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Chris Barbour's 1956 Mercian, recently with us for renovation (see history for "before" photo). "A Brampton headset lock washer came courtesy of the Ripley Jumble. Front brake Weinmann 730, in attached photos the mudguard stays are scandalously untrimmed, but now are in good order. It turned out beautifully and rides very nicely indeed. The bike will see a lot of use."	Spoke Cyclery sponsored team, 1980's, Boulder, Colorado, USA. One of these Mercian Colorados has recently been acquired by Russ Fitzgerald (Vincitore Special owner), whose particular bike was originally ridden by Tom Mereness.	Russ Fitzgerald, South Carolina, USA, Vincitore Special. “I love this bike. This is the most controllable fixed gear I’ve ever ridden, and by far the most comfortable. It’s stable and nimble at the same time. Its ride is equal of my favourite bike with gears, and that one cost more than twice as much. After two rides, my Vincitore has already joined the very small stable of bikes that I will never, ever part with.”
Tony Shardlow, Beacon RCC, and Mercian topping the Galibier. Tony has been riding Mercian frames since 1961, always "Kings".	John Denning, Nevada City, Mercian Professional. "I've been riding my new bicycle for a few weeks now and I couldn't ask for better! It is a very comfortable ride. It is also a good performer - the power transfer from the peddles to the rear wheels is very efficient, making a very good climber. On the descents the bike is very stable and responds well to counter-weighting on the curves - it's also as fast as hell."	Matlock, Derbyshire, long distance specialist Louise Rodgers completed the 2003 epic 1200km Paris-Brest-Paris ride – despite being knocked from her Mercian by a motorcyclist before the halfway mark.
Louise Rodgers and Richard Thoday on a recent visit to our shop.	Canyon Mountain bike, owned by Gav, Mercian's mountain bike man.	Mercian 2002 Professional model Track bike, belonging to Kiil of Bicycle Habitat, New York. Close up of the Professional's spearpoint bottom bracket. Photo from www.bikecult.com
Chris Barbour, Boston, MA. and 1956 Mercian, photo "shot on a rare day in January when the thermometer rose above 20F."	Mercian 2002 Professional model Track bike, belonging to Kiil of Bicycle Habitat, New York. King headset, Miche Primato crankset, hubs and seatpost, Nitto bars and stem, MKS pedals. Photo from www.bikecult.com	Chris Barbour's 1959 Mercian headlugs showing with a rare design cut out on the Nervex lugs.
Ian Skinner's Tom Crowther cycle.	Shop Manager, Jeff, in full flight!	Tim Humphries, fixed gear 531C Mercian. "Set up for riding in the Chiltern Hills. It has mudguards 700 x 28 tyres, 18 tooth sprocket, and definitely a brake (legal and sane)."
Kyle Brooks' 631 Professional, in Leaf Green Pearl, with contrasting White barber's pole. The frame was photographed before despatch to the US for our frame section, (thanks Kyle).	Kyle Brooks, Mercian Professional, equipped with Campy Super Record equipment.	Ruth Dorrington collecting her new Mercian Velocita.
Ruth Dorrington trying out her Mercian Velocita for the first time, Easter Saturday.	David L. Casebeer, Major, USAF (Ret) owns a 1977 Mercian Professional with over 175,000 miles. A 2000 Prolugless 853, 40,000 miles since 15 August 2000 (photographed above), at Faunsdale Alabama Crawfish Fest. "Four cyclists and 500 Harley Davision Motorcycles." "Between my brother, Dan (owner of Grand Performance Cycles, St Paul MN), wife Cindy and myself, we have owned Mercians since 1971. (soon to be two) Prolugless 853, Four Professionals, a Superlight, Vigorelli, two King of Mercia's. My original was an Olympic bought in 1971. All but three are still with us."	Chris Laumb sent us pictures of his newly built up Mercian. "I could not be happier with it. Grant and John were great to work with and they handled all my peculier requests with ease. People who have seen the bike are amazed at the value of your frames with all the "hand" work that is involved. Thanks again for everything." Chris Laumb St. Cloud, Minnesota USA
Another picture of Chris Laumb's Mercian, in St. Cloud, Minnesota USA.	Javier's loan Mercian outside NASA!	Jim Madara sent us pictures of his King of Mercia. "Here are shots of my bike, set up with a Sturmey Archer AW 3 speed hub, which I just rode in the annual Seattle to Portland bike ride (206 miles). A really great bike, which many people comment on when they see me riding it."
