westelmach

It is listed as:
The seller is asking $85. Is it worth it? Sorry for the lack of quality photos, it is the best I could get.

Thanks

TheGefish

If it rides nice, and you've made sure there are no major dings in the frame or fork I'd say go for it.

westelmach

That's what I was probably going to do... but I was just curious if anyone knew anything about it because the seller doesn't seem to.

unworthy1

at least a model 100, but with the chrome on the fork and rear I'm going to say maybe a model 200. If it fits you, and you know what to expect with a vintage FR bike, it's worth $85 IMHO...and those Simplex Delrin bits will break soon so have some back-up ready. Also beware of the stem: could be an achey- breaky AVA.

westelmach

Good to know, thank you. What are some of the indicators that distinguish a 100, 200 or 300?

dbakl

$85. is cheap enough if you like it, but its low end, 70s bike boom French... you could find better.

randyjawa 

At $85 you are doing well, assuming that the bike is in good condition (no structural damage to the frame or fork set = not bent or dented).

I have sold several of these old Merciers, and some have fetched over three hundred dollars US, plus shipping. The three hundred plus dollar bike was sold as a frame set to a fellow overseas and cost close to $200.00 to ship. The other two I sold, with the chrome stays and fork blades, went for between $200 and $250 dollars, plus shipping/handling, as I recall.

That said, I do not really like the Mercier bicycle. For the most part, the frame work, paint and art is pretty sloppy. I make that statement based on the couple of dozen Mercier bicycles I have owned, worked on and sold. I should add that I have never seen a really high end Mercier.

dbakl

They had a model pretty identical to a PX10 in the 70s, but just as sloppy as anything else they made!

westelmach

So I checked it out today and it was covered in rust. Not only that, but there was a creased dent in the fork and the derailleur was cracked. I decided to pass.

Thanks for all of your help everyone

big chainring 

Its one of the bikes I would really like to own and in a great color too. Go for it. I would probably pay twice that amount for a nice Mercier like that one.

French bikes of that vintage just plain ride nice. Classic bike in a great color scheme.

I ride an old Gitane that is very similiar to what you are looking at and it is one of my favorite bikes. I can ride it all day and feel comfortable on it all day.

unworthy1

I'm not certain, but here's a pic of 2-100s and a 300:
https://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/v/...ers+3.JPG.html
the 100 was gaspipe and yes it did have chrome plated ends, so your powder blue job is probably a 100... the metallic blue one in the back of the pic even has dropouts stamped with "Simplex" but they appear to be from plate and not forged. The 300 was 531, I assume all tubes, and sort of on PX-10 level with Stronglight crank, etc. What distinguishes the 200 I'm less sure, cause I thought it was the chrome, but I'm sure there's some improved tubing, perhaps 3-main-tubes of plain 531 or Vitus.

westelmach

The pictures are very deceiving. It was in really rough shape. On the left hand side (outside) of the front fork, there was a creased dent. It looked like if someone were to hit a bump, it would bend in half/break. It needed more work than I was willing to invest.

On a lighter note I picked up a mint Schwinn Super Le Tour $100.00. Everything is original and in pristine shape except for the handle wraps, which the person replaced with hockey tape...

westelmach

Those are some beautiful Merciers! The one I was looking at just didn't seem worth the hassle it was probably going to cause. I always keep an eye out for great vintage bikes. The area I live in has tons of them in great shape for ridiculously cheap. I am checking out a Lotus Classique later today.

unworthy1

where oh where is this wonderful place that has tons in great shape and ridiculous cheap prices?...
wait...
make that a PM