Originally Posted by
ascherer
I bought the frame and fork new in early 1988, serial 26587, built by Derek Land. At Mercian, each builder assembles the entire frame. I built it with Campy NR and tubulars and rode that for many years, now it's Ultegra 6600 with a 10-speed cassette so you'll have no problem with an 8 or 9. I built the wheels with Velocity Aeroheads (which have been the most bulletproof rims I've ever used) and run racing 23mm tires. IMO a handmade steel frame with modern components is the best of both worlds. Like
rustystrings61 my Pro is remarkably nimble and surefooted at the same time, and it fits me like a glove. Every time I get on it I smile. Since this picture I've switched to a Brooks Cambium saddle and pulled off the Flight Deck and associated wiring but this is pretty much how it sits today:
I've never rode a Mercian, my Father raced and had Colnago and Basso bikes, there was something about the Mercian that a friend of his that always drew my attention. Its great to hear all your experiences with riding Mercian bikes. I'm over tomorrow to have a look at the bike, if all is well with it I'll be picking it up before the weekend. A guy in Dublin is selling a Campagnolo Atlanta 1996 wheelset, I'm thinking of buying them as they come from the same era as the bike. I can look at getting something else later down the line. If I have enough posts on the site I'll put up some pics. Thanks again for all the help I've been given, I'm really looking forward to taking it out on the road.