1956 Ron Webster winning the Mannin Veg in the Isle of Man in the record time of 1:37:25.1 on his 1951 Mercian. Second was CD Staff Of Wigmore CC (1:37:25.4) followed by R Sefton of 34 Nomads (1:37:26.4) During the race he was the last rider through Ramsey but won the other three primes at Creg Willys, North Barrule and the Bungalow.	Paul Andry's striking Vincitore Special. "Please share these pictures with your crew as they should be proud of such a fine product." Paul's home town, Louisiana USA, have converted an old railway track to a biking / jogging path called "Rails for Trails". Having rode the Vincitore Special home one day along the path - he wrote ..... (see pic 2)	... "I would have to say that this was one of the most pleasurable experiences I have had in many years. Not only is this a beautiful bicycle that I am proud to own, but it also reminds me of a time in my life when I owned a Mercian very much like this one - especially when riding in the country on a beautiful day. Thank you to everyone for all your extraordinary efforts" Paul Andry
"Wow! Please thank everyone involved in the creation of my Super Vigorelli. I received the frame this morning and just finished building it. Quite honestly I can't stop gawking at it. It is - hands down - the most beautiful bike I've ever seen, and the fit is beyond my expectations. Thank you so much". - Tal Hardman.	Michael Sutton and Mercian Audax at the gates of Elvaston Castle, Derby.	Michael Sutton and Mercian Audax. "In 2004 the CTC Birthday Rides were based in Great Longstone, Derbyshire. This happens to be where my mum lives, so I thought I would augment the Wrath Grimpeur Audax (65 miles, with over 2,000 metres of climbing) by cycling there and back. This picture was taken at Saltersford Chapel, just before the climb of Pym's Chair."
Nick Tennant sent us a picture of his Strada Speciale Reynolds 631 in Anquetil Flamboyant Blue, Campagnolo Centaur group with Mavic Open Pros. Looking good!	Georgia, USA. Peter Wilkinson's 1980 Olympic Special, built up following it's recent rejuvination at the Mercian workshop, Derby UK.	Steve Canaday's Vincitore Special. As with all the pics, the pixel limitation on this gallery do not do this pic justice. "The craftsmanship is excellent. A most distinctive and unique look thus generating many positive comments. I just love riding it. Vincitore is a fun bike to ride. Doing business with Mercian Cycles was a most pleasant experience. And it’s often rumored that during lunch hours Steve “has left the building” to ride his bike."
Charles O'Toole of Charleston, South Carolina, sent us 3 pictures of his 1977 Vincitore Special. Renovated in 1999, although the chrome is original. See 2 other pictures including complete bike.	Picture 2 of Charles O'Tooles Vincitore Special, "ridden on an almost daily basis. It is waxed a lot!"
		Peter Keeling's Velocita, Chorus Triple equipped, in British Racing Green Enamel with Yellow Enamel bands. Look pedals, Open Pro CD rims, Michelin Meganium yellow tyres.
Super Vigorelli track bike, built in 631 tubing, finished in Green Polychromatic with Gold Mercian block transfers. Miche track hubs, Mavic Open Pro rim, Miche track chainset, Miche pedals, Ambrosio bars, stem and seat pillar, Continental Ultra Gatorskin tyres, Shimano Ultegra front brake. £1100 for bike shown, or build to your own spec.	The head lugs shown of Mick Polin's Mercian. Mick cut and filed the lugs himself, we'd be very proud of those!	Mick Polin of Mousehole, Cornwall, sent us this picture of his Mercian "Rolling Wave". Looks great with the harbour view. See other pictures also.
Close up picture of Mick Polin's bottom bracket. Mick cut his own lugs and sent his master work for us to build the frame for him.	"To staff at Mercian Cycles, Thought you might be interested in some photos of the Vincitore Special you recently built for me. The bike is beautifully balanced and perfectly set up, thank you. In a few days I will be riding the Land's End - John O' Groats, it should be a pleasure on a bike like this. Thanks again, Mike Freeman."	Dear Mercian I'm attaching a photo of my bike for you to put in your gallery. This is a King with Nervex lugs which was originally built as a fixed wheel machine in 1986. I purchased it second-hand from the shop in 1995 and had it resprayed in 2003. It's a satisfying mixture of retro paintwork with modern equipment. Best wishes David Jones"
Herve Morvan's Pro Lugless, in oversize tubing, finished in Gunmetal Grey Polychromatic with Silver transfers. Shimano Ultegra equipped, A-head stem and cateye computer.	A photo entitled "bike porn" seen on cycling forum http://bikereader.com/forum/index.php I hope the owner doesn't mind us using this lovely pic!	Pam Billington's new Pro Lugless. Pam sent us this picture and told us "how delighted I am with my new Mercian, it rides like a dream. I, and everyone who has seen it, is impressed with the immaculate brazing and the most professional way the wheels were built. In fact the whole bike cannot be faulted."
