Mercian Rally GT 1981

[Velorum59]

In 1981 I gazed longingly at the Mercian Rally GT in the Freewheel catalogue. However the asking price of £267 was way beyond my budget so I ended up with a second hand Claud Butler Majestic for my daily 20 mile commute.

Fast forward 45 years and I have finally got one!

One owner from new with all original paperwork - well used but always looked after. Has completed at least one Lejog.

All original components aside from the Shimano rear hub with 8 speed cassette, rear derailer and Stronglight chainset.

I dont intend any major mods.

So far I have replaced the original rather worn Madison saddle with my favourite B17 and replace the plastic rear brake cable clips on the top tube with some stainless steel ones. I am going to fit a Spa super compact 44/28 chainset with MKS pedals. The Continental Gatorskin tyres are in good order but I have some wider Schwalbe Marathons on the way.

This will now be my daily utility bike and I fully expect it to outlive me!

 

[Sharky]

Very nice.
Have a soft spot for Mercians, I'm riding one in my profile picture.

 

[a.twiddler]

I actually ordered one via my LBS in 1982 in red but had to cancel due to financial considerations. Got my existing frame refurbished instead. Fortunately a fellow clubmate took over the order. It's possible he's still riding about on it now!

 

[Drago]

Looks like factory lug lining, and not the godawful DIY type people insist on inflicting upon defenceless bicycles. Pleasant.

 

[midlife]

Nice Haden lugs like the Campionissimo but better built

 

[Once a Wheeler]

Frank Colden on his BAR-winning Mercian in 1962. Maker's name carefully obscured
with a strip of tape to meet the anti-advertising rules of the day. The frame had a compact
seat cluster with the seat stays butting directly into the seat tube just below the saddle
clasp. Probably one of the lightest frames of its time.

 

[midlife]

Shot in seat stays .