Yeah. Now that is more like it! Tasty. Maybe that light blue one above is a re-do? That yellow border black lettering is beautiful.

There is no doubt that those guys build a beautiful bike. Whatever name they stick on it.

Those fenders don't suit that bike to my eye. Small/small combo is not the best for taking a photo. Neither is the crank pointing at 6 and 12. Tsk tsk. </armchair constructeur>

They are indeed. Three frame builders and two painters in their workshop. I consider Mercian to be massively underrated and an absolute bargain. If I ever buy a new frame, they'd be a top contender.

Are the new Herses the same? Of course not. I'd say that their collectible value is greatly reduced. But, as a contemporary custom bike, I think that they're very nice and wouldn't hesitate to buy one (if I had the dough and didn't mind waiting). I'd look at them as a contemporary custom bike whose value is slightly increased (compared to most other contemporary custom builders) by their link to the older Herse lineage.

And, from my limited interaction, transaction, and conversation with him, I'd say that Mike Kone strikes me as an extremely sharp, nice, dedicated, and principled person. I'd love to buy an Herse from him.

FWIW, Hetchins just don't do it for me. Most are just too over the top for my taste. But, for whatever reason, I frequently like the Mercian Vincitores that I've seen....

Just my opinions, of course.

Would you believe Staples?

http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...8&d=1361293548

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=300218

This is interesting. Mercian is viewed as a continuation of the original firm, employing the same building practices. Hetchins continues if not through the same hands the same spirit or unique lug work and bent stays. Both seem to be continuations of a venerable name, perhaps under new ownership but in essence, the same machines only using current materials or practices.

Rene Herse on the other hand gives the impression of a reproduction or tribute bike. Perhaps because the unique aspect was t more the insperation and master craftsmanship of the builder than the assembly techniques or features.

Mercian and Hetchins seem to be brands that are larger than their origins but even as respected as the Herse name is, it's value seems to be tied to the craftsman and his influence.

Cool thread. BTW - I showed my GF (who is a graphic designer) a picture of a gorgeous 70's DeRosa, and she said: "Nice bike, but ugh - who designed that logo?" :)

Well, I believe that Mercian has been in the same workshop for at least several decades (it's near the retail store). And, while I do believe that a couple bought the company in the last 10-20 years, they're actively involved with running both the retail shop and the workshop. I'm not aware of any conglomeration buying the company. I'm not saying it didn't happen, but I'm not aware of it. I was there a few years ago and the couple was still actively managing the daily operations.

So, while there is certainly turnover of ownership and staff, it's still remained largely consistent for a company that began in 1946. One of the frame builders has been there since 1965. They may have moved buildings a couple times, but they've remained in Derby.

I do view Herse as a continuation of the original company, but with a new chapter. Different, but still very positive to me. It was a small operation, and continues to be a small operation.

I don't think that Hetchins has been small since they were bought out by Bob Jackson decades ago (I believe; I don't follow their history). In my mind, Bob Jackson is a conglomerate in comparison to Mercian or Herse. Apples and oranges.

I'm eager to hear more facts from folks that know more than I do (or have the time/inclination to search the webs).

Time for me to make some work calls and emails!

http://www.imcdb.org/i006262.jpg

…wanna race!

;)

- Wil