This is a 1974 Mercian Pro that I rebuilt with Campy components earlier this summer. I bought the bike in 1975 and originally
built it up with DuraAce components. In the 90’s it sported a Campy Veloce 3x7 drivetrain. The bike was pretty much retired
in 2004, so this year I decided to rebuild with vintage Campy components. The bar and stem are Cinelli. The bottom bracket is Phil Wood, and the headset is Stronglight A9 Delta(?) , both probably installed around 1985. Maybe next year I will install a
vintage Campy BB and headset, and an older seatpost too. I am not trying to be perfectly correct with all components date matched, just setting the bike up with pre-index parts.

PS: Andy Stewart.

Andy, this bike was repainted by Cyclery North in Chicago maybe 1Q 1985. I think you posted some items regarding that shop.
Maybe this a frame you repainted? If so, you did a great job as the bike looks really good almost 40 years later.

this is my first attempt at pictures, so please be understanding if they don’t attach properly. Bill

Wow! Yes, that paint is holding up very well. If those wheels have been on the bike that long , it must not have that many miles on it. Either way , the condition of the paint is also due to good care and storage.

That’s one fine looking Pro. If it’s anything like my 87 they ride beautifully. Love the red lining on the head tube!

I love that you have had the bike since 1975. What was the original colour scheme?

I'm not familiar with that headset - what is it?

That is sweet. Would be proud to ride her anywhere.

The original paint scheme was Mercian “Smoke Blue” with white pin striping around the lugs. The original
build was black DuraAce, and black stem and bars. The headset is a Stronglight needle bearing, maybe
A9 Delta? The original headset was Milremo? I am not sure how old the current wheel set is. After the
repaint in 1985, I put about 30,000 miles on it before getting a new bike in 2004. Thanks for all your comments.



Bill

Beautifully classic colour scheme and great-looking bicycle. Always good to see quality bicycles in long-term ownership refreshed and rejuvenated with new old parts. I've turned over more than my fair share of new bicycles but ultimately found this to be so much more rewarding, as was/is coming to terms with the idiosyncracies and limitations of older bicycles.

Mercians are few and far between where I live, in fact I can't recall seeing one first-hand. But I always liked the name, the look and the history...

Stronglight X-14 headset?

Nice ride!

Lovely bike. Glad you held onto it all these years. I still have the first bike that I purchased in 1983, and every time I ride it (which is only on a very limited basis) I am glad that I never sold it.

Yes, I think the headset is Stronglight x-14.

Thanks Ross200,

Bill

That paint job is magnificent. I have a hard time believing it's been on there for 37 years.