"I recently received my new frame which was superbly constructed and finished exactly in accordance with my requests. The ride quality even exceeded the finish. It is a joy to own and I wish to thank all involved in producing such a high quality product." Kind words from Tony Willis following receipt of his new King of Mercia frame.	Antonio Soares and friends on a recent visit to our shop to order a Mercian. "I live in Sao Paulo, Brazil and one of the main reasons why I choose to spend my vacation in England was the opportunity to know this legendary shop and have a custom model made to suit my unconventional demands." Left, Antonio Carlos Soares holding the order form. Center, Nelson Antoine in green. Right, Roberto Medeiros resting in style	Put yourself and your Mercian on the map! New www.frappr.com map for you to add yourself to the worldwide Mercian community, with a picture if you like. Otherwise email your pics to us and we'll gladly put you in our gallery too!
Peter Jordain's C Bertrand renovated here at the Derby workshop had the honour of winning awards at the All British Cycling Event, Minnesota, USA. Peter's Bertrand frame won - "Best Restoration" and "Best of Show/Peoples' Choice Award," the latter award being voted on by the participants themselves. Peter said "This is the first and only show in which I've entered the bike and everyone thought that it was an amazing eye catcher. I set the steed up as a time trial bike with spearpoint extension, Reynolds track-style bars, etc, and aflip-flop free/fixed hub. Praise indeed! Thanks Peter for the info.	Oscar Casander sent us this pic of his Mercian. "it has seen more than 6000 km until now, and I must admit I never had a bike before that rode as easily on long distance tours! I am really very pleased with the comfort that it offers. It is very stable and has plenty of rigidity for packed touring. I want to compliment the folks from the workshop for building a frame with such a beautiful finish and excellent build quality. I also think the colour combination works out very nicely, with the pearl orange and pearl white. A lot of people appreciate it. The pearl orange is a quite mysterious colour, which can look very different depending on the type of light. I noticed that it is very difficult to photograph, so I did some manual touchup to have it look accurately on the photo."	Fraser Cunningham, long standing friend of Mercian crew, and ex South Pennine Road Club member (now living in USA) recently sent across his Mercian frame for renovation for respray in South Pennine colours, which are turquoise, orange and black. cheers Fraser
Arone, New York, USA. Pictured at Raceway Park. See Latest News for details of the Vincitore and picture in oils/acrylic of this frame.	Arone with Vincitore and friend, New York, USA. Arone is a member of cycling team, Champion Systems, based in Brooklyn.	Arone on her Vincitore and Taliah (bicycle artist - see latest news). 2005 season was my first at Kissena Velodrome, in Queens. I was awarded Female rider of the year, and First place in the Wednesday night omnium series there. I've also raced in several alleycats (races through city streets), usually on the Mercian. I did a 5-day stage race from Boston to New York on it, placing 9th overall (out of 30 male and female participants) and First Female. I also commute on it, which probably isn't the best idea in this city. (Brooklyn, NY)"
Arone at Raceway Park. Arone's Vincitore track bike has been painted in oils/acrylic by artist Taliah Lempert, see latest news for full story and a pic or www.bicyclepaintings.com	"pictures of my newly built King of Mercia in Ice Blue Pearl, from Louisville KY USA. I went with a Shimano DA/Ultegra build because I had most of the group already. I really like the Nitto stem and Nitto Noodle handlebars - they are great for a light touring and day riding set-up." Mark Webb	Mark Webb and Mercian, Louisville KY. USA.
"I would like to share my appreciation of my gorgeous bike! I discovered this wonderful King of Mercia frame (#34, built in 1987) at Paul's Bike Shop in Eugene, OR in 1996. They had fun working with me on building it up with Suntour brakes, Nitto bars, and a mix of Shimano 105/600/Dura-Ace components. Phil, the mechanic, said he loved working with the frame, and consider myself very lucky to have found a great combination of the wonderful craftsmanship in the frame and mechanic. And I had a lucky find with Wheelsmith-built Mavic 571 hubs/SUP rim wheelset, too. I smile every time I look at it and ride it!" Susan Lanphere	George Walker's Professional track bike. Finished in White Enamel with White Pearl head tube and bands on seat tube.	George Walker's Professional track bike. London.
