Merckx Corsa Extra with 6800?

[CDollarsign]

I am considering downsizing from two bikes to one. I have a LeMond Alpe d'Huez and Merckx Corsa Extra, of which I would sell the LeMond. I am considering taking the '92 record group off my Merckx and replacing it with a 6800 group to make the bike more ride-able everywhere (I have some really hilly rides planned this year).

I am a little worried about the aesthetics clash between 6800 and an old steel frame. Does anyone have pics of their ride that would be similar?

Am I crazy to do this? I would hoard the record group for someday when I have more $$$ (just had a baby - daycare is crazy expensive).

I have also thought about going 10 speed campy, but a group in good shape is more than brand new 6800....

[sandyrs]

I ride a Team SC with 5800 (http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=161658). Not the same, but it's another iconic Merckx that purists would always built with Campy. I think it looks great and functionally, it's awesome.

[Michael Maddox]

I wouldn't sweat it. Silver may be perfect, but 6800 is some nice-riding stuff. Of course, you could always do a silver Athena 11-speed group, like I did with my Pog...

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=164225

[CDollarsign]

I considered the alloy Athena, but its still out of my price range seeing as I would have to get new wheels...

[sandyrs]

I considered the alloy Athena, but its still out of my price range seeing as I would have to get new wheels...

Use a 5800 or 6800 cassette instead. The cog spacing is the same on all 11 speed from any manufacturer. No new wheels needed. I still say go 6800 but Athena wouldn't require new wheels.

[ceolwulf]

I have silver Veloce on mine (thread in pics section) and it's perfect. You can get pretty wide range with Campy 10 speed if you want. And Veloce is cheap as chips. Depending on the colour scheme of the frame though 6800 could also look perfectly okay. Maybe add some semi deep wheels to keep the modern/classic theme.

[christian]

Looks fine to me. Image stolen from flickr, as I couldn't figure out how to link it. (If you want to see giant pics and more of them, go to flickr and type "steel ultegra 6800" in the search box. I'm a genius, I know.

[beeatnik]

More pics of that Serotta here:
http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=139276

I just put Ultegraz on my Cielo

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8690/17012185945_6780d75d3c_b.jpg

[Mayhem]

I have also thought about going 10 speed campy, but a group in good shape is more than brand new 6800....

I don't know where you're looking but check out Merlin. personally, there's no way I could put Shimano on a Merckx. Just a matter of principal (plus I like Campy 10x better).

http://www.merlincycles.com/groupsets-by-shimano-campagnolo-and-sram-44205/

[ik2280]

I second what's being said here, your Merckx will look excellent with 6800. Don't sweat it. One of these days, I'm going to build an MX-L with 6800, just have to find the right one.

[Gordito]

Not complete 6800 but the most critical part of the group, the chainset, on my luggy

http://image.noelshack.com/fichiers/2015/10/1425836903-20150308-182244-1024x576.jpg

Sorry for the bad picture with the crankarm at 10 hours!

[Michael Maddox]

I don't know where you're looking but check out Merlin. personally, there's no way I could put Shimano on a Merckx. Just a matter of principal (plus I like Campy 10x better).

http://www.merlincycles.com/groupsets-by-shimano-campagnolo-and-sram-44205/

Of course 7-Eleven did it. :)

[Mayhem]

Of course 7-Eleven did it. :)

Well, if you get it free than that's a different matter :p

[christian]

More pics of that Serotta here:
http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=139276
Hey, NRV, sorry about stealing your photos man.

[carlineng]

I recently saw a Merckx in Motorola colors with a 6800 group on it, and it looked sweet. Don't remember where I saw it, otherwise I'd post a photo for ya...

[beeatnik]

I recently saw a Merckx in Motorola colors with a 6800 group on it, and it looked sweet. Don't remember where I saw it, otherwise I'd post a photo for ya...

In Pasadena, maybe? :cool:

[oldpotatoe]

I am considering downsizing from two bikes to one. I have a LeMond Alpe d'Huez and Merckx Corsa Extra, of which I would sell the LeMond. I am considering taking the '92 record group off my Merckx and replacing it with a 6800 group to make the bike more ride-able everywhere (I have some really hilly rides planned this year).

I am a little worried about the aesthetics clash between 6800 and an old steel frame. Does anyone have pics of their ride that would be similar?

Am I crazy to do this? I would hoard the record group for someday when I have more $$$ (just had a baby - daycare is crazy expensive).

I have also thought about going 10 speed campy, but a group in good shape is more than brand new 6800....

As much as my tattoo itches when I say it, the frame/fork is the heart of the bicycle and the rest are 'consumables'. Yes, I think it would be happier with a Campagnolo group but the shimaNo stuff will let you enjoy the frame, which is the idea. I would only raise a stink if you put smarm on it, which would really be a travesty.

[buldogge]

Used Chorus 11...straight outta the classifieds here. If you have Shimano 11 capable wheels, just use a 6800 cassette (I run some HED Belgiums this way).

Colin, you know you're gonna have no time/money/sanity very shortly...treat yourself while you can!!! :help: :p

-Mark in St. Louis

[yoshirider]

6800 on a Serotta. Looks nice to me.

More photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/somenrv/14493576280/in/photostream/

http://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3862/14493576280_4d5aa72826_h.jpg

[stairalas]

I've been admiring and coveting that serotta for some time now. Almost pulled the trigger on a 54cm colorado with that same pain scheme that was on ebay for a while.

Here's another steel ride with modern componentry - 5800 this time, pretty damn close aesthetically to 6800.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a105/XmadwogX/photo-5_zps8137d1cb.jpg

[Gordito]

Just for drool sake

http://theradavist.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/SamPotts-1-1335x890.png