Originally Posted by
chasm54
It's generally possible to fix a rack using p-clips. And if you are only planning light touring you wouldn't need a rack for the front. Alternatively, dispense with the racks altogether and tour with a carradice or other capacious saddlebag and a bar bag. As you say, if it was built for 27" wheels clearances aren't going to be a problem. The only thing to be careful of is making sure the brakes have enough reach to operate satisfactorily with 700c wheels.
Seriously, that Mercian is a classic. I'd certainly be riding it if it were mine.
Duh, I had not even thought of P-clips. No issue with the brakes. I rode the bike with those wheels and brakes after I purchased it in the 90's, but have not ridden it in 15+ years. I don't actually know it was build for 27", it may just have massive amounts of room because that's the way it was designed. It is an awesome bike. Part of me wants to keep it all campy super record, but then I probably would not ride it much. So maybe I buy new wheels and a triple crank, along with bar end shifters. I would like to raise up the bars, so a new stem too. If I decide I don't like the setup, I can buy a Soma Double Cross and use the new components there.
Chris