Merckx frame hairline fracture and identification.

[Ewarrior]

Hello,

Today I came across an Eddy Merckx frame in my size that has a really small hairline fracture above the water bottle stops and has a broken derailer hanger, I thought that the derailer can be fixed. Is the hairline fracture a serious hazard and deal buster or can it be fixed and/or ridden as is? Can it be my first Eddy Merckx bike?

https://picasaweb.google.com/115115145157633432065/PossibleFirstMerckx

As for identification I will check the cadremerckx website shortly.


Thank you for your time,

Warren

[monkeybanana86]

the link does not work for me.

But personally if there is a crack I would just wait for the next frame (chances are could be more in other places). There are plenty merckx frames on the used market. Unless it's super cheap and you need a project :)

[Ewarrior]

Sorry, just started using picasa this week, unlocked now.

[Ewarrior]

I think I can get it super cheap, he has had it for years sitting in his bike shop. No one wanted it.

[ultraman6970]

Link still doesnt work

[Ewarrior]

Sorry try this: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=115115145157633432065&target=ALBUM&id=5821687670187711809&authkey=Gv1sRgCJnyttLX0sXL7QE&feat=email

shows signs of early 80s merckx I think

[dave thompson]

I think the cost of repairs to bring the frame up to satisfactory condition will cost more than the frame is worth.

"Good things come to those who wait."

[slidey]

Not worth the effort, if you ask me.

[ultraman6970]

Well cant see crap from the pictures :) you have to peel the paint to be sure because could be a crack in the paint.

If its cracked i have to agree, the issue many times depends on how well priced you could get it repair and at least here in the US dont worth it unless you do it yourself.

Nice frame anyways.

Missed the 1st picture, well.. sincerely you could use that thing for sometime as it is, just out an eye in the crack, if the thing grows you wont have an accident but at some point the tube will get cut all the way to the other side and the bike will start creaking and feeling funny. But that needs to be repaired, tubes are available tho, hope you have a friend that knows how to braze because is just go and change the tube, easier to say than do it but for somebody that do brazin is a pretty straight forward fix.

Good luck.

[PaulE]

Is there a fork for the bike? If not, and with that broken dropout, I think you would be better off looking for something else. And I can be someone who doesn't give up on lost causes!

[FlashUNC]

Run away from that thing and don't look back.

Plenty of other Merckx's out there.

[nighthawk]

The crack in the first pic looks like it is in the paint. I could be wrong, but the lack of origin and direction of the crack, doesn't seem indicative of stress to the tube.

The rear dropout is another story. A good framesmith can pop a new one on there no problem... But do you want to trust a frame that has obviously endured some serious use/abuse/misuse or crash? The hanger might not be the only problem...

Unless you can get this frame for next to nothing and want to have fun with a restoration.. (frame repair and repaint probably approaching what you would pay for rideable used frame elsewhere)..


Like others have said.. I'd just wait it out. You'll know the right one when it finds you!

[oldpotatoe]

Sorry try this: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=115115145157633432065&target=ALBUM&id=5821687670187711809&authkey=Gv1sRgCJnyttLX0sXL7QE&feat=email

shows signs of early 80s merckx I think

Super cheap, as in free..I wouldn't buy this. A new tube, der hanger plus paint 'may' be worth it but I followed a 1989 or so Merckx recently on ebay that sold for $300..and it was in nice shape. Repair to that frame including paint is more than $300.

[Ewarrior]

So given the frames abuse, you guys think that it will not with stand everyday riding if I replace the derailer and if cracked, replace the bottom tube? I do have a friend who is a welder, so that helps. It does include the fork. This one was my size I think, being a 54cm. As for peeling back the paint, what would I use to do that? As I just bought an ultegra 6600 group set for my first real road built by me and for me, my budget is pretty small. You would say I should just focus my energy on making some money, and just wait for the next one.

What would the difference between this one and say the one aoe Merckx MXL just sold?

And this one: http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=350503311522&index=7&nav=SEARCH&nid=75405044432

Thank you for your time, I am slowly learning and absorbing the wealth of knowledge and atmosphere you guys created. It is amazing. At 17, I ask when I don't know. Great job.

Warren

[AngryScientist]

brother - that frame is beat to holy hell. seriously. keep looking .

[jet sanchez]

That frame is toast.

Check the Classifieds section here every day, there are often very sweet deals from sellers you can trust.

[christian]

Pass. I wouldn't take that frame for free.

[FlashUNC]

brother - that frame is beat to holy hell. seriously. keep looking .

+1. To say that frame was ridden hard and put away wet is a complete understatement.

You can find a decent Merckx out there, as oldpotatoe mentioned, for about what it would cost to salvage whatever that thing is.

Or you could even look beyond Merckx's. There are a ton of great steel frames out there.

[christian]

What would the difference between this one and say the one aoe Merckx MXL just sold?Everything.

Here's what they have in common: they were brazed in a Belgian factory and probably have somewhat similar geometry.

Here's what they don't:
aoe's was in great condition; this is trash
aoe's is the most desirable steel Merckx; this looks like an early 80s Pro or lower model - probably the least desirable steel Merckx
aoe's has 130mm rear spacing - can take modern components; this can't
aoe's has a resale value; this doesn't
aoe's doesn't require repairs in excess of the frame's value

There's a reason no one has wanted this frame!

[Ewarrior]

Thank you for the advice, I will walk away from it and start making money to eventually be able to afford a nice one. Meanwhile I get to ride my lemond Zurich that I finally got built geared after being limited to a single speed due to budget.

Have a great day, and good luck in your searches,

Warren

[cnighbor1]

If major rust run don't walk away from this frame
If no rust than why the hairline crack. No answer to that except replace tube
and that is over $600 in repairs and new paint
forget it

[cnighbor1]

what is your size I would under classified ask WTB steel lugged frame with your size and see what is offered may be a lot better than the Eddy
try this for example
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mclean-lugged-steel-Custom-54cm-Campagnola-Campy-road-bike-bicycle-frame-set-/130817433207?pt=Road_Bikes
item no 130817433207
It looks like your ride a 55cm ctt Is that correct
Charles

[jvp]

That Mclean ^ won't go cheap (I hope:))

[Ewarrior]

I have been told by numerous people that I am a 52-53 and one of the members here said they would take a look and I would see if I could also get fitted. It looks like now I have to save up for a time trial frame/bike since I qualified for the 2013 USA age group Olympic distance triathlon national championship, then I can get one a Merckx or something else that is cool. I can't post yet in the classifieds yet I think since I have only been a member for a week or two, I discovered this sooner but did not join till then.

Thank you