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is this bike worth putting money into?

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is this bike worth putting money into?

Old 08-04-09, 08:59 PM
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is this bike worth putting money into?

I am soon to come into the completely free ownership of a 69-70 or so mercier. I believe it is probably a 100 with the luxtub tubing. Also with all of the quirks of these older french bikes, is it worth replacing wheels, crank and some other components? Will it be reliable and enjoyable to ride? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
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Old 08-04-09, 09:16 PM
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i guess the real question is, is luxtub tubing decent quality?
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Old 08-04-09, 09:36 PM
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you'll have to tell us, cause I for one have never heard of it, but a model 100 is a pretty decent bike...if it's in good condition and it fits (and you like it) it should be worth keeping and making upgrades.
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Old 08-04-09, 09:41 PM
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It's in great shape. It is the right size. I was thinking I would put a new set of wheels on and maybe a crank. Then use it mostly for errands and commuting.
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Old 08-04-09, 09:47 PM
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wheels will be pretty easy, anything 700C and with 120 rear (but spreading to fit a 126 would be easy, too), the new crank is the first can-of-worms. Unless you can retain the BB spindle (and that means a crank with matching taper) then you have to get a new BB unit with FR threads, lucky for us that VeloOrange is making them right now. And theirs are only available with JIS taper, so if you're planning on a new *Japanese* crank, you're all set.
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Old 08-04-09, 10:16 PM
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thanks for the advice so far. I think I will take the plunge. Any other information would still be appreciated. Any great tips for the RD hanger should I need it in the future?
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Old 08-04-09, 11:52 PM
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Is there something wrong with the wheels and crank?

Is it the standard sort of old style Der hanger that is held in place with one machine screw and the QR?

Those won't be hard to find.
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Old 08-05-09, 02:18 AM
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Any pics?
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Old 08-05-09, 04:18 AM
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Lots of Mercier bicycles...

I have owned about a dozen lower end Merciers from the late sixties and early to mid seventies. They, for the most part are neat old road bicycles, reeking of vintage appeal but they are not well made. The frame work is often times poor, at best.

That said, just about any old road bicycle is a hoot to build and ride. Ride quality varies but keep in mind these old bikes are no longer competition oriented. If ya wanna race, get a newer bike. But the old iron offers a great ride if vintage feel is what you seek. Build the bike, do not spend too any more money than you have to and then ride the darn thing - a lot. If you like the ride, once the a-lot part is complete, then spend a bunch of bucks.

That's the way I do it when I'm not sure if I will like the results of a build or not.
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Old 08-05-09, 06:39 AM
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no pics yet. I will get it in about 2 weeks, then post some. The only thing wrong with the current wheels is that they are steel and I feel more comfortable with alloy rims for breaking advantages. I'm not planning on racing, just riding for fun and fitness, so fast is relative. Does anybody know if the Simplex RD will have enough reach for a 7-8 speed hub?
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Old 08-05-09, 09:19 AM
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Oh, then definitely replace steel wheels. Life's too short. I just assumed those were aluminum already. The steel cottered crank is less objectionable.
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