Mercier Shimano 600 Arabesque Retro Road Bicycle 1980s

History:

Founded in 1919 by Emile Mercier in Saint-Etienne, France, Mercier quickly rose to become one of the nation’s most respected bicycle manufacturers. Throughout the mid-20th century, Mercier established itself as a dominant force in both professional racing and the broader French cycling culture, producing lightweight steel frames celebrated for their precision, balance, and reliability.

During the 1960s and 1970s, the brand’s professional team — featuring legendary riders such as Raymond Poulidor and Antonin Rolland — brought Mercier worldwide recognition through their Tour de France performances and countless victories on European roads. The company became synonymous with craftsmanship and innovation, introducing refined frame designs, distinctive pink and lilac liveries, and an attention to detail that set French racing bikes apart from the competition.

By the early 1980s, Mercier continued to evolve its production, using premium tubing such as Columbus and Vitus while integrating precision components from Shimano and Simplex. These models represented the perfect blend of French elegance, Italian steel quality, and Japanese engineering excellence — a defining combination of cycling’s most iconic era.

Description:

Fully restored with great care and attention to preserving its originality, this Mercier shines in its original rose-pink finish — remarkably well-preserved and full of depth. It features the iconic Shimano 600 Arabesque groupset, admired for its refined engravings and smooth performance, perfectly matching the classic French aesthetic. The Mavic MA2 rims complete the setup, combining lightness with precision, while the Mercier saddle and seatpost provide an authentic finishing touch. Every component has been thoroughly cleaned, restored, and fine-tuned, resulting in a bike that looks and rides as beautifully as it did decades ago.

Condition:

The original paintwork is in outstanding condition, with a deep, glossy finish and only the faintest signs of age.
All parts have been carefully serviced and adjusted during the restoration process.
The result is a superb example of traditional French craftsmanship — a vintage racer that’s both ready to ride or proudly display.

Details: