RoboCheme

I've seen lots of comments on Motobecane bikes, but I haven't seen many on the Mercier line that BikesDirect sells.

Anyone own a Mercier aluminum? If so, how do you like it?

indygreg

I have the full DA on - this guy:
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../draco_wcs.htm

Mercier is just another name they use. This exact frame has been sold as other brands on BD.com - at least I think it is the case. Understand that all the bikes on BD.com are made in Taiwan for BD.com. He then brands them with an older bike name that he has purchased the rights to (some hate this, some do not care).

It is a great bike IMHO and a very good frame. Great looking welds, good paint, etc. It is columbus zonal tubing, which is good stuff. I think Mike said it was one of their most expensive all alum frames to make. Still very cheap, but more than some of his others.

AbsoluteZ3RO

any further comments on this?

dcbikeguy

Do you do all your research here?

TechJunkie

I test rode the Serpens al at Cycle Spectrum a couple of years ago. It felt very light, despite the crap Alex wheelset that was on it. I was harsher, and still didn't feel as stiff as my aluminum Cervelo. There are a lot better Al frames out there, but that one seemed like a good bike for the money.

Jose Perez

I own one. Pretty nice bike. Its not quite as light as they claim, but on the low end for aluminum nonetheless. Rides well, excellent quality welds, nice paint, blah, blah, blah. Bottom line, would I recommend one to someone else, yes. Would I buy another, not for myself but definitely for someone else getting into cycling. Nothing against the bikes, but I'm making the move to carbon.

AbsoluteZ3RO

No, why?

AbsoluteZ3RO

What are you moving to? Are you just going to get a new frame or whole new bike?

seminole13

Maybe because you've started about 3 dozen or more posts asking about what to buy and differences between items. I could care less, but I've noticed you've gone from a Trek 1500, to An Allez Elite, to thinking about a Roubaix, now a BD.com bike. You ask about Tiagra versus 105 versus SRAM, what are the best pedals, who makes the best wheels, should shorts be tight, best computer, best shoes, good tools, good bike stand, etc.

Maybe that is why. . .

Jose Perez

I bought in on the Pedal Force GB for their ZX3 frame. I was really impressed with almost all of the equipment the Mercier shipped with, except the saddle and the tires, so all of it that fits is moving to the new frame. If I like the ZX3 after I ride it for a bit, the Mercier frame and fork will go up FS

03FinestAL

Let him ask, that is what this community is all about.

My brother bought a Mericer Al as a starter and really enjoys it. It is stock except for the Wellgo/Look clone pedals.

It weighs quite a bit (compared to my ride) but it is reliable and great starter for the price. It reminded me of my "first" road bicycle (see screen name 03finestal) as far as level of componentry etc.

Just remember that you will most likely want to upgrade within 6 months so just buy the next step up (there are too many to mention) and then get out and ride the ---- out of it!

seminole13

I know and I seriously don't care. Others get their panties in a bunch about stuff like that, I figure there are much more important things to worry about in life. I was just posting as to WHY I thought the other poster stated what he/she did.

No problems here. . .

dcbikeguy

I don't really care either, but eventually AZ will decide, right? Eventually? No bike is perfect, no deal is perfect - better to just decide already and get to riding (IMO).

Meanwhile summer turns to fall...

bowman12

I bought a Mercie Aquila last year as my first road bike, To get my feet wet and see if I would like riding. I have replaced the seat, pedals and brakes (105's) and also had to true the alex wheels. I have put about 1500 miles on it so far. I would recommend it as far as a first bike. I know I am now thinking about an all carbon bike with nice wheels as my next upgrade.

Bolo Grubb

https://www.cyclesmercier.com/models_al2.html



I have owned a Mercier Aquila since Feb of 2004 and have been very happy with it. I have put nearly 9k miles on it.

AbsoluteZ3RO

I don't know if I should be impressed or scared that you know all of my research history.

seminole13

Be afraid, be VERY afraid. . .

Mwaa-hah-hah-hah-hah!

sced

Calm down. seminole13 is just a teenager who gets his kicks out of getting rises out of folks; probably not old enough to vote or pay taxes. I'd wager that he idolizes the mechanic at the bike shop where he hangs.

Jerseysbest

Whats the point of the post?

The OP made a lot of on-topic posts so when someone searches, they'll get a lot of opinions about some common questions.

seminole13

Nailed it. Good job!

x 10,000

seminole13

I take it reading comprehension isn't your strong suit. Go ahead and start at the top and you'll see the progression of this thread. AZ asked a question, DC asked him one, AZ asked DC another question and I answered as to why DC may have asked what he asked.

Again, I could give a **** - but I thought I'd lay it out there for those that need a little help.

03FinestAL

I'm quite impressed with the fact that the OP has started forty-five threads with questions on many many subjects. That shows at least that he is willing to learn.

On the other hand, s13 has only started two, so one must assume that he is another new (Join Date: Jul 2007) elitist that already knows everything....

A reminder to S13 that his first post was an intro that went like this-

"New guy here. Doing some research and found your site. Currently only have a Diamond Back mountain bike but am thinking hard about getting back on to a road bike. Had one about 10-12 years ago, took a bad spill and am building my nerve. . ."

seminole13

Wow, another frickin' Einstein. It really isn't that hard folks. The OP and AZ ARE NOTthe same person (unless he/she has two logins).

I am new, I don't know ****. Not an elitist, quite the opposite really. IF you'd read the frickin' thread, you might get what has happened. Maybe I shouldn't have answered for DC as to why he asked what he did - but if you'd read the thread (see a pattern here?), you'd understand (or am I giving too much credit?).

Jebus. . .

dcbikeguy

Put down the crack pipe and step away from the computer.

Flame me bro, I am the one who made the initial remark. As for the 45 threads, I am less impressed than you. I don't start many (any?) threads - what have you to say about me?

03FinestAL

OK, I will admit that I did get a little lost here about who was who (that sometimes happens when I am multitasking here at work, and the majority of my attention is on my job and not the board).

But what I am saying is that this forum is for people that have questions and such about this hobby/sport.

Now how about we keep this to the subject of the original OP and move on? Man up and put your ego etc. to the back of the bus and let the knowledge flow.

We shouldn't be wasting time/bandwidth trying to put these individuals down or otherwise (needless to say I fell into this on the thread and will back out now).