A Tribute to the MX Leader

[weisan]

In celebration of a special bike, let's all post a pic of our MXL (both past and present owners), and if you like, say a word or two about your bike...

Fairly new acquisition (http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=180576), had many bikes in the past, but none like the MXL, every pedal stroke almost feels assisted, I am not kiddin' :hello:

http://alicehui.com/bike/mxl/complete.jpg

[Steve in SLO]

When I first got mine, I was a bit disappointed that I did not immediately experience transcendence.
It was only after a few rides that I really began to appreciate its solid, smooth ride. It quickly became evident that I really liked it, since it was the only bike I rode for the next month.

[witcombusa]

My '98 MXL, former team bike. The only thing I wish was different is it should have vertical rear dropouts. Other than that, perfection for me.

[merckx]

Best damn machine that came out of the Merckx factory. I never should have sold mine. It was heavy, fit well, smooth, light, aesthetically pleasing, heavy, perfect.

[weisan]

The only thing I wish was different is it should have vertical rear dropouts

Wit pal, can you elaborate on why that is so?

[weisan]

heavy...heavy

merckx pal, I think we got the point. :D

[witcombusa]

Wit pal, can you elaborate on why that is so?

Because for a derailer equipped bicycle, vertical dropouts are BETTER, period.
It's an antiquated leftover from a bygone era. A less than perfect scar on an otherwise functional masterpiece!

[weisan]

Because for a derailer equipped bicycle, vertical dropouts are BETTER, period.
It's an antiquated leftover from a bygone era. A less than perfect scar on an otherwise functional masterpiece!

thanks for the clarification. Funny you should say that, because I was just thinking about this over the last few days...other than its riding qualities, one other thing that caught my attention regarding my MXL is how easy it is to remove and install the rear wheel on the dropouts, it simply slides right in, no mess no fuss, not a scratch....I am serious, I never had a bike that does that, never! Same with the fork.

[bobswire]

Liked then both but I preferred the ride characteristics of the Corsa Extra of the two for my aging bones. BUT I agree the placebo effect of E.Merckx via MXL is indisputable. :)

http://i43.tinypic.com/spkg9k.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/29tmi0.jpg

[northbend]

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj140/northbend/20151025_131105_zpsp96hvpde.jpg (http://s271.photobucket.com/user/northbend/media/20151025_131105_zpsp96hvpde.jpg.html)
Eddy Merckx autographed mine back in 2011 at his son's granfondo.
I will pass it on to my son one day.
The one thing I wish this bike had was more clearance in the rear triangle.
If the brake bridge was just a bit higher to safely allow for 28mm tires it would be perfect.

[weisan]

North pal, you might want to try the Vittoria 27mm pave CG with wider rims like Pacenti or H Plus Son. I think you will like it with your MXL, and it fits!

Your son is lucky to inherit the bike.

[jtakeda]

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3871/14235593177_c66c23727e_b.jpg

I feel like I post this a lot.

Used to be Bobswires.

[oliver1850]

.

[campy man]

More please :hello:

[velofinds]

Someone please sell me their 53cm. I promise I'll give it lots of exercise :o

[Tickdoc]

stop it with all of this.

"It must have been when I was about 19 or 20 and went out training with a friend on the Belgian borders. As we spun along, out of nowhere this skinny blond kid was on our back wheel. He looked about 14. He was still there 15 minutes later, so we picked up speed. He just sat there, so we picked up the pace again. It was still no problem for him. I looked over my shoulder and he gave me a half-mocking, half-friendly grin. In the end, we went as hard as we could to try to get rid of him and teach the little brat a lesson, because by now he was getting a bit too cocky for our tastes. But whatever we did, he still hung on. After about an hour, we came into a village called Ploegsteert, at which point he came alongside with real arrogance and said 'OK, I'm back home now, so 'bye. By the way, I'm Frank Vandenbroucke.' Neither of us had ever met a kid like him."


makes me want to buy this fabled steed up for grabs right now:
(or is it doomed? either way, I'd love to have it hanging around or built to ride)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/262271578259?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT#viTabs_0

[oldpotatoe]

stop it with all of this.

