Mercian, LBS find photos.
 

Well it's been a few weeks since I posted asking for help on the identifying the frame, etc. Since that time, I've talked to a couple of VERY knowledgeable forum members who insist this bike is a King of Mercia, and that the 531c tubing is exactly what the KOMs were made of. I may pay for the long distance call and frame search just to make sure, but I think it is a KOM also.

I've never done anything even remotely similar to this, but I took down a lot of the parts, cleaned them up, etc., touched up a few places on the paint with a matching color, and I'm in the process of trying to find a few nuts/bolts that simply need to be replaced. Although I revamped the original brakes/pads (they're like new again), I put a pair of new ones on there for now. Haven't replaced the chain, but I intend to. I went cheapo on everything but I indulged in a new Brooks B17 saddle. I revamped the old one and it turned out fantastic - based solely on what others said to do on here. Thanks to the forum for the advice, and all the past threads that talked about rust removal, etc. There is a lot more to do to it, but I'm satisfied with the first little bit. And because I know "without photos, it didn't happen", here we go:

Bill

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=247394

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=247397

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=247399

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=247400

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=247401

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=247402

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=247403

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=247404

nice! cleaner than anything I'm riding!!

You found THAT at a LBS?! :eek:

Mother Machree! Miracles DO happen! :thumb:

I looks like a KOM alright. I've seen a few of them in the flesh. (none mine though, sadly)

The tubing is a tough one though. Given that mercian was a custom builder, you saw all sorts of different tubesets (whatever the customer wanted out of that bike). A KOM could primarily be set out as a racer/audax machine with 531c tubing and then again could be set out for a round the world tourer with 531st (super touring, bit heavier, but stronger for heavier riders with loads)

As I said, its down to what the original consumer wants their mercian (and what mercian reccomend) for. It is wrong to say that they were exclusively 531c though.

EDIT;

I should mention that its a gorgeous bike nevertheless. I'm forever wanting a mercian....

Yep, and paid $150 for it. I'm beginning to understand that everything from this point forward might be somewhat, um, of a letdown. LOL. I walked into it having no earthly idea what it was. I wasn't haggling to get the guy down, I actually paid him what he was asking for it. Just dumb luck, total newbie luck.

Bill

$150!!! The universe really wanted you to own that bike!
Very nice, the yellow with red is beautiful ;)

Cheers,
Chris

Great colors!

That is cleaning up nicely. Good job so far!

I mentioned in the other thread that you may have found the deal of a lifetime there...I still feel that way.

CK

Holy crow! I'll second that sentiment!! The KOM has been on my short list seemingly forever... one fell into the lap of a friend of mine some years back and even though it would fit me perfectly, he refuses to give it up! Glad to hear it found you.

Yes, that is a truly smashing deal.

The 1986 catalogue lists the King of Mercia (featuring those 'heart' cutouts and other details apparent on yours) as made with Reynolds 531 'Competition' (i.e. 531c):

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=247424

The folks at Mercian may or may not be able to tell you much after a frame search (the frame details were "very little indeed" when I had them look up my 1984 Professional, though they did not charge me for the frame search).

In any case, an amazing bike, an amazing find, an amazing deal - and I'm sure that it's an amazing ride to boot.