My use case is rides up to 30-40km at the weekend but mostly just relaxing rides to the pub and my short commute when the weather is nice. I understand that I could probably get a modern bike that rides better but I have fallen for these steel framed bikes with flat top bars. My area is fairly hilly but I've managed on a 1×10 mtb easily before
by l0stwithiel
4 Comments
The Mercian looks amazing and very usable with wide range of gears on brake/shifters. I don’t see the price on it. I see the other is 495 Euro.
“Rides better” is a matter of opinion, personal preferences, how well each can be set up to best fit you, and affected by differences in frame geometry. But also tire width. If these are both good touring bikes they’ll like be comfortable, within the limits of maximum tire width. The Mercian spec says 25mm tires. I’ve done a lot of touring on bikes of this vintage and I consider 25mm too narrow, but for unloaded riding less of a concern. I’d be surprised if either was unable to accept 32mm tires, but I’m guessing. My personal preference for this kind of riding is 38mm, but that’s me. See what the max is for each. The limiting factors on tire width are frame clearance and brakes. Brakes on the Mercian may be the limiting factor, the Raleigh has cantilevers.
FWIW, I’ve been hunting one of those Raleigh Rando’s down for ages. I’d happily pay 600$ USD (rough conversion from Euro)
Consider: their info may not be accurate. Have them send pictures and measurements of the clearances. If the pictures are unclear then they probably don’t know.