Pete Richardson's 1950s Mercian, newly renovated at the workshop.	Down tube transfers on late 40's - early 50's Mercian Pro Lugless frame brought in for renovation, these transfers have not been seen by anyone here before, they are smaller than the Gothic transfers used today with ornate shadowing still showing on the transfer - lovely! See other pics.	Sarah Walters sent us a picture and email about Champagne Pearl Velocita. "it was a perfect fit - I didn't have to fiddle with a single thing. It was obvious that all was right straight away and that you had stuck to the brief and produced a light, comfortable and fast bike for me. It is incredibly light but extremely comfortable, and the efforts we went to get full-sized wheels onto the little frame were worth it - they are excellent wheels, light, spin up to speed quickly and the whole bike is light and fast." (full email in news section.)
"This is a photo of my partner, Alan Lane and I with our 1978 tandem. We've done hundreds of miles on her and will be doing the London to Brighton on her this June.... Caroline Collins"
	Julian Bentley's Canyon - "here's a picture of the bike made up - I reckon the website could use some more MTB pics! The ride on it is superb, I keep telling people how good it is..."	"A photo of my built up bike for the gallery. The weather has been great here so I’ve been out on it a number of times. What a silky smooth bike! It is without a doubt the most comfortable bike I’ve ever ridden. I am enjoying it tremendously." Tom Stolzer
"Proud Celt - Mercian steed" Brian, Swansea, with his Super Vigorelli	We just got back from our first large organized ride of the year - the Tour de Chesapeake in Mathews VA May 20-21 2006. Here are two pictures of me and my Mercian (KOM in ice blue pearl) from the ride. The picture on the dock is alongside the crew rowing shed in Mathews. The rides were 62 miles long on Saturday and we did a quick 15 miles Sunday. Lovely back roads free of traffic, showcasing the southern areas of Chesapeake Bay, very close to Yorktown VA. My Mercian is an amazing bicycle - built with Reynolds 531 steel it is a truly comfortable all day cycle ! Thanks !! Mark Webb	We just got back from our first large organized ride of the year - the Tour de Chesapeake in Mathews VA May 20-21 2006. (KOM in ice blue pearl) The picture shows me and my sister Dee at Gwinn Island with my Mercian. The rides were 62 miles long on Saturday and we did a quick 15 miles Sunday. Lovely back roads free of traffic, showcasing the southern areas of Chesapeake Bay, very close to Yorktown VA. Mark Webb
Hi, What a great web site, I'm what is called a "silver surfer", and I came across the Mercian Bikes site, I was blown away to find that you are still making these hand made frames, at the age of sixteen in 1949 I went by train to Coventry, from Northampton, I was a member of the Queen Eleanor CC, to buy a frame, I bought a Mercian track frame 73 parallel 22 top tube 22 seat tube, metal grey it cost 13 pounds and another 3 pounds for a Chatter Lea chain set with the longer cranks 11 inches I think, I understood at the time that Reg Harris's Raleigh's were the same configuration, at the age of seventeen I rode this bike in the Dun Laoghaire Civic Cycling Week 25 TT on the Navarne Rd., in a 1 hour twenty secs taking out third place in a field of if I remember right 117, Basil Frances held the record at that time with a 58 something, but then came the Higgins Twins and the times tumbled. I have lived in New Zealand for fifty years but have great memories of my cycling days. How I would love to have that bike now. Attached me at sixteen. - John Poole, Auckland N.Z.	You might recall building a singlespeed mountain frame towards the end of last year. Well, here I am at last getting back to you about it - firstly to thank you for the frame which has proven to be a delight and secondly in order to send you a couple of pictures that you might find useful. When you see them you will understand perhaps why I specified a singlespeed - for this kind of mountain biking, the extra weight and complication of gears is no advantage, whereas light weight and reliability are. All the best and thank you again, Dafydd Chilton.	Another picture of Dafydd Chilton's single speed Mercian Canyon, "taken on or near Carnedd Dafydd, one of the (slightly) lesser known peaks in Snowdonia."
