Pinarello Sestriere or Mercian?

[Simonb]

This:

<URL:
http://www.bikebazar.com/ita/utenti/ricerca3.php3?46,1>

Or this:

<URL: http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/frame_pro_lugless.html>

This is a continuation of my bike build project. I've
decided that I have enough for a higher spec frame than I
initially planned for (Fort) -- and thought something nice
in steel might last longer than alu. I'm leaning towards the
Pinarello... because it's *a Pinarello*.

I'd appreciate your thoughts, too. 'cos you know stuff about
bikes and things.

 

[Zog The Undenia]

Simonb wrote:

> This:
>
> <URL:
> http://www.bikebazar.com/ita/utenti/ricerca3.php3?46,1>
>
> Or this:
>
> <URL:
> http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/frame_pro_lugless.html>
>
> This is a continuation of my bike build project. I've
> decided that I have enough for a higher spec frame than I
> initially planned for (Fort) -- and thought something nice
> in steel might last longer than alu. I'm leaning towards
> the Pinarello... because it's *a Pinarello*.
>
> I'd appreciate your thoughts, too. 'cos you know stuff
> about bikes and things.
>
I'd have one of Bob Jackson's off-the-peg frames before a
Mercian. If you really want Italian, then I think a De Rosa
or a Colnago have more class (but watch the weight of a
steel Colnago - all that chrome!)

 

[Peter Connolly]

Simonb wrote:
> This:
>
> <URL:
> http://www.bikebazar.com/ita/utenti/ricerca3.php3?46,1>
>
> Or this:
>
> <URL:
> http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/frame_pro_lugless.html>
>
> This is a continuation of my bike build project. I've
> decided that I have enough for a higher spec frame than I
> initially planned for (Fort) -- and thought something nice
> in steel might last longer than alu. I'm leaning towards
> the Pinarello... because it's *a Pinarello*.

I live about 10 miles away from Mercian. The bikes have an
excellent reputation locally, and you often see 40 or 50
year old examples on the CTC rides. I don't need another
bike, but if I did, I'd consider a Mercian frame. Good
reputation for repairs, as well.

The only thing against Mercian is that the staff are all
twendy racers. In my experience, normal (ok, non-optimally
shaped) cyclists are treated with disdain.

Pete.

 

[Arthur Clune]

Peter Connolly <[email protected]> wrote:
: Simonb wrote:
:> This:
:>
:> <URL:
:> http://www.bikebazar.com/ita/utenti/ricerca3.php3?46,1>
:>
:> Or this:
:>
:> <URL:
:> http://www.merciancycles.co.uk/frame_pro_lugless.html>

Personally I don't like the retro look of the Mercian, so
I'd go for the Pinatello. But that's just me. In fact, I'd
buy an Al frame anyway, but that's also just me.

--
Arthur Clune http://www.clune.org "Technolibertarians make a
philosophy out of a personality defect"
- Paulina Borsook

 

[Simonb]

Zog The Undeniable wrote:

> I'd have one of Bob Jackson's off-the-peg frames before a
> Mercian.

Does Bob Jackson have other off-the-peg frames than those
listed on the website? I don't go for all those lugs.

> If you really want Italian, then I think a De Rosa or a
> Colnago have more class (but watch the weight of a steel
> Colnago - all that chrome!)

De Rosa and Colnago are a bit too expensive for me (around
the £400 mark) -- unless you know otherwise?

 

[Simonb]

Arthur Clune wrote:

> In fact, I'd buy an Al frame anyway, but that's also
> just me.

Is this for the weight advantage?

 

[Arthur Clune]

Simonb <[email protected]> wrote:

: Is this for the weight advantage?

They are usually cheaper.

Arthur

--
Arthur Clune http://www.clune.org "Technolibertarians make a
philosophy out of a personality defect"
- Paulina Borsook