Vincitore! Vincitore! Cena di Pollo!
11-21-22, 03:37 PM
#51
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Bikes: '82 Univega Competizione, '72 Motobecane Grand Record, '83 Mercian KOM Touring, '85 Univega Alpina Uno, '76 Eisentraut Limited
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Yes, it's the original from 1983. When I got the frame a few years ago, the paint was rough to the touch, but I spent a lot of time gently wet sanding until it was smooth and revealed a little sparkle. Then, I used Humbrol Clear, more or less following the documented procedure another BF member had used for his Holdsworth. It's ok, but not as good as a 2x clear (but also not nearly as toxic to apply). I like that it doesn't look perfect, but I might want to repaint it sometime. It's a great rider, however it looks.
11-21-22, 04:33 PM
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Been loving the Mercian pics and discussion. Just wanted to ask about the subject line, which I find very clever. The English translation ("WWCD") is a phrase I never heard growing up, until (I think) when I moved to Seattle in the late '70s. Is it a regional thing or more widespread? Maybe I just needed to get out more? Anyway you know it's true because it rhymes. 
Ah, a brief googlage reveals it is thought to have started in the Great Depression, pssibly among gamblers.
Ah, a brief googlage reveals it is thought to have started in the Great Depression, pssibly among gamblers.
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11-21-22, 04:55 PM
#53
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I just looked at their price list. They are quite reasonable, though it adds up quickly with all the masking and contrasting bands and whatnot. It still might be a competitive price even with shipping costs. I'll have to consider it.
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11-22-22, 03:32 AM
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11-22-22, 04:56 AM
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Beautiful! I’ve been on the search for a 61-62cm Vincitore for quite a while. Following this thread. 
11-22-22, 09:53 AM
#56
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I wasn't looking for a Mercian either until this came along on eBay for cheap. The size was it's number one attribute, but I liked the color too. Even though the paint is not the greatest I plan on keeping it as long as it's relatively shiny. I think it's the same as yours.
I have always been a chrome lug fan, but those are in another league.
I have always been a chrome lug fan, but those are in another league.
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11-22-22, 10:49 AM
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Perhaps it's time to take a vacation to England, with a bike frame in your luggage. The Yorkshire Dales and Peak District are close to Mercian, very beautiful and great for cycling.
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11-22-22, 03:29 PM
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-----
catalogue pages of 1978
courtesy of bulgier.net and member bulgie
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catalogue pages of 1978
courtesy of bulgier.net and member bulgie
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01-02-23, 12:05 AM
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I got the bike on the road for the first time today. Many corners were cut in order to produce the first build in time for the first dry day after I bought it. This will be a beautiful bike again someday soon. Today was not that day.
I really enjoyed the ride. The bike felt particularly stiff/solid when cornering and accelerating. I'm a little bit worried that the threadless stem (with adapter) and oversized handlebars contributed to that. I'd really hate for that to be the case because they're terribly ugly. Useful for dialing in the fit though. I've read that threadless stems and oversized handlebars are stiffer. I never thought it would be something I'd actually notice, so I'm still hoping that had more to do with the frame.
I borrowed the wheels from my Bianchi since it had the cassette I needed for these shifters. I plan to build another set like this. The derailleurs, shifters, and brakes will also stay, but everything else is just temporary. Especially the hideous Cinelli bar tape. With all due respect to the artist who collaborated with them on this, I can't imagine what they were thinking. On the other hand, I don't throw away unbroken bar tape precisely because it's useful for temporary builds like this, so I've had this tape since it came on a bike I bought a couple of years ago.
The fenders are mismatched because the front fender that would have matched the rear didn't leave enough room for the brake. The front fender is pretty skinny, so I don't think I'll be putting fenders on this in the long run. Roads were wet today, so I wanted to try them.
I really enjoyed the ride. The bike felt particularly stiff/solid when cornering and accelerating. I'm a little bit worried that the threadless stem (with adapter) and oversized handlebars contributed to that. I'd really hate for that to be the case because they're terribly ugly. Useful for dialing in the fit though. I've read that threadless stems and oversized handlebars are stiffer. I never thought it would be something I'd actually notice, so I'm still hoping that had more to do with the frame.
I borrowed the wheels from my Bianchi since it had the cassette I needed for these shifters. I plan to build another set like this. The derailleurs, shifters, and brakes will also stay, but everything else is just temporary. Especially the hideous Cinelli bar tape. With all due respect to the artist who collaborated with them on this, I can't imagine what they were thinking. On the other hand, I don't throw away unbroken bar tape precisely because it's useful for temporary builds like this, so I've had this tape since it came on a bike I bought a couple of years ago.
The fenders are mismatched because the front fender that would have matched the rear didn't leave enough room for the brake. The front fender is pretty skinny, so I don't think I'll be putting fenders on this in the long run. Roads were wet today, so I wanted to try them.
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