On a recent visit to our workshop, designer Sir Paul Smith was happy to pick up the brazing torch and have a go at frame building. It might be worth a mention that Paul Smith Mercian frames haven't be built by the designer! Only our framebuilders have been entrusted with building the Paul Smith for Mercian frames. But the frame design, paint and component specification for the PS bikes were all chosen by Paul Smith. See our Paul Smith page for full details.	"Loaded up and on the road just outside of Budapest, my 1995 Mercian Audax is still going strong. It's classic lugged design and Reynolds 531C makes it comfortable for long days on bad roads, It feels so familiar--like my old competition bike, a Clement designed 70's Falcon San Remo Equipe." - Dean Kernan	Pat Leishman and her Miss Mercian on one of her End-to-End rides for charity. See the News section for the full article from The Northern Wheel magazine.
Richard Thoday won a bronze medal in time-trialling’s National 24-hour Championship on a 40 year old fixed wheel Mercian! In only his second attempt at the most gruelling of time trial disciplines, he covered 451.352 miles.	John Denning, Nevada City, CA, sent us some photos of his Mercian Professional. "The wheels are Mavic Open Pro's, with Swiss DT revolution double-butted spokes, and Dura-Ace hubs. The 3 cross spoke pattern on theses wheels, combined with the lugged Reynolds 531 Comp is nothing short of fabulous. Other things that are not obvious are the large spoked pulleys on the derailleur cage, and the spoked titanium cogs on the cassette."	Mercian 2002 Professional model Track bike, belonging to Kiil of Bicycle Habitat, New York. King headset, Miche Primato crankset, hubs and seatpost, Nitto bars and stem, MKS pedals. Photo from www.bikecult.com
One of Chris Barbour's Mercians - a King Of Mercia, "taken during an afternoon of rough stuff last fall in eastern Massachusetts."	Gerald Zanussi, Kansas City, Missouri, sent us pictures of his 1981 Professional "special", built for Stones Cyclery in Alameda.	Picture showing bottom bracket spearpoints on 1981 Professional Special. Gerald Zanussi, Kansas City, Missouri.
George Martin's Vincitore Special, which happened to be ready to go when the photographer came to take pictures - hence the look of the photo.	Ian Skinner's Mercian Olympique 1961. Transfer close ups are shown in the history section of the site.	Steve Swift collecting his Campag equipped 853 Pro Lugless from the Mercian shop.
One of Keith Walker's Mercians, a 653 Strada Speciale in light blue enamel. "My beautifully built and finished Mercian frame sits on a pair of fantastic Mercian built wheels.The groupset is Campag Chorus with Cinelli bars and stem. Used only for fast pleasure riding,the bike feels great around the byways and hills of Dorset"	Pete Johnson's Mercian fixed gear, "Reynolds 853 fillet brazed frame custom built earlier this year to my own spec by the guys at Mercian. TA Alize 175mm Track cranks. Miche hubs on Mavic Open Pro rims, laced radially at the front. 44/16 gearing. ITM Millenium bars, stem & seatpost. Campag Xenon front brake. The Mudguards (Fenders) will come off in the Summer. This is my favourite bike at the moment and is a blast to ride around the lanes here in Derbyshire UK."	Tomás Cintado fixed gear Vincitore. Tomás' friend found this frame in rubbish in 1997! "It is a very good bike for the winter in Northern Illinois. The gearing right now is 44-18 and I am riding monster Hutchinson Globbertrotter 38 mm tires. In the summer, I'll put on skinnier tires and take the fenders off. It is a pleasure to ride this bike." Nice find!
Allen Pettitt, National Masters Track champion 2001 and 2002, in full flight on his new Velocita.	Terence Slack of Tyldesley, Greater Manchester sent us a great letter and pictures when he discovered Mercian cycles through the Internet - after buying his new 1975 Mercian and wanting to find out more about it. (see Latest News 28 Sept for the whole letter).	Terry Harborne sent us a picture of his audax/winter bike, a Bianchi Blue Mercian. Terry built the bike up himself from "what is a fantastic looking frame".
