Does this Mercier have any value?

[Sting Ray Lover]

Pick this up off the local Facebook Marketplace. Looks very dirty but I rubbed a few spots and it will clean up nicely. I don't think it's been ridden very much. Is it worth cleaning up and buying tires or just use it for parts? (I know it's a girls bike but they are easier for old people to straddle.)

 

[rickpaulos]

With new tires it would eventually sell here for $100. I have about 8 similar bikes for sale.. Just don't sell well.
As for parts, it's french. Most of the parts only fit made in France french bikes. Pedals, stem, bars, crank, seat post, bb and maybe the freewheel and hubs are French spec. They sold in the USA with 27" wheels, before 700c tires were available in the states.

 

[100 mile howie]

Mixtes are gaining in popularity in North America as the population matures. In Europe they are commonly considered as being non-gender specific and are basic transportation for all ages. Here in Canada, now that the bicycle shortage has mostly ended, I think that I could get about the equivelent of $100usd like rickpaulos suggested. If it were mine, I would add it to my collection because I don't have any French bikes. It looks like a good frame and the Simplex derailleurs with downtube shifters and Mafac brakes would be attraction points for me.

 

[RustySprockets]

If nothing else, the Mafac Racer center-pull calipers seem to have a very strong following with the vintage road bike crowd.

 

[Sting Ray Lover]

Anyone have an idea how to estimate how old it is?

 

[Rustinkerer]

I don't know when the mixte first came out, but this looks like a well made '70s bike. You're unlikely to see another here in the Carolinas! -Adam

 

[Sting Ray Lover]

I don't know when the mixte first came out, but this looks like a well made '70s bike. You're unlikely to see another here in the Carolinas! -Adam

It cleaned up very nicely. The Simplex front derailleur is partly made of plastic and is broken and will have to be replaced. If course I had to replace tires, tubes, wheel liners, and cables but overall a good $20 Facebook marketplace find.