Jim Merz built bike frames in Portland, OR
from 1973 until late in 1982, when he shut down his shop and went to
work for Specialized as a designer. Merz could build a track or 'cross
bike, and built superlative road racing bikes, but touring bikes were
where he stood out. He made bikes with tubular steel racks--generally
shorter and quicker steering than most other touring rigs of his
time--and matching panniers also made in Portland.
Jim started
riding a Campagnolo equipped bike in 1964, just after high school. Jim
worked as a machinist and taught himself frame building from his
metalworking background. He
opened his own shop at NW 21st and Everett. Over 400 frames were produced,
using Columbus, Reynolds 531 and 753 tubing including two 753 frames
(He was the first USA builder certified to use 753) for pro rider George Mount. Merz
used BCM lugs and crowns, finished seat stays with flat tops a la
Schwinn Paramount, and decorated the bikes with simple graphics and
paint. His painter was Virginia Church.
To this day, many Portland bikies
consider
Merz machines in high regard, even the best bikes
ever made. Jim was a resident of Bainbridge Island, WA, working for
the Browning company, until his recent return to Specialized as their
"Master frame builder". Special thanks to Jim Merz,
David Feldman, Bryant Bainbridge
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