Re: [CR]Jim Merz frames

Jim Merz built bike frames in Portland, OR from 1975 until late in 1982, when he shut down his shop and went to work for Specialized as a designer. Merz could build a track or 'cross bike, and built superlative road racing bikes, but touring bikes were where he stood out. He made bikes with tubular steel racks--generally shorter and quicker steering than most other touring rigs of his time--and matching panniers also made in POrtland. Jim worked as a machinist before becoming interested in cycling, learned about framebuilding at Strawberry Cycles under Andy Newlands, and opened his own shop at NW 21st and Everett producing IMHO a vastly superior product to his mentor. I think about 150 frames were produced, he mostly used Columbus tubing with some Reynolds 531 and 753 bikes also coming out including two 753 frames for pro rider George Mount. Merz used BCM lugs and crowns, finished seatstays with flat tops a la Schwinn Paramount, and decorated the bikes with simple graphics and paint. His painter was Virginia Church, one of the few other mechanics with whom I'd trust my own bike. To this day, many Portland bikies hold Merz machines in high regard. I'd consider them one of the best bikes ever made, myself. Jim now lives on Bainbridge Island, WA, and works for the Browning company.
David Feldman
Vancouver, WA