Mercian King Of Mercia Build - Decisions,Decisions!

[winjohn]

The problem was that it would not hold tension on small cog / small ring while did not have enough slack to cope on big cog /big ring. Do you have the standard cage?

 

[bikeworkshop]

The distance between axle and derailleur mount, and its relative angle, can make 32 or 34 the limit, but chain length and derailleur tension seem to pay a part too - oh and the b-adjust

 

[winjohn]

I set the thing up by putting the chain on the smallest cog and the smallest chain wheel. I split the chain so that the mech was just still providing tension. This meant the chain could not have been left any longer than this in this set up. Then when going up to the big chain wheel the chain was too short to allow the mech to select the largest cog.
I guess I could try a hanger extender (I have one) and I have heard the B screw adjust can help.
I can see how adjusting the b screw could allow a little longer chain to be left but I can't see it gaining much. I might try the extender too since I have one.

I can now see I made a mistake in my sequencing of this. If I had started on "big/big" then moved to "small/small" i would have not cut the chain so short which would have left me the options of trying the B screw and wolf tooth fixes. Every day's a school day when fixing old bikes!

The low-normal XT seems to shift a little better though, crisper and quieter. I guess it is a newer design. I now have both options as possibles but I feel that I will always be close to the limit with the older standard cage XT and the newer one is under less strain.

I'll see how things work out over a few rides. Things to consider are:
1. Which one works best during riding, ease of use, noise, reliability.
2. Which one looks better.
3 Whether I am at all bothered about period authenticity with this build or whether fitness for pupose is more important. I think I am leaning towards the later.

Since these Mercians are pretty much custom builds there is no original right specification although obviously for some, the period authenticity is important. The KoM was built for a tough high mileage job though and I'd imagine most owners over the years would change parts as they wore out with newer kit as it became available so I feel I am paying homage to that philosophy here.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Set your chain length big on big plus two links.

 

[Gregag]

Good thinking. Doubles are somehow more elegant than triples too.

Just checked my Royal and that too has a black stem...they're breeding around here!

If you like the triple but aren't going to need the big gears, get a chain guard.
Then you can put a neater double FC on and never have scraped knuckles from the chainset when fettling.
Easier to clean as well. And no need for trouser toe clips on the Mercian

 

[winjohn]

I was think of a chain guard and getting rid of the big ring but instead lost the granny since I had the chainrings available to give me 46/34 which seems a good range.
I am now looking at the chainline to see which option gives the best result.
Having the chain guard is definitely a good idea though.
Nice bike btw

 

[georges1]

So I went on a short test ride today to introduce my King Of Mercia to The King of Wessex...see photo in Today's Rides.

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/todays-ride.303296/page-558#post-3656929

I had it in a bit of a Frankenbike state, 105 brifters and 105 downtube shifters! It has confirmed that I need to go for the 105 brifters though so a useful exercise. I will take the advice and go 2x8, I won't be going bike packing or touring on it so no super low ratios needed. The 105 levers worked brilliantly with the XT cantis though.

This is the current state of play, seatpost and stem both at max limit but at the fit is good in this set up. Decisions now around seat and bar tape colours, tan or white?

Oh and I still need to replace those Sputnik rims with some new ones.

View attachment 900148

Pretty nice bike

 

[winjohn]

KoM now pretty much in its finished state, sans rack and mudguards.

Spec as follows:
1992 Mercian KoM, 531competition, 58cm frame
Mixed groupset: XTR long cage rear mech, 105 front mech, 105 STIs, XT cantis.
Stronglight cranks with 46, 36 chainrings
8 speed Shimano 11-32 cassette
Deore LX hubs with old worn Sputnik rims (to be replace with new)
Deore LX pedals
Spa Cycles Foss leather saddle
Campagnolo Aero Seatpost
ITM super Itaia Pro 2 Handlebars
ITM Mercian stem
Campagnolo Headset
Shimano BB

 

[kermisking]

Nice bike John , what is it like to ride ?

 

[winjohn]

Hi Stuart, I Have not ridden it since the latest changes but last week when I tried it was very smooth indeed and fit me well. Too windy and wet today but should have a chance for a longer run tomorrow, hopefully I can get some mudguards on before then.
Thanks very much for the frame it is absolutely perfect, it was it excellent shape with the paint still very fresh, remarable for its age really. If I look back to a post I made when I bought the original bike with the smaller frame I can see my plan then was to build that bike, sell it and buy another in my size. This way, by stripping the original bike and swapping the frame I have ended up with the perfect result for me.
This one is definitely a keeper, I always wanted a Mercian and it feels great to have something from one of the old bespoke makers rather than something mass produced.
John