Can you date this Mercier?
10-04-09, 08:14 PM
#1
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Can you date this Mercier?
I just won this Mercier in an eBay auction, and I'm guessing it's early 1970s. It looks very similar to a Peugeot UO8 from the same era. I'm thinking it was a direct competitor, since the frame and component quality appear to be the same. It even has the same frame attachments such as the pump mounting pegs on the downtube. I had a Peugeot U08 when I attended college in the late 1960's, but sold it because it was too big for me. I am only 5'-3" with a 27" inseam and the smallest size Peugeot was 21", however, this Mercier appears to be about 19", which is perfect for me.
Anyway, if anyone can provide more information on the model and year of this bike I would appreciate it.
Anyway, if anyone can provide more information on the model and year of this bike I would appreciate it.
10-05-09, 04:41 AM
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Sixties or seventies???
I have stumbled upon quite a few Mercier bicycles. Since yours sports the chrome plated fork blades and stays, I would suggest that yours in a mid level model and will provide a pretty nice ride. You might begin to question frame set workmanship since Mercier is know for sloppy assembly when it comes to frame sets.
My guess is that you will really enjoy riding the bicycle and it certainly oozes vintage appeal. Good luck with the bicycle and if you ever need parts, I have about six Mercier bicycles hanging in The Old Shed at the moment.
My guess is that you will really enjoy riding the bicycle and it certainly oozes vintage appeal. Good luck with the bicycle and if you ever need parts, I have about six Mercier bicycles hanging in The Old Shed at the moment.
10-05-09, 05:35 AM
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That looks like the same model as the one my best friend got in 1970. His was green with white accents. Great looking bike. Looks like yours is pretty much all original.
10-05-09, 06:57 AM
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Mine original? Not so much. Rims, front hub, brakes, bars and stem, levers (brake and shift), both derailleurs, pedals, seatpost, and rear cluster - all changed over the years. Paint is original, but doesn't look as good in person.
10-05-09, 07:05 AM
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The bicycle in question appears to be an early 1970s Mercier model 100 (a.k. a. Rally Sport). The stem also appears to be dangerously high, to the point where there would be very little quill holding it in the steering column.
10-05-09, 07:12 AM
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Great Bike ! and I especially appreciate your posting the pic. of it without bombing-out the entire post with those huge blow-up photos often used. The opportunity to see your bike is welcome anytime.
10-05-09, 07:56 AM
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Yes, I also noticed the very high stem position and will certainly lower it when I receive the bike. Those photos were downloaded from the eBay auction and were taken by the seller. The bike clearly needs a thorough cleaning and restoration. For sure it needs new tires, tubes, chain, cables and housings. Hopefully the BB cup and spindle races are still usable, but I will definitely install new ball bearings. Ditto the hubs and headset. Thanks for providing the info on model and vintage.
