I owned for 10 years a Mercian and I have to say if anyone wanted a custom steel lugged frameset then they are the way to go- excellent bike especially comfortable on long rides, which says a lot. I now owed a Masi Gran Corsa, Reynolds 531 which I have had for 11 years and it's still in great shape, so keep on truckin' with proven materials and craftmanship!! (but soon to join the Calfee craze!!)