Temporary 650b Conversion - Warning! Aesthetically Wrong Pink Mercier Content
01-06-13, 07:30 PM
#1
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Temporary 650b Conversion - Warning! Aesthetically Wrong Pink Mercier Content
I fully acknowledge that this 1970 Mercier is fully deserving of a fully rebuild with lots of polish and wax to its beautiful frame, and that it needs to live in its full race kit glory, including 700c tubulars....
But, I've been dying to try out these 650b wheels (Maxi Car!) that I recently picked up, and this was the only frame in the fleet that had tight enough brake clearance, fender braze-ons, and high enough bb.
I just finished putting it together this morning and, because I spent the day helping a friend rehab a house, I only had time for a spin around the block and a quick photo. Can't wait to put in a couple 40 milers on it so that I can decide if I'll end being a frothing convert. If so, I'll find a more suitable frame for these wheels. If not, the wheels will go on the 'Bay....
But, I've been dying to try out these 650b wheels (Maxi Car!) that I recently picked up, and this was the only frame in the fleet that had tight enough brake clearance, fender braze-ons, and high enough bb.
I just finished putting it together this morning and, because I spent the day helping a friend rehab a house, I only had time for a spin around the block and a quick photo. Can't wait to put in a couple 40 milers on it so that I can decide if I'll end being a frothing convert. If so, I'll find a more suitable frame for these wheels. If not, the wheels will go on the 'Bay....
01-06-13, 07:45 PM
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What's wrong with that set up ? Looks cool to me. If it rides nice, keep it that way. A little fine tuning on the fender mounting and spacing and some buff n polish and maybe a rack and some lighting....yeah.
Cheers,
Joe
Cheers,
Joe
01-06-13, 08:04 PM
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Looks great! It will be right at home on a gravel road.
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01-06-13, 08:19 PM
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Love it ride it just assume as it is. Just understand that 700c's with 23/25 tire would be a almost no go. So rock those 650's tell they fail and then patch and rock some more.
01-06-13, 08:30 PM
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I think it looks nice.
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
01-06-13, 08:48 PM
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A French bike with fenders and 650B wheels. What's wrong with that?
01-06-13, 08:53 PM
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01-06-13, 09:23 PM
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Nothing wrong with a French bike with fenders and 650b. Its a match made in heaven! But a pink 1970 Mercier kind of screams to be ridden as a pure racer so that you can pretend to be Poulidor! We'll see what the future holds...
01-06-13, 09:26 PM
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Other than the larger than normal gap between the fenders and the wheels, I think it looks great.
01-06-13, 09:42 PM
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Love it!!! Tweak the fender line a bit, and it will be even better 
Oh and keep the wheels!
Cheers,
Chris
Oh and keep the wheels!Cheers,
Chris
01-06-13, 10:00 PM
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The fenders are just some banged up old fenders that can't be easily adjusted. I have some NOS 650b Honjos ready to roll, but not until I'm certain that the wheels are keepers....
01-06-13, 10:08 PM
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01-07-13, 10:39 AM
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The Italians would have no issue with the color. Is this a bicicletta strada bianca?
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When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
01-07-13, 12:50 PM
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Looks great as it is... but imagine that bike with sharplooking 700C wheels on it, tubulars, Mavic montlhery pro rims: a mean machine with angelic traits, all speed and elegance, stunning bystanders with sheer sophistication. AND YOU ON IT!
(650B is overrated IMO).
(650B is overrated IMO).
01-07-13, 12:59 PM
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It just wouldn't look the same with 650B's and fenders ...
01-08-13, 07:23 AM
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Pou Pou!
I really do enjoy the current 650b set-up. But, it will be easier to find a more fitting 650b frame than to find another nice Mercier like this.... Maybe I can just find another, non-pink Mercier... Here's another of my favorite photos:
I really do enjoy the current 650b set-up. But, it will be easier to find a more fitting 650b frame than to find another nice Mercier like this.... Maybe I can just find another, non-pink Mercier... Here's another of my favorite photos:
01-08-13, 07:30 AM
#20
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01-08-13, 07:45 AM
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I actually love it as you built it...and I think the frame is a BEAUTY. Any dude who rocks a pink bike gets extra points in my book. The wheels give it a workman like look.
01-08-13, 09:09 AM
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650b conv. Of a racing frame is not a sin in my
book, especially not on a French bike where it was common practice. I won't let you off on those unevenly spaced cable clips though! Other than that, i think it looks fantastic.
book, especially not on a French bike where it was common practice. I won't let you off on those unevenly spaced cable clips though! Other than that, i think it looks fantastic.
01-08-13, 11:00 AM
#23
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Love it as well! I think it looks great, and will also be really sharp with the proper 700c on it sans fenders, etc. Digging the color scheme.
01-08-13, 11:47 AM
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01-08-13, 12:02 PM
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Shifting is fun!
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1972:
1974:
