B F.

Mercier Kilo WT review. I purchased the Mercier Kilo WT in 2012. I was looking for a solid commuting rig and weekend sport rambler that would look good and take hard riding with no complaints. In short, the Kilo has filled this role nicely. I'm 6'4" 210 lbs (193 cm 95 kg). I ride hard and aggressive with curb jumping in both directions. My commute is 6 miles (10 km) each way of rolling hills with the usual urban mix of rain, RR tracks, broken glass, and variable road conditions. The heaviest routine load is grocery shopping with about 25 lb. on the rack, 15 on my back, and another 15 dangling from the handlebars. I have also hauled lumber, yard sale scores, and sometimes a girlfriend on the top tube; but not all at once. The Kilo WT holds up very well in these conditions. Side note: The GF on the cross bar is a good litmus test for compatibility. If she finds it a cozy and enjoyable ride, we have a future together.

The 62 cm frame is truly a tall person's bike. It fits me well without jacking the seat post into the stratosphere, and yes, it actually measures 62 cm from center of bottom bracket to center of top tube. NO SKIMPING! I added lights, fenders, a rear rack, a Brooks leather saddle, and switched out the drop bars for bull horns. I ride about 1500 miles per year. I prefer the direct drive for hard summer riding and flip it to the freewheel for more conservative winter conditions. I like the WT model as I can run beefy 35mm tires without any problems, even with fenders (Hint: WT= Wide TIre). My Kilo WT had a rough life and I have been very impressed with how it held up. Sadly, after six years and about 9,000 miles, it developed a crack in the frame at the seat tube/ top tube joint. I had a buddy TIG weld it and got another year before it cracked again at the same point. Given my size, extreme conditions, and hard riding, I consider 9000 miles to be a long and respectable life for a bike well under $1000. I have cut up the frame for scrap and saved the components for a future custom build on a new frame. R. I. P. Good memories and no regrets.

I have purchased three bikes from Bikesdirect and am a satisfied customer. On my Mtn bikes, they use outdated components like Shrader valves or ugly spokes but the Kilo WT is a class act; as tough as it is good looking. All have arrived within a week, were easy to assemble, and have served me well in extreme conditions, delivering great value and a good price.

All the best,
Buck