New bike

[Oggi]

Hi folks

I can now hold my head up on the forum. Yesterday I picked up my Mercury from Bridgwater and had my first ride today. Beautiful day in the Peak District but a an 18 mph headwind for most of the 20 miles and 1000ft of ascent. I hope that isn’t an indication of future rides!
The bike is everything I hoped it would be but I had forgotten how long a Brookes saddle takes to wear in. I’m going to resist putting my existing Brookes on it but I may relent for a much longer ride.
First tour in a few weeks until then it will be day rides. Luckily I live in one of the most beautiful parts of England. It’s not Wales but you can’t have everything.

Doug

[julk]

Nice scenery, nice bike, lucky you
Julian.

[jags]

Wow that is one class machine
great paint job i like it.
very best of luck enjoy every pedal stroke keep her clean.

Anto.

[energyman]

I do like Red Rohloffs they really look classy.

[John Saxby]

Sunshine, dry stone walls in the hill country, and Mercury.  Nicely done, Doug -- enjoy!

[Danneaux]

All congratulations on what looks a fantastic bike, Doug! Love the pool-cue paint job. As Anto would say, "Class"! 

Best,

Dan.

[mickeg]

... ...  but I had forgotten how long a Brookes saddle takes to wear in. I’m going to resist putting my existing Brookes on it but I may relent for a much longer ride. ...

Most of my tours were done with one saddle, but during that time I have toured on four bikes.  Consider swapping saddles for the first tour that you do in a few weeks so that you have one that you know you will enjoy using for long days.

[ridgeback63]

Lovely bike,great paintjob as well.

[in4]

Coincidentally  I was through The Peaks twice yesterday. Sadly not on my Nomad but in a huge van. I know which mode of transport I'd have preferred. Lovely bike. I like the way your Ortlieb bar bag neatly fits between  your GP5s and is attached to your accessory bar.
Thanks for posting. If you see a very slow Nomad in the Hope Valley that'll be me.

[lewis noble]

Lovely bike, Doug, and good photo. Where in the Peaks are you? I live in Broomhill, Sheffield,  and my trips into the Peaks are gradually getting longer . . .

Lewis

[Oggi]

I’m based near Buxton. I’d be happy to meet up fellow thorn owners for a ride and coffee but I suspect in4 will overtake me! I’m going over to Cheshire tomorrow for a ride in the flatlands.

[Andre Jute]

Love the pool-cue paint job.

It does look quite as traditional as a misspent childhood in the snooker hall. Clever paintwork. Enjoy!

[Swislon]

 Excellent choice Doug.
Some Brookes seem to fit out of the box and others take time. Strange but I guess it depends on the leather and which part of the animal it’s been taken.