"It must have been when I was about 19 or 20 and went out training with a friend on the Belgian borders. As we spun along, out of nowhere this skinny blond kid was on our back wheel. He looked about 14. He was still there 15 minutes later, so we picked up speed. He just sat there, so we picked up the pace again. It was still no problem for him. I looked over my shoulder and he gave me a half-mocking, half-friendly grin. In the end, we went as hard as we could to try to get rid of him and teach the little brat a lesson, because by now he was getting a bit too cocky for our tastes. But whatever we did, he still hung on. After about an hour, we came into a village called Ploegsteert, at which point he came alongside with real arrogance and said 'OK, I'm back home now, so 'bye. By the way, I'm Frank Vandenbroucke.' Neither of us had ever met a kid like him."


makes me want to buy this fabled steed up for grabs right now:
(or is it doomed? either way, I'd love to have it hanging around or built to ride)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/262271578259?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT#viTabs_0

Wow, my size too..wonder how they ship for so little $.

[Tickdoc]

Wow, my size too..wonder how they ship for so little $.

I have a feeling this one will go high at the last minute...should be fun to watch.

[Elefantino]

OK, now I want this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Merckx-MX-Leader-Anniversary-62cm-/301839508374?hash=item4647096396:g:1vcAAOSwa-dWiY7b) one now. Thank goodness it's too expensive!

[christian]

I miss this guy sometimes.

http://www.christianedstrom.com/Ride_201200825/Good_tines.jpg

[donevwil]

I oppose this thread. I've wanted an MXL for over 20 years, but didn't pull the trigger when Merckx did customs. Now it's just reading threads like this and waiting for the day that my top tube needs have shrunk by 3cm.

Had this built a few years ago to quench my MAX craving:

1697914422
1697929489

[azrider]

This poor guy continues to hang in my brothers garage, left untouched for 8 years..............sigh

[jtakeda]

This poor guy continues to hang in my brothers garage, left untouched for 8 years..............sigh

Whoa. I want that.

[donevwil]

This poor guy continues to hang in my brothers garage, left untouched for 8 years..............sigh

I guess it comes down to "the bike I'd never sell"? A close friend sent me this a few weeks ago, untouched in probably six years.

1697914425

[texbike]

This poor guy continues to hang in my brothers garage, left untouched for 8 years..............sigh

Ooooh. That looks nice! Who did it belong to?

Here's my Tkom MXL. It's one of 3 MXLs that I've had. The other two are/were Motorola team bikes (Calois). One was a former ride of Gord Fraser. The other one that I still have belonged to Bruno Thibout.

They all ride quite nicely!

Texbike

[azrider]

I guess it comes down to "the bike I'd never sell"

Bingo.

At Downers Grove back in mid 90's, my brother was chatting with few Motorolla guys and after admiring their bikes was told by team manager/mechanic that "they had a few for sale." Not EXACTLY sure (my brother may know) who's bike it was but that's same frame he bought out the back of the Motorolla truck 20 years ago.

I've tried many times to take it off his hands but no such luck. I just hope his boy doesn't get into cycling. :rolleyes::p

[Force]

Bingo.

At Downers Grove back in mid 90's, my brother was chatting with few Motorolla guys and after admiring their bikes was told by team manager/mechanic that "they had a few for sale." Not EXACTLY sure (my brother may know) who's bike it was but that's same frame he bought out the back of the Motorolla truck 20 years ago.

I've tried many times to take it off his hands but no such luck. I just hope his boy doesn't get into cycling. :rolleyes::p

Looks like a beauty!

[Force]

Here's mine that I used to own. Has been owned by at least 3 Paceline members. I ride my Corsa Extra now.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7762/17781614329_3ca363fc0d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/t6iqrp)

[donevwil]

Here's mine that I used to own. Has been owned by at least 3 Paceline members. I ride my Corsa Extra now.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7762/17781614329_3ca363fc0d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/t6iqrp)

OK, good data point for me. You appear to be a larger individual and chose to move from an MXL to a Corsa Extra. Please explain and compare. I have a custom (not for me) Corsa that I love, but still dream an MXL would be better.

[KJMUNC]

OK, good data point for me. You appear to be a larger individual and chose to move from an MXL to a Corsa Extra. Please explain and compare. I have a custom (not for me) Corsa that I love, but still dream an MXL would be better.

Ha....I know that bike. Still bummed I couldn't make the fit work, but I really needed a smaller frame and didn't know it at the time. Hope you're putting in lots and lots of miles!!

Here's the prior build from me.....I purchased it from another forumite so it's good to see it's still "in the family"

[campy man]

Wow ... no doubt a keeper :hello:

[oldpotatoe]

LowLights

[Elefantino]

I need a comparison of an MXL with a CSI.

Who's ridden both?

[Tickdoc]

LowLights

not everyday you see deltas and electric together. Sounds like a good name for a band....the electric deltas!

[texbike]

I need a comparison of an MXL with a CSI.

Who's ridden both?

Hmmm. OK. This is probably going to be counter to much of what you hear about the Serottas. I had a CSI in 2006 just before purchasing my 1st MXL. It was beautiful. I soooo wanted to love the CSI, but it just never felt right. It was essentially dead and unresponsive. I tried a number of different wheelsets and tire combos to see if it would have any effect. Nothing significantly changed the feel of it. After awhile I just thought it might be my imagination. Well, that was until my first ride on my new-to-me MXL. The Merckx was crisp, responsive, smooth, and just perfect. It was everything that the CSI should have been but wasn't. I immediately disassembled the CSI and put it out on ebay. Sadly, I had another similar experience with a Serotta Legend several years later.

Texbike

[oldpotatoe]

not everyday you see deltas and electric together. Sounds like a good name for a band....the electric deltas!

Like to think it's the only MXLeader plumbed for EPS..I have a photobucket series that shows the install..really easy. Been riding it for 2 years..haven't adjusted anything..charged the battery 3 times..in 2 years.

[Tickdoc]

Like to think it's the only MXLeader plumbed for EPS..I have a photobucket series that shows the install..really easy. Been riding it for 2 years..haven't adjusted anything..charged the battery 3 times..in 2 years.

Good to know. My buddy rides a Di2 allez, his battery died on a ride and he had to limp home in a low gear :eek:

[stien]

Good to know. My buddy rides a Di2 allez, his battery died on a ride and he had to limp home in a low gear :eek:

You typically get many rear shifts (front won't go) before you're actually stuck in a gear. It's impressive to actually run it all the way down!

[Tickdoc]

You typically get many rear shifts (front won't go) before you're actually stuck in a gear. It's impressive to actually run it all the way down!

He was not impressed:o

[stien]

He was not impressed:o

Well when I said impressive I meant foolish.

[weisan]

Saw this mxl on the web the other day, couldn't help it, downloaded as wallpaper.

http://alicehui.com/bike/mxl/icedesk-900x600.jpg

[dbh]

Lotto team bike purchased off the forum built with a mix of 10 speed Campy.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/8918852378_6b7880998f_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/eA8s5S)IMAG0163 (https://flic.kr/p/eA8s5S) by danharsha (https://www.flickr.com/photos/25850012@N05/), on Flickr

[velofinds]

Saw this mxl on the web the other day, couldn't help it, downloaded as wallpaper.

http://alicehui.com/bike/mxl/icedesk-900x600.jpg

Whoa. What team color is that? (unless it's custom?)

[gomango]

My brother and I have similar tastes in vintage gear and are the same size.

I've found a CSI, a MXL and a Corsa Extra for him over the last ten years.

The good news is I get to ride them anytime I want to go pick one up at their place near St. Paul. The Corsa Extra is a bike that's quite familiar, as I've owned a couple myself from time to time. Always fun!

I tend to take the CSI most often though. It's currently built with Record 10 speed and Neutrons with Veloflex Masters. It does most things quite well. Most importantly, it is a very comfortable all day ride. I watch listings for these on occasion, but I am loaded with road bikes atm.

The MXL is a bike I grab for Sunday rides. He has it built with 9 speed Chorus and Open Pros with Record hubs. Again Veloflex Masters. It's a blast at speed, especially fast descents into Taylor Falls near their farm.

Both bikes have their charms and it's nice to grab one on occasion. I don't really have a favorite. It just comes down to our route for the day's ride.

