - definitely.

Poguemahone

Depends entirely on the Mercier. The classic models came in three levels, 100, 200, 300, in ascending order of quality. I would look for frame tubing stickers-- Reynolds 531, Vitus, and Durifort are likely on better French rides. I'd probably drop 50$ on any level French Mercier, but that's me-- I like old Frenchies. USA z's hints as to quality manufacture are well put, esp. about the crank, but some french manufacturers did not always use integral derailleur drops on high end bikes; Gitane and Jeunet come to mind, not sure about Mercier. You might look for the words "Simplex" engraved on the drops in the case there is no hanger; most hangerless hi end frenchies I've seen have a plain simplex drop.

Be aware that a classic Mercier may very well be French threaded, which raises possible compatibility issues with modern parts. They can be hard to upgrade and if either the headset or bottom bracket is shot, those parts can be difficult but not impossible to find. In addition, many shops border on incompetent or at best mystified when dealing with French stuff, so ask questions at the shop when you take it (assuming you don't do your own work).

I believe one of Lance's first real bikes was a Mercier.