Still searching for a nice "Sport Touring" 531 DB frame in my size. Came across this Mercier on ebay. Would anyone hazard a guess as to the tubing? The seller is not responding to my questions (a bad sign, indeed, as are the uninspiring feedback comments). From what I've read elsewhere, the chrome fork ends and dropouts indicate a higher end model. The brake cable routing on the side of the top tube is interesting. Lugs don't appear all that fancy, and the spoke protector is a bit discouraging. Oh, and the bike works great even without a front derailleur!

I would not guess 531db on this frame. Steel Cranks and probably cheap simplex derailler on rear do not indicate much in the way of "high end". Nice english lugs, a la Raleighs of almost any stripe. Looks to be low to mid range ride, think Raleigh Record or Grand Prix, or Peugeot UO-8. Someone has upgraded the bars and possible brakes, but the frame makes the bike, as they say.

I concur with evwxxx. I don't think this is one of the top end Merciers. In addition to the reasons he listed, that low end Simplex Prestige rear derailleur also has a "claw" mount. There is no integral rear derailleur hanger on the dropout. I'm pretty sure the top end models with 531 tubing had the integral mount.

I suspect it's comparable to a Peugeot UO-8, but it's certainly better-looking, particularly with the chrome stays.

Thanks, that's what I expected to hear. I agree, however, that it isn't an unattractive bike. Interesting lime green color as well - at least that how it appears on my monitor.

It is an interesting looking bike and IMO attractive. Definitely not high end though. Along with the above observations the schrader valves on the wheels are a give away.

Curious to see what it sells for.

JYB, have you seen this 60 cm Raleigh International frameset w/ a cracked seat stay cap? https://cgi.ebay.com/Raleigh-Internat...QQcmdZViewItem

Looks like it'll go cheap as long as you want to take a chance on that damage.

Neal

And another one in terms of geometry: https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll..._promot_widget

Neal

I did see them both...that cracked seatstay on the Raleigh seems like too much trouble. The Windsor does look good, but what's the tubeset? Only 3 hours left...I usually ask those questions of the seller. Not sure why I passed this up. Maybe the ugly seat cluster?

EDIT: Ah, I found it on CR. Probably why I passed on it: "Beneath the Pro in the lineup was the Carerra Sport, made of chromoly tubing, sometimes Japanese Tange."

Junk Yard,

I like it. Of course, Mimi is a '68 U08. This Mercier is sort of an ugly color, but it still has a bit of class. Ordinary French women, as well as ordinary French wine, can be very comfortable and fun.

Tyson

Stop trying to tempt me. If I'm to have an affair, it'll be with no less than 531 DB! Seriously, I do have a penchant for collecting interesting low-end bikes, but I've already squandered my "bike fund" money on more garage sale finds than I'd like to admit. I'm going to practice some discipline and hold out for full 531.

I have a later model Mercier 300, it has prominent Reynolds 531 stickers on the seat tube and on the forks. (Which aren't chrome tipped and neither are the chainstays)
I thiink mine is about 1975 vintage, it has cotterless cranks, a better looking stem and tubulars.
Here is a pic of a 1972 Mercier with chrome tips
https://www.bikespecialties.com/vinta...iermaroon.html

I've had a thing for Merciers since I saw the bike below, or one very like it, in a book when I was 13. I'd certainly buy the one you're looking at, but then, I already have some nice high end stuff. For some reason, Merciers and Gitanes, even the mid range ones, do it for me.

sammyboy-if i lived closer i,d give one to you ! lol

I also have a Mercier 300, with 531 tubing - it has chrome tipped forks and chainstays. It has Simplex dropouts with integrated derailleur hanger.

You rarely see them here. In the 2 years I've been watching eBay, I've seen one, which though it was cheap, I had absolutely no money for that month. Peugeot sold bucketloads here, Gitane and Mercier, very few.