Mercier Kilo WT

Ever since spotting a single speed at Goodwill a couple of weeks ago, I have been on the lookout to add one to my stable of bicycles.  The bike at Goodwill was unbranded but had pegs for racks and accessories.  It was listed for a very reasonable $45.

Since then I have been trolling Facebook Marketplace and keeping an eye out in the $50-$150 range.  This Mercier popped up a few days ago in Golden for $50 and I had to take a look.  It was beat up with spots of rust all over the place.  The tires were flat and the handlebar tape was unraveling.  However, the size felt good and despite being a little sluggish all signs pointed towards purchase.

Getting it home, I gave it a good once over.  I washed it, lubricated the drivetrain and tightened the brake cables.  I removed the rear flashing light that was no longer operational.  Finally, I patched up the handlebar tape as best as I could.  I do not want to clean it up too much as I do not want it to be a target for theft if I ride it around town.

No upgrades are necessary for the intended function.  I did order some new handlebar tape ($2.50 Temu).  I may still order ferrules ($7)  to clean up the cable ends.  The tires are the big wild card.  They are mismatched and the rear tire has an odd hump in it.  New tires would cost more than I paid for the bicycle, but are probably the most important maintenance item.  They range from $20-$40 each.  I am leaning towards the Schwalbe CX Comp 700c Wire Cyclocross Tire for $20 each.  Continental and Surly also have reasonably priced tires.

The Mercier Kilo WT currently retails for $600.  It comes in 49, 53, 56, 59 and 62 cm frame sizes.  It comes partially assembled, but still requires installing brake cables and handlebars.

I went ahead and measured the frame confirming it is a 53 cm frame size, 165 mm cranks.  Front chain ring is 44t and the rear is 18t.  Considering they currently ship with a 48/16 (3:1), I am somewhat relieved to have a 44/18 (2.4).

Cycles Mercier is a French brand with a long history.  I am not sure about fabrication of the current models, but they still using Reynolds 520 tubing and traditional geometry.  Starship Investments owns the brand and may return production to France.

UPDATE 7/28/2024:  The cable ferrules arrived and were installed with some effort and cursing onto the old cables.  They were easy to crimp with standard needle nose pliers.  New grip tape is on its way.  A new tire (Schwalbe CX Comp 700 Wire Cyclocross Tire; Black 38c K-Guard) has been ordered from Cambria Bike ($20 marked down to $18.60 less $1.86 10% off code plus $7.00 shipping and $1.25 tax = $24.99 delivered).

UPDATE 8/11/2024:  Tire installation and handlebar tape was pretty easy to install.  Ready to ride!