Bobs Bike Shed

The completed Mercian Vincitore

Front end

It looks good from any angle.

So as promised heres the completed Mercian. We were going for a classic look with modern equipment and I have to say it doesn't matter what angle your view it from, its just gorgeous.
So the full build comprises of a Mercian Vincitore frame in reynolds 725 tubing with hand cut lugs and vertical dropouts. A full Campagnolo Athena 11 speed group set and Chris King headset. Wheels comprise of british manufactured  Royce hubs, laced on to Mavic Open Pro rims with Sapim double butted stainless spokes. The wheels are shod the Challenge Criterium tyres and latex tubes. To finish I've fitted Ritchey 'Classic' bars and stem, a Miche seat post and a Koobi saddle. Oh yes and Time RXS first pedals.

So its been taken out on its first shake down ride and first impressions are good, no lets make that superb. The 753 tubing makes for a compliant yet sprightly ride with good feedback from the road coupled with decent accleration. It descends with ease and doesn't demonstrate any signs of  skittishness so you always feel in control. As to climbing well I need to examine this a bit more to give an accurate view but lets just say all the signs are good. Dialling in the Campag Athena 11 speed gears was reasonably straight forward and changing is clean and precise. The Challenege tyres are departure for me as I have always used Vittoria tyres in the past and again they haven't disappointed good rolling resistance at 8 bar pressure means the whole bike sings along very nicely.

Will let you know of any further thoughts as the miles unfold but if your interested in building something similar or want to discuss options why not give me a call on 07917031850 or email me at info@bobsbikeshed.co.uk