Maytag

Just came across a made in England Mercian. The serial number places it in 1980. Been on their website but can't indicate what submodel it is. The lug work is obviously different on various models and comparing various specs in their '81 catalog I am more leaning towards the Olympic model.
It has the Shimano 600 crankset with Biopace rings, Campagnolo shifters and Nuovo record derailleurs, gipiemme hubs, Superbe brake equipment, SR stem and seat post and Sakae handlebar. Rims are made by Araya.Unfortunately it is also a 62cm frame, which means I would need a stepping stool to mount this beast. Very little rust on clamp for downtube shifters and FD, otherwise it should clean up nice. Frame probably would need professional polishing to bring out the color and the decals again. To all Mercian collectors out there, can you point out the proper submodel and where would you place this bike in the market? It seems people are more willing to buy just the frame and add their own custom components on it, but I don't really want to take it apart. Sorry, it's not the egg nog what caused the pics to appear sideways.
Thanks for everyones input and have a great holiday ride.

bikemig 

I'd pass if it's too large or are you looking to flip?

Maytag

Well, I have various bikes which are too large for me, but I can't resist old world craftsmanship. Sometimes I trade for a more suitable bike for me (more in the 19-22" size). Haven't made up my mind on the Mercian, but I may not spend the money to refurbish it since I can't ride it. May swap or sell

GailT

Bikecology was a Mercian importer ca 1980, and they sold a frame marketed as the "California Sports Tourer" that was similar to the Olympic.

bikemig 

I think as it sits, this bike should easily fetch $400. The bike is grimy but it will clean up nicely and has pretty good parts but only the derailleurs are campy (the stronglight/galli A9 HS btw is better than a campy headset). The bike could be worth more in a hot market. The value here is largely in the frame so you will do better in a part out.

I'd part this out. If you clean the frame, you'll get good money for it; these are desirable frames. The superbe brakes are worth something as are the campy derailleurs. The rest of the parts are not worth much. I'd sell the frame with the headset.

Maytag

Thanks, for everyone's input. Haven't decided which way to go, I'm always hesitant taking working pieces apart. But I may be able to use some of the higher-quality items for my own projects. I guess I was looking for someone kicking me in the right direction. Well I ponder this around a couple more days and then may post this in the for sale section.

dmerk2

Definitely worth flipping IMO. Especially since it's not your size.