Someone wrote a PM to me, thinking I had ordered a Mercian Super Vigorelli.

I didn't.

However, I have corresponded with Mercian and learned a lot.

The Super Vigorelli, custom proportioned (no extra cost), will show up at the buyer's specified address, here in America, two to three weeks after placing the order, for about $1000, shipping included.

They asked me to do the body measurement thing, email a small picture of myself riding my present bike, my present bike's geometry, and for me to tell them what I liked about my bike and what I didn't like.

When asked about the lightest tubing, they said the differences in tubing affected the handling more than the weight, and if I didn't know what I liked to trust them and probably go with the cheapest tube set.

They said they would do a threadless headset or a threaded headset, as I preferred.

I had two rounds of email with Mercian, and they sent me a very nice brochure with enamel chips of the paint choices.

Local friends who have made lugged bicycles sometime in the past describe Mercian's Open Hearth Brazing method as a good method for getting consistent results.

Friends who have owned Mercians praise the finish.

So, I haven't ordered one, yet.
Maybe in the Spring, or maybe not.

I turn 60 in July of 2006.
It seems like a reasonable Birthday present to myself.
I mean, someone might accuse me of a second childhood thing, and rightfully so, but at least I don't want a Corvette.

Anyway, very friendly emails from Mercian.
They want the business and I think will guard their reputation by doing a good job.

I never thought I'd want a red bike, but that red Vigorelli looks good:

http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/frame_vigorelli.asp