A story...
Went there several years ago and I was like a kid in a sweet shop. The shop was *filled* wth a vast range of glorious, beautiful Mercian steeds and framesets of all sorts and colours. Beautiful objects. I *wanted* one. The folk there were helpful, interested - MrWC got measured up as he was thinking of getting a new bike.
Cut to a several of years later.
Gino, my trusty Bianchi tourer was in much need of a refurbishing. Gino was/is my 'everyday' bike and as he *fits* I wanted to get him refurbished rather than a new bike. I wanted to keep that bike as I love it.
So... cue visit to Mercian.
What a difference. And not a positive one.
The shop had nowhere near as many bikes/framesets on display. Stood in the shop for ages, frameset in hand before anyone took any notice. Staff member was perfunctory at best. Took some details down, paid deposit - left. I had *nigglings*
Many weeks later, past the date I had been told my frame would be ready by, the frame arrived back. They do know how to pack a frameset for the post - that is true.
Got frameset out - examined. This was not a cheap respray jobbie. For what we paid, I could have bought a new frameset. I was not overly impressed. Yes, the colour is *gorgeous*, but for what was paid for the work, I expected better. There is the odd run - the odd unevenness, the odd scratch. Yes, there are in places that when the bike was built up again, you wouldn't notice them unless pointed out. But I know they're there and I know how much was paid.
Now I could have sent the frameset back to say I wasn't happy with it, but that was going to take many more weeks with bike not available to me. So I didn't. Now though, I won't go back to Mercian. I was one of those who, if I'd been able to afford the dosh, would have loved to have a custom-build from there. Now I'm not. And I've since found out I'm not the only one who has had a less than satisfactory experience. Now, as and when Gino requires refurbishment in the future, I'll get him done at a local powder-coat place, to get a bomb-proof, but less 'bright' finish, but at a price where I don't expect perfection. Customer service will probably be better too.
