Simplyhere

Well it's been a few weeks since I posted asking for help on the identifying the frame, etc. Since that time, I've talked to a couple of VERY knowledgeable forum members who insist this bike is a King of Mercia, and that the 531c tubing is exactly what the KOMs were made of. I may pay for the long distance call and frame search just to make sure, but I think it is a KOM also.

I've never done anything even remotely similar to this, but I took down a lot of the parts, cleaned them up, etc., touched up a few places on the paint with a matching color, and I'm in the process of trying to find a few nuts/bolts that simply need to be replaced. Although I revamped the original brakes/pads (they're like new again), I put a pair of new ones on there for now. Haven't replaced the chain, but I intend to. I went cheapo on everything but I indulged in a new Brooks B17 saddle. I revamped the old one and it turned out fantastic - based solely on what others said to do on here. Thanks to the forum for the advice, and all the past threads that talked about rust removal, etc. There is a lot more to do to it, but I'm satisfied with the first little bit. And because I know "without photos, it didn't happen", here we go:

Bill

Velognome 

nice! cleaner than anything I'm riding!!

auchencrow

You found THAT at a LBS?!

Mother Machree! Miracles DO happen!

spurious

I looks like a KOM alright. I've seen a few of them in the flesh. (none mine though, sadly)

The tubing is a tough one though. Given that mercian was a custom builder, you saw all sorts of different tubesets (whatever the customer wanted out of that bike). A KOM could primarily be set out as a racer/audax machine with 531c tubing and then again could be set out for a round the world tourer with 531st (super touring, bit heavier, but stronger for heavier riders with loads)

As I said, its down to what the original consumer wants their mercian (and what mercian reccomend) for. It is wrong to say that they were exclusively 531c though.

EDIT;

I should mention that its a gorgeous bike nevertheless. I'm forever wanting a mercian....

Simplyhere

Yep, and paid $150 for it. I'm beginning to understand that everything from this point forward might be somewhat, um, of a letdown. LOL. I walked into it having no earthly idea what it was. I wasn't haggling to get the guy down, I actually paid him what he was asking for it. Just dumb luck, total newbie luck.

Bill

Chris W.

$150!!! The universe really wanted you to own that bike!
Very nice, the yellow with red is beautiful

Cheers,
Chris

dbakl

Great colors!

Coreyk

That is cleaning up nicely. Good job so far!

I mentioned in the other thread that you may have found the deal of a lifetime there...I still feel that way.

CK

AZORCH

Holy crow! I'll second that sentiment!! The KOM has been on my short list seemingly forever... one fell into the lap of a friend of mine some years back and even though it would fit me perfectly, he refuses to give it up! Glad to hear it found you.

mikemowbz

Yes, that is a truly smashing deal.

The 1986 catalogue lists the King of Mercia (featuring those 'heart' cutouts and other details apparent on yours) as made with Reynolds 531 'Competition' (i.e. 531c):



The folks at Mercian may or may not be able to tell you much after a frame search (the frame details were "very little indeed" when I had them look up my 1984 Professional, though they did not charge me for the frame search).

In any case, an amazing bike, an amazing find, an amazing deal - and I'm sure that it's an amazing ride to boot.