[sashae]

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2043/2484638971_9410a5ed88_b.jpg

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2051/2282785654_05260d153c_b.jpg

ASLK-CGER Bank team frame:
https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3517/3701677085_fec0cd58f3_b.jpg

[climbgdh]

Ok that's it...... Gotta get an MXL. Drool......

[oldpotatoe]

Ok that's it...... Gotta get an MXL. Drool......

And I need a spare..ya never know.:D

[velofinds]

Given this thread, I thought I'd put this out there instead of creating a separate PSA:

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/5429210973.html

The seller mentions a "small dent" in the ad copy but otherwise doesn't provide a photo of the area of impact.

[bobswire]

Given this thread, I thought I'd put this out there instead of creating a separate PSA:

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/5429210973.html

The seller mentions a "small dent" in the ad copy but otherwise doesn't provide a photo of the area of impact.

Way over priced given the mix use of components/wheels and frame looks so so. He'll be lucky to get $750 with those components.

[weisan]

The seller goes by the name "Wei"...I swear that's not me even though our mxls share the same color scheme. I wouldn't be caught dead with campy hanging on my bike. :D

[ik2280]

Way over priced given the mix use of components/wheels and frame looks so so. He'll be lucky to get $750 with those components.

This is a joke, right?

[Keith A]

Ooooh. That looks nice! Who did it belong to?

Here's my Tkom MXL. It's one of 3 MXLs that I've had. The other two are/were Motorola team bikes (Calois). One was a former ride of Gord Fraser. The other one that I still have belonged to Bruno Thibout.

They all ride quite nicely!

Texbike

http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697914426&stc=1&d=1454435599Love it...and it might even fit me just right :D

[jmoore]

I've still got that 60cm MXL in a box in my attic if anyone has an itch to scratch. No MXL fork though. Della Santa fork instead.

[Gsinill]

Did Merckx actually provide different fork options for the MX Leader?
I think I read somewhere that some riders preferred Corsa Extra forks over the MAX one on their MX Leaders.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2043/2484638971_9410a5ed88_b.jpg

ASLK-CGER Bank team frame:
https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3517/3701677085_fec0cd58f3_b.jpg

[texbike]

Love it...and it might even fit me just right :D

Noted. ;)

Did Merckx actually provide different fork options for the MX Leader?


The MXL pistas had a different style (flat crown) fork than the strada version.

Texbike

[jtakeda]

This is a joke, right?

$750 seems low. But $1500 is high.
I'd estimate this one at around $1100 maybe $1000 because the broken left shifter.

[Elefantino]

The seller goes by the name "Wei"...I swear that's not me even though our mxls share the same color scheme. I wouldn't be caught dead with campy hanging on my bike. :D
http://youtu.be/T38eLWOpCYk

[weisan]

http://youtu.be/T38eLWOpCYk

Elephant pal, try this and I guaranteed you will sleep better tonight without fear or guilt...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow0lr63y4Mw

[weisan]

Maximum Power

Maximum Speed

Maximum Stability

Maximum Safety

[Force]

Oh man, just saw this one with chrome on the fork and stay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/231829605771

[8aaron8]

Given this thread, I thought I'd put this out there instead of creating a separate PSA:

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/5429210973.html

The seller mentions a "small dent" in the ad copy but otherwise doesn't provide a photo of the area of impact.

The seller is a member here, I know him and can probably help facilitate if anyone is interested.

[jtakeda]

Following the MX Leader resurgence, I wouldn't be surprised if sale prices become higher than normal

[CPP]

Following the MX Leader resurgence, I wouldn't be surprised if sale prices become higher than normal

Now there is a guy who has one stashed in his garage, ready to sell!

[velofinds]

The seller is a member here, I know him and can probably help facilitate if anyone is interested.

Kinda hard to imagine someone owning an MXL and not being on here :)

[weisan]

Kinda hard to imagine someone owning an MXL and not being on here :)

I have invited Eddy Merckx to join us but he's taking his bloody own sweet time...:rolleyes:

[azrider]

Ooooh. That looks nice! Who did it belong to?



Texbike

Talked to my brother last night and he said:

" it was to be Andreu's, but it had yet to have a single component hung on it so I was, and am the only person to own/ride it."