Thanks to all the folks at Mercian. My 2005 Professional feels great and looks great. Also thanks to Hal and the others at Bicycle Habitat that put it together. Daniel Wrona N.Y.C.	"Best British Bike, LeCirque Show, Greensboro.NC USA 6/11/06" - John Crump	"I have been blown away by the bike and it has exceeded all expectations. The workmanship is sublime, the bike attracts attention from cyclist and non-cyclist alike. I have never ridden a bespoke cycle before and the feel of riding a bit that fits like a glove is amazing. The bike itself is joy to ride, a great mix of responsiveness with the comfort that steel provides. In summary, thanks, I love the bike and will continue to do so for a long time!" - Rory Wilkinson, Cambridge.
one of Jim Cole's Mercians, King of Mercia pictured in Memphis	Ian Skinner's Tom Crowther cycle, recently renovated by Mercian - who also built this Tom Crowther frame.	Steve Swift and 853 Pro Lugless Campag equipped Mercian.
"2 pictures from a Spanish guy spending a summer at Houston, Texas, USA! I came here to Houston for 2 months to stay in a lab, completing my PhD. I had no car, but a friend of mine here let me an "old" bike that he wasn't using. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the bike was not only an "old" bike but a "classic". I have enjoyed a lot riding the bike in the streets of Houston." Javier	A picture from long standing Mercian friend, rider and dealer Paul Nicholson, Bicycle Way of Life, Eugene Oregon. "The yellow Mercian my son is using was my first Mercian, a lovely 1978 K.O.M. The Celeste Mercian that my daughter is riding was my wife's first Mercian, a 1981 Olympic. My blue Mercian and Ginnie's Mixte are both of relatively recent manufacture."	Ron Webster's 1951 Mercian. He has had to replace the Campagnolo gears, the wheels and the pedals in recent years but still rides tubular tyres (or singles as they are know in Australia).
Nick Ball sent us this picture and email "I bought a Mercian track frame and some track wheels from you about a month ago. I travelled to Derby from Devon to collect the frameset etc. I have now finished building the bike having struggled getting some parts. I enclose a picture as I thought you and Mercian might like to see the finished bike. It rides like a dream and I am very pleased with it. Thanks for your help and guidance when I visited your shop.	Russ Fitzgerald, Colorado, recently bought a Mercian Colorado. On checking frame records we found it to be one of the Spoke team frames (see photo above). Russ sent us this photo "currently set up in experimental mode with 650B wheels and centerpull brakes. Yes, it does adapt quite nicely! I may have to break down and fit mudguards and nicer 650B tires. There's more about it at www.freewebs.com/650b/russmercian.htm on Ken Stagg's 650B site."	A picture, taken by Jeff, of the old Stenson Road shop and Grant and Joy working away! The Stenson Road shop was home to Mercian Cycles from 1971 until 1984 when we moved to the current shop in Alvaston.
Joyce Webster of Tamworth, NSW Australia kindly sent us a selection of photos - "My husband, Ron, formerly of Derby Ivanhoe CC, bought this bike from Mercian in 1954. He was told that it had previously belonged to Lou Barker. The frame numbers identifies it as being built in 1951. See more pics	Ron Webster and 1951 Mercian, having just finished the time trial in the 70 - 74 years age group in the NSW Masters Games head near Coffs Harbour in 2000. He won the gold medal. He also won the silver medal in the road race at the same games.	Craig Montgomery sent us this pic of his Mercian. We don't get many cacti around these parts Craig, thanks for the pic.
Charles O'Toole Vincitore. "all of the equipment is old Campy Super Record, inc pedals, bb, etc. Even the dropouts are without eyelets for fenders, head lugs are chromed (your original chroming has lasted since 1977!). Wheels are Campy high flange hubs with Fiamme Ergal rims and sewups. Bearings are 100% ceramic (even in the pedals and custom made pulley wheels), so it is very hi-tech."	"I've been a keen cyclist for a long time, but have only recently heard of Mercian cycles, when I bought this racer. It was only designed with a 6 speed rear mech (the only thing changed since I bought the bike), so I'm guessing that it was built for time trialing. Its probably hard to see from the photos, but the decoration around the lugwork and the lugwork itself are some of the most intricate and best I've ever seen. Despite its age, the bike is incredibly light and rides lovely - I went out with a friend on a run, who has a brand new aluminium/carbon fibre job, and had no problems keeping up. I think the bike will be good for many years to come. I love the colour too! Keep up the good work." Daniel Bool,Bristol	Andrew Barrett and Mercian arriving at the finish line of a charity ride, USA "let’s just say that the 30 year old Mercian did it in about 2 hours less than the much more modern ‘mountain’ bike ridden by my work colleague. I kept telling him that he needed narrower tyres, toe clips and a far lighter frame, but would he listen…Not that it was about winning or anything, obviously. Whilst there were a lot of very modern, and very nice-lookin