Billy Ketchum wrote:
I loved, and still love the Mercier paint and
> graphics, but there wasn't much else to distinguish them fom other
French
> bikes. The top of the line was nearly identical to a PX10, except for,
> maybe, an Ideale saddle, and a chrome fork crown - quite sexy! But the
> Peugeot seemed more purposeful.
I still have a Mercier 300 in my basement that I bought new in 1972 from a shop where I was a wrench. $208 wholesale. Bocama lugs, Nervex crown. I also have a 1972/73 ish Peugeot PX-10 I picked up several years ago (thanks Bob). What distinguishes the Mercier aside from the paint is the tighter geometry, noticeably shorter wheelbase than the Peugeot and steeper angles (head angle 75 or 76 degrees on the Mercier). Side-by-side the Mercier looks more purposeful, makes the Peugeot look like it has Raleigh Grand Prix geometry.
I think the Bobet's were made by or in the same plant as the Merciers. The head badges are the same as is the village name.
Steve Kinne, New York, NY
----------------------------------------- ****************************************************************** This E-mail is confidential. It may also be legally privileged. If you are not the addressee you may not copy, forward, disclose or use any part of it. If you have received this message in error, please delete it and all copies from your system and notify the sender immediately by return E-mail.
Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be timely, secure, error or virus-free. The sender does not accept liability for any errors or omissions. ****************************************************************** SAVE PAPER - THINK BEFORE YOU PRINT!