Your Telekom is pretty swank. Nicely done. Also looks to be my size :p 58?

Cheers

[Force]

OK, good data point for me. You appear to be a larger individual and chose to move from an MXL to a Corsa Extra. Please explain and compare. I have a custom (not for me) Corsa that I love, but still dream an MXL would be better.

When I only had my Corsa Extra, I thought it couldn't get any better. Then I stumbled upon a Caloi MXL Motorola bike and was amazed by how solid it felt. Then I read all the stuff on this forum and elsewhere about the MXL and I had to try it. The MXL rode just as nice, but even more solid than the CE. The most noticeable difference to me seems to be the fork, which totally soaks up everything. I'm sure the thick chainstays make a difference as well, but I'm not so savvy a rider that I could tell you how much difference. Since I loved them both, but felt there was some redundancy, I kept the cheaper one and put some money in my pocket for that next infatuation.

[OTB]

My 2004 Molteni. Put 28s on them and the ride is smooth...

https://www.instagram.com/p/1qW8rgHjkY/

[weisan]

The seller goes by the name "Wei"...I swear that's not me even though our mxls share the same color scheme. I wouldn't be caught dead with campy hanging on my bike.


http://youtu.be/T38eLWOpCYk

OK OK, I repent!
I repent.

This is as far as I would go being seen in public wearing campy ..:D
Huge props to my local pal Texbike who gifted me earlier this afternoon with a sweet sweeet Campy Record headset.
http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697914609&stc=1&d=1454717224

[velomonkey]

Oh man, just saw this one with chrome on the fork and stay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/231829605771

I saw that too - and my size. Dang it's nice.

[texbike]

Huge props to my local pal Texbike who gifted me earlier this afternoon with a sweet sweeet Campy Record headset.
http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697914609&stc=1&d=1454717224

No worries my friend. I'm glad that it went to such a great cause and to a great contributor to the forum. Thanks for being such a positive part of our little community!

Texbike

[weisan]

No worries my friend. I'm glad that it went to such a great cause and to a great contributor to the forum. Thanks for being such a positive part of our little community!

Texbike

You, Sir, is a jolly good fellow. :hello:

One more picture of an MXL that I found on the interweb...

[Elefantino]

I love your new addition but do wonder, however, if the Taylor is at all jealous.

[weisan]

I love your new addition but do wonder, however, if the Taylor is at all jealous.

Not really because the taylor is actually back at the shop for a repaint.

In some ways, the taylor rides a lot like the MXL which is interesting.

Another picture to feed our hunger...

[R3awak3n]

wow that is amazing.


I wonder what is the story of this guy:

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ms8AAOSwoydWrKGy/s-l1600.jpg

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Eddy-Merckx-MX-Leader-Frame-60-0-cm-c-t-58-5-c-c-Columbus-MXL-/301860919229?hash=item46485017bd:g:ms8AAOSwoydWrKG y

[KidWok]

I got one in 2005 and rode it as my main bike for a number of years. I think it is one of the sweetest looking lugged steel bikes ever made. Looking back, it may rank as one of the bikes I enjoyed riding the LEAST. It was heavy, overbuilt, way too stiff, and the fork at no give at all. I sold it a few years ago to someone on the forum...maybe bike shop owner in Santa Fe? Hope someone is appreciating it and putting it to good use.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c151/TaiLee77/IMG_3391.jpg

On the other hand, my Merckx Professional in SLX is probably one of my favorite bikes to ride, especially now that I'm running 28's.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c151/TaiLee77/Mobile%20Uploads/MerckxProfessional_zpscwgh0mx0.jpg

Tai

[maslow]

Like to think it's the only MXLeader plumbed for EPS..I have a photobucket series that shows the install..really easy. Been riding it for 2 years..haven't adjusted anything..charged the battery 3 times..in 2 years.




Hope you don't mind my asking but have you the link to that photo bucket page?

