[CR]Mercian Geometry and Ride

(Example: Production Builders:LeJeune)

Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001 14:57:05 -0500
From: Jerry & Liz Moos <moos@penn.com>
To: Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]Mercian Geometry and Ride

I mentioned yesterday that I was looking for an Audax frame and strongly considering Mercian, which I think is a better value than Heron at the new Heron price. One thoughtful offlist response was from someone who didn't like the rather steep, in his view, seat angle and rather slack head angle. He liked Grant's design better in terms of angles. I tend to think that most highly regarded builders have designs that work, despite different approaches in terms of angles. However, his point is an important one, so it's worth asking those who actually own Mercians how they like the ride. In my size (54cm ctot) Mercian racing models seem to have 73deg head angles and 75deg seat angles, while touring and audax models are 72/74. The 72deg head angle gives a lot of trail, but this is offset by a long rake, at least by today's standards, of 48 to 54mm (not clear which rake is used on the 54cm frame). Thus trail is similar to bikes with steeper head angle and less rake. How do the Mercian owners rate the ride and handling, particularly on 100+ mile century/ audax type events?

Regards,

Jerry Moos