A Brief History of the Marque
Situated at 77 Avenue Rochetaillé, St Etienne.
Manufactured by Mercier, 1956~1961
Like André Leducq, the four Lapébie riders and Antonin Magne, Louison Bobet was a famous cyclist. Early in his career he was given the nickname "cry-baby", but he went on to win the Tour de France three times in succession, and became a world champion.
His name was strongly associated with Mercier bicycles, which he rode in Le Tour of 1955, and Mercier marketed bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles under his name. A variety of engines were used, from 48cc to 125cc, sourced from Ydral, Himo, Vap, Comet, Itom and Ser.
Bobet went on to become a competent pilot and a businessman. He is described by many as "a character". It is believed he was active in The Resistance during WWII.
Models include:
H.1 Travail 48cc
H.2 Utilitaire
V.1 Utilitaire 48cc ABG VAP
H.3 Luxe
H.4 Grand Luxe 48cc Himo
V.3 Grand Luxe 48cc ABG VAP
V.4 Sport 48cc ABG VAP
C.A.S. 10 Côte d'Azur Standard 98cc Le Poulain Comet
C.A.L. 11 Côte d'Azur Luxe, as above
V.M. 20 125cc Ydral 4-speed
Sources: Motos dans la Loire, Club Ydral, Wikipedia, Cycle Memory.
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