I'm trying to ID my new (to me) bike. From what I've read, Merciers started having chrome ends around 2009, and maybe some were called deluxe? The serial number is U10L00570, so maybe it's a 2010. Thanks for any info on the date/model.

Can't help with the question but I like the alternating spacers, high flange hubs, nice pavers, stained doors, etc.

What saddle bag is that?


-Tim-

Thanks Tim!
The bag is a STW tool roll. STW on eBay

The way I read the topic, I thought you were seeing someone with a Kilo TT and wanted to know if you should upgrade

There is an element of truth in your interpretation, nightfly. Especially so since there’s been a recent, significant change in our relationship. Before I go too far with this though, I should state that I am definitely a man for women, and The Mercier, although I haven’t opened up the bottom bracket, is by all appearances masculine. So a friendship, a potential to be regular buddies.

I live in the foothills, and all the nicer rides require going uphill. So for a few weeks I’ve been keeping things single speed. However just yesterday I made a commitment to fixed, and that’s quite a change. As many of you know, we have no problem out on the open road, but in the city, with all kinds of people, interactions and distractions around, it can be a pretty scary relationship going fixed. I gotta say though, he’s stuck with me like glue, and whenever a tight turn is required, he’s right there – in fact, ready for the next chicane.

I’ve had a s.s./fixed relationship before, with a Jamis Sputnik, and I don’t know the mathematics of this, doesn’t matter, I thought the Sputnik handled well, but The Mercier is going to take my skills to another level. Quicker, more responsive, ready to dive into a dicey turn with nary a moments notice, and do so with finesse. Amazing.

I do have a geared partner, always have, and so for the past few weeks we’ve been transferring parts from other friendships – handlebars, stems, seats, pedals, etc. He was treated pretty roughly in the past, so I had to do a lot of cleanup, using touch-up paint on a ton of scars.

But now I’m curious about his history. I could imagine us sticking together, and perhaps in a couple of seasons talk about wheelsets. Are there others out there?

not sure what the point of dating it is. I don't think there has been much difference in Kilo over the years. Looks like Pro frameset but not the cranks or wheels that come on the current Pro. That's a nice stack of spacers you have

Thanks for the reply rms13, and for the info. I suppose there may not be much reason for figuring out the date, I just thought I'd try to learn.
Yeah, quite a stack of spacers on it. Maybe I should take another yoga class...

You still have a fair amount of saddle-to-bar drop there for a sporty ride. The frame may be too small for you.

Oh and #KiloTT

That's a very large can of worms. It feels pretty darn good. Right now I have a 100mm stem, and the next size larger frame has a 15mm longer top tube, so I'd likely have to go to a 90-95 stem. I've tried several online bike fit systems, and one professional fitting. Ideas appreciated though.

And thanks for the link to other KiloTT posts. Based upon its popularity, I think some attempt at keeping track of variations/models/dates is worthwhile.

don't think the kilo tt or bikes direct website have changed much in the last 10 years. it's still up to 60% off after all these years!

They never were on sale and still aren't. It is good marketing make people think you are blowing out all these bikes for some company that doesn't really exist except within the company trying to sell them. Not a bad little lie there.

At first I thought "Dating" was a metaphor for trying out a new bike to see if if was something to which you wanted to commit long term.

wouldn't call it good marketing, just gullible consumers buying junk products thinking they beat the system and got a $900 bike for $450. can't help but laugh that the same scheme is still working after all these years.

It's like the sale at every Futon store ever.

Can't help you with the serial numbers. That said, the Internet Archive Wayback machine can be a helpful resource for dating bikes from the past decade or so, since many companies (including Bikes Direct) have all of the bikes and model years listed on their websites.

From what I can tell, you have a "NEW Kilo TT PRO", a model that started in 2011.

https://web.archive.org/web/20110803...ott_pro_xi.htm

It's a bit of both. Granted the Pound Sign:Kilo TT is better than some of the crap being pedaled but not a great bike. The only mass market bike in the lower price point that I would ever want is Robin Williams' IRO Angus that he owned and rode and is now gracing a Louis Garneau T-shirt I got. However that is mainly because he owned it.