[weisan]

I got one in 2005 and rode it as my main bike for a number of years. I think it is one of the sweetest looking lugged steel bikes ever made. Looking back, it may rank as one of the bikes I enjoyed riding the LEAST. It was heavy, overbuilt, way too stiff, and the fork at no give at all. I sold it a few years ago to someone on the forum...maybe bike shop owner in Santa Fe? Hope someone is appreciating it and putting it to good use.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c151/TaiLee77/IMG_3391.jpg

On the other hand, my Merckx Professional in SLX is probably one of my favorite bikes to ride, especially now that I'm running 28's.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c151/TaiLee77/Mobile%20Uploads/MerckxProfessional_zpscwgh0mx0.jpg

Tai

Tai pal, I love it when folks can be free to express their opinions. I have no problem stating that I don't get along with certain bikes no matter what brand it is or how popular it may be with others. Great proportions with the way you set up your bikes.

[weisan]

Quick question to past and current MXLs owners:

Where might you find the serial number? I looked under the BB and dropouts but couldn't find any.

[parallelfish]

Quick question to past and current MXLs owners:

Where might you find the serial number? I looked under the BB and dropouts but couldn't find any.

Mine is one of the Motorola reissues from about ten years ago. Serial number is underside of the BB shell.

[weisan]

Fish pal, thanks for your response. My MXL is dated back to 1992-93, unfortunately I looked and I couldn't find the S/N under the BB.

[weisan]

while hunting for the serial number, I saw something "interesting' on the front lug...:rolleyes:

don't think I could have missed it earlier when I built it up a month ago.

[parallelfish]

while hunting for the serial number, I saw something "interesting' on the front lug...:rolleyes:

don't think I could have missed it earlier when I built it up a month ago.

It is not visible in the headset picture you posted earlier.

[weisan]

It is not visible in the headset picture you posted earlier.

Good point. So I went back and looked at the old pictures. It's there it seems, I just missed it for some reason.
http://alicehui.com/bike/mxl/mxl7.jpg

[Rebel_Biker]

I got one in 2005 and rode it as my main bike for a number of years. I think it is one of the sweetest looking lugged steel bikes ever made. Looking back, it may rank as one of the bikes I enjoyed riding the LEAST. It was heavy, overbuilt, way too stiff, and the fork at no give at all. I sold it a few years ago to someone on the forum...maybe bike shop owner in Santa Fe? Hope someone is appreciating it and putting it to good use.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c151/TaiLee77/IMG_3391.jpg

On the other hand, my Merckx Professional in SLX is probably one of my favorite bikes to ride, especially now that I'm running 28's.

Tai

I can attest that the Molteni was a beautiful frame and fork. It made its way to Brooklyn NY, and one happy owner. If it were my size, it would have never left Santa Fe.

Here is my latest iteration. Just took it for a ride yesterday.

[Rebel_Biker]

Kid,

This is what it looked like before heading to NYC.

That was a beautiful frame.

[KidWok]

Kid,

This is what it looked like before heading to NYC.

That was a beautiful frame.

Thought it was you that I sold it too but couldn't remember.

Tai

[maslow]

I oppose this thread. I've wanted an MXL for over 20 years, but didn't pull the trigger when Merckx did customs. Now it's just reading threads like this and waiting for the day that my top tube needs have shrunk by 3cm.



Had this built a few years ago to quench my MAX craving:



1697914422


I'd be interested to know a little about this frames specification.

I've been considering a new winter bike based around the geometry of my Merckx MXL although tweaked to allow a 25mm tyre with fenders.

What size tyre was your frame built to accept. I'm guessing larger than a 28mm with fenders as you have canti bosses.

[donevwil]

I'd be interested to know a little about this frames specification.

I've been considering a new winter bike based around the geometry of my Merckx MXL although tweaked to allow a 25mm tyre with fenders.

What size tyre was your frame built to accept. I'm guessing larger than a 28mm with fenders as you have canti bosses.

The frame and fork will fit 32s or 28s and fenders which was the original intent. I could probably get larger fenders and 32s to work if I did some strategic trimming, but I've got a different bike that accomplishes that. I originally ran Suntour cantilevers (with Power Hangers) because I was tired of anemic medium reach caliper brakes. I'm now running Mini-Motos.

[maslow]

Do you know where the frame builder managed to source the Columbus Max lug set? From what I understand these are no longer in production.

Would love to see a shot of the full build if you have one as I have a fondness for Max frames :). Thanks for the reply.