Anybody know anything about the Alpha Mercury frames...
 

that keep popping up on eBay?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...136087188&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=98084

I kinda dig the gold paint. Are there any issues with the bent frame like that?

Tried a google search but didn't find anything.

These frames are made/designed by bike worx in Philly. I've seen them up close and they're actually kind of crappy. Really ugly. If you do buy one, just get the frame set cause the components are total junk.

Like what- they weigh a ton?

I bought one, my quick synopsis is here:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...&page=77&pp=25

post 1903

They're not that bad...

You honestly can't expect too much for $300.00.

I purchased this knowing what to expect, and that I'll probably end up building another fixie, so I'm not disappointed. It got me introduced, and hooked...

I'd give consideration to Mercier, if you're concerned with having a more traditional frame to build on.

If you look on the frame maker's website, they use a combination of 4130 & 2010(cheapo) cromoly. That's why it's so inexpensive.

You get what you pay.

You can get a windsor track (real nice in person, minimal decals compared to the fuji trak) for under 350 from ebay which is nicer than the alpha.
Yes it is pretty heavy and like the earlier poster said the components are what you would expect and less even. The track ends with the things that hold wheel in place are really clunky looking.

You Get What You Pay For.

it seems to me that the bends in the tubes would add weight while decreasing strength...

and the bends don't seem to be there for clearance...

It is like a pseudo funny bike... I just don't get it. I'd much rather recycle a "vintage" frame than shop bottom-of-the-line.

That's what I'm probably going to do, but I was just checking out my options. I've got a Tange 900 frame (whooptie doo) that is my current project bike. It seems to be decent. Decent enough to give me some time to pick out and save up for a nice frame.

And thanks for the in-depth info, jerry.

Sure, no prob. If you already have a decent frame, I'd continue on with that.. I just needed a quick solution cheap. Already scoping frames...

that Dr. Frankenstein guy is a trip. probably weirdest inner-tube buying experience ever.

Which Mercier?

The Mercier in question can be seen in this thread. I believe it's the same thing/bike as the KHS Flite 100?

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...hlight=mercier

Didn't see any on ebay, but I admit I didn't really look very hard..