Mercian's 1998 frame brochure lists the King of Mercia as a touring frame in Reynolds 531 Competition tubing and as a racing frame to Strada Speciale specification, both with a Romani semi-sloping fork crown. Its 1 March 1998 price list adds a complete King of Mercia Tour at £997.50 with Shimano LX or £1,530 with Campagnolo Chorus, including VAT.
NoteThe 1998 brochure lists touring and racing versions of the frame, and a complete King of Mercia Tour.
Known components
Listed exactly as our confirmed sources give them, with the year and source for each. A part listed for one year or version may not apply to every bike, so check against yours.
Frame and fork
- Reynolds 531 double-butted Competition tubing1998 · Touring — Velopedia (Historische Fahrräder e.V.)
- Italian short-point lugs with heart cut-outs1998 · Touring — Velopedia (Historische Fahrräder e.V.)
- Romani semi-sloping fork crown1998 · Touring — Velopedia (Historische Fahrräder e.V.); 1998 · Racing — Velopedia (Historische Fahrräder e.V.)
- Specification and brazings as the Strada Speciale, with Reynolds 653 tubing at extra cost1998 · Racing — Velopedia (Historische Fahrräder e.V.)
- 'Mercian' engraved on the top eye of the seat stays1998 · Racing — Velopedia (Historische Fahrräder e.V.)
- Frame built to the rider's measurements1998 · Complete machine — Velopedia (Historische Fahrräder e.V.), Price list, 1 March 1998
Gears and drivetrain
- Shimano version with Shimano LX gears1998 · Complete machine — Velopedia (Historische Fahrräder e.V.), Price list, 1 March 1998
- Campagnolo version with Campagnolo Chorus 9-speed Ergopower levers1998 · Complete machine — Velopedia (Historische Fahrräder e.V.), Price list, 1 March 1998
Catalogue appearances
| Year | Name as printed · model no. | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | King of Mercia – Touring · Touring | Reynolds 531 double-butted Competition tubing; Italian short-point lugs with heart cut-outs; Romani semi-sloping fork crown | Velopedia (Historische Fahrräder e.V.) |
| 1998 | King of Mercia – Racing · Racing | Specification and brazings as the Strada Speciale, with Reynolds 653 tubing at extra cost; Romani semi-sloping fork crown; 'Mercian' engraved on the top eye of the seat stays | Velopedia (Historische Fahrräder e.V.) |
| 1998 | King of Mercia Tour · Complete machine | Frame built to the rider's measurements; Shimano version with Shimano LX gears, £997.50 including VAT; Campagnolo version with Campagnolo Chorus 9-speed Ergopower levers, £1,530.00 including VAT | Velopedia (Historische Fahrräder e.V.), Price list, 1 March 1998 |
Specs are as printed in the catalogue. Years are when the model appears in a source, not exact production dates.
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Sources
Last updated 19 October 2026. Every fact on this page comes from one of these.