Art or bike ?

[pubrunner]

I've just spotted this for sale on Ebay . . . . . . .

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hetchins-Magn...s_GL?hash=item23031289a9&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

I thought, that's a lot of money !

But then I saw this . . . . . . .

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mercian-Vinci...s_GL?hash=item3ef8d1e7db&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14

Check out the paintjob - reminds of a cheap lollipop.

My missus would kill me if I ever spent that much on a bike.

IF you were to buy it, would you ride it ? Or simply put it on display ?

 

[tyred]

I have it on good authority (from a friend who has a long association and bought a few frames in his time) that the guys at Mercian hate having to paint their frames to look like an explosion in a paint factory.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

the curly hetchins is one of the first triumphs of marketing in cycling. at the time, the manufacturers name on bikes was not allowed on racing bikes engaged in competition. thus hetchins' bikes were easily identified by the curly seat and chain stays, which resulted in more sales.

that said, i've seen an original '43 curly hetchins in the flesh, and it's a lovely bike.

i reckon both of the bikes in those links are well over priced though, especially the mercian. the hetchins has too much modern kit on it imho.

 

[TheDoctor]

ArrrrrrGGGGhhhhHhhh!!! Mine eyes!!!!!!!

That is a truly horrid paint job IMHO. I'd only buy it in order to respray it!

 

[pubrunner]

I have it on good authority (from a friend who has a long association and bought a few frames in his time) that the guys at Mercian hate having to paint their frames to look like an explosion in a paint factory.

Regarding the number of colours used, they've certainly not followed a 'less is more' approach.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

an '07 build with campag delta brakes? hmm…

 

[Fab Foodie]

The hetchins has all the style of a Gypsy caravan.... and not the horse-drawn type. The Mercian is just too much of a good thing, why the buthered bars unless used for hill-climbs?

 

[pubrunner]

The Mercian is for sale for £4,450.00

But they're still asking another £50 for delivery !

 

[rich p]

It's had 4 declined offers. Tenner?

 

[threebikesmcginty]

No expense spared but it's got mavic open pro's - what are they £60 - 70 a wheel?!!

 

[Hilldodger]

If I was rich I'd buy both and then get myself filmed brush painting them with Hammerite

I couldn't post on here what I'd do to a Windcheetah

 

[XmisterIS]

Yes, yes, very nice ... if you like Multi-coloured bikes ...

but the question is,

Does it weigh less than carbon fibre or top-notch aluminium???!!!

It's all about the weight! Weight is everything!

I am a weight weeny when it comes to road bikes.

 

[just jim]

You could make up your own masterpiece for £8.79 plus vat.