MX Leader vs Arcobaleno vs Corsa Extra ride characteristics?

[TronnyJenkins]

I'm jonesing for a Merckx but I don't know which one. There is an Arcobaleno in Seattle that looks pretty slick, but I may wait around a bit because I really want the next size down.

I'm about 6', 175. I ride pretty hard and fast.

[eBAUMANN]

Mxl

[jtakeda]

Mxl +1

Corsa extra is nice too but put it this way. I wouldn't trade my mxl for 3 corsa extras in any paint scheme.

[TronnyJenkins]

Originally Posted by jtakeda

Mxl +1

Corsa extra is nice too but put it this way. I wouldn't trade my mxl for 3 corsa extras in any paint scheme.

Wow. OK then.

[texbike]

I haven't ridden an Arcobaleno but have had multiple MXLs, Corsa Extras, and an 01. They're all great bikes but yes, the MXL has that something extra (I personally feel that it's primarily in the fork). If you're going for a Merckx, may as well make it a MXL...

Texbike

[Tony Edwards]

How is tire clearance on the MXL? Is it true 23c is the limit?

[eBAUMANN]

Originally Posted by Tony Edwards

How is tire clearance on the MXL? Is it true 23c is the limit?

who the hell told you that? they are a liar.

they can easily clear very large tires, 28-ish.

[TronnyJenkins]

Originally Posted by eBAUMANN

who the hell told you that? they are a liar.

they can easily clear very large tires, 28-ish.

That's good. While I would likely ride 23s, I would at least want the option for 25s! Ha.

[christian]

My MXL barely cleared 23s in the back. Many of the mid-nineties models suffered from low brake bridges. A 28 in the front was no problem.

[eBAUMANN]

Originally Posted by christian

My MXL barely cleared 23s in the back. Many of the mid-nineties models suffered from low brake bridges. A 28 in the front was no problem.

really?! thats weak.
mine was a roubaix team bike, tons of clearance.
dunno why they wouldn't make em all like that...

[lhuerta]

Originally Posted by eBAUMANN

who the hell told you that? they are a liar.

they can easily clear very large tires, 28-ish.

Well actually, clearance is highly variable and not consistent. As with most production frames of the era, it all depends how high/low the rear brake bride was brazed on to seat stays, and how high/low the front brake mounting hole was drilled on fork. Also depends on which 25c and which caliper you are going to mount. (e.g. see discussion here: http://www.velocipedesalon.com/forum...x-4966-15.html )

To OP, The MxL Arcobaleno, 0.1 and Century models were all constructed with Century geometry which is what IMO yields the most notable difference in ride characteristics/handling of Merckx frames, with tubing type being a close second. The Corsa Extra was constructed mostly in the Mercxx "racing geometry" with steeper seat and head angles compared to Century geo (albeit, there were some MxL frames produced with Corsa Extra label, but it has never been clear to me whether they were made in Century geo).

My personal favorite is the Century TSX model.

[jmoore]

As the owner of an MXL and a Strada OS and a bit of a student on Merkcx steel, I can say that either bike will be fantastic. Get which ever frame that fits the best, regardless of tubeset, and ride it. You will love it.

I know it might be blasphemous, but I'll say that my Brain tubed Strada OS was easily as good a bike as my max tubed MXL.

[Pastashop]

I believe the answer you're looking for is "yes". :-)

[weisan]

I have read somewhere that Sean Yates when he was riding his team-issued Merckx bikes preferred the SLX or TSX to the MXL.

Again, the proof is in the pudding. You got to ride one to definitively know which one you like or prefer personally.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by TronnyJenkins

I'm jonesing for a Merckx but I don't know which one. There is an Arcobaleno in Seattle that looks pretty slick, but I may wait around a bit because I really want the next size down.

I'm about 6', 175. I ride pretty hard and fast.

The Arcobaleno was kinda and oversized tube version of the Corsa/Corsa Extra. When I sld them, we had 2-3 where the small ring hit the RH chainstay with a 'normal' crank. Distributor at the time said it was poor BB shells. Corsa Extra rides like a dream, the MXL is stiffer, IMHO. I have/or have had..both.

I'd wait for a MXLeader. It rides much lighter than it is, it's stiff but comfy(huh?), a race bike that you can also ride for 4-5 hours. Nothing descends better, nothing.