MX Leader what's the deal??

[johnniecakes]

What is the attraction to the MX leaders? I have never ridden one but they seem to be held in high reverence. My impression is that they use larger diameter thick walled steel tubes and are stiff and heavy. Please don’t misread this, if you like that’s great but I just want to know what set’s them apart from other lugged steel bikes. I have an EM Corsa Extra (58) for reference. What would be different between this bike and a Leader? Thanks !!!

[Black Dog]

Do a quick search of the forum and you will find a few threads dedicated to the answer to you questions. :)

[oldpotatoe]

What is the attraction to the MX leaders? I have never ridden one but they seem to be held in high reverence. My impression is that they use larger diameter thick walled steel tubes and are stiff and heavy. Please don’t misread this, if you like that’s great but I just want to know what set’s them apart from other lugged steel bikes. I have an EM Corsa Extra (58) for reference. What would be different between this bike and a Leader? Thanks !!!

Too subjective to really describe. Go ride one and decide. Mine isn't light but rides as if it's much lighter. All day comfort, more comfy than my Moots. Descends like a stone dropped from The Leaning Tower..stable, comfy, best riding frame I have ever owned..and I've had a lot of Euro steel frames.

[CampyorBust]

Meh, I’ll be riding the Corsa Extra today. Then again I don’t have an MX Leader sniffle sniffle (tears streaming down my face) one day perhaps…:o

[bobswire]

What is the attraction to the MX leaders? I have never ridden one but they seem to be held in high reverence. My impression is that they use larger diameter thick walled steel tubes and are stiff and heavy. Please don’t misread this, if you like that’s great but I just want to know what set’s them apart from other lugged steel bikes. I have an EM Corsa Extra (58) for reference. What would be different between this bike and a Leader? Thanks !!!

I've owned both and I much preferred the ride of the CorsaEx but I'm in the minority though the placebo effect of Eddy M has it's lure.

[jds108]

Lots of threads here about them. I have one and I like it just fine, but like my Ti Serotta better.

Like OP says above, best thing to do is try one. But if you do, I'd suggest that you need to make that test ride a real ride (i.e 30, 40 + miles) with some hills and twisties somewhere along the way.

[berserk87]

I had one that had the quite snazzy Telecom colors.

My likes:

It was stable in a straight line. It felt kind of like an old Cadillac. It was pleasing to the eye with the paint scheme and the beefy steel fork.

My dislikes:

It felt sluggish to me a bit when accelerating. I made the mistake of racing on it and learned how easily that MX tubing dents.

Some of what you may feel about a frame depends upon what you want out of it.

[weisan]

I acquired one fairly recently.

Don't over--hype it, keep an open mind, just jump on one and test ride - what you will find is a very well-built classic machine that is a joy to ride.

[2wheelwill]

I just think they're sexy bikes. Not sure I could tell the difference if I road one back to back with a corsa extra. Did I mention they're sexy?


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[2wheelwill]

Building my second mxl as we speak....
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/03/12/1bf4588857b38402470ebdbf07ee455a.jpg


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[ultraman6970]

IMO is not only the EM max bike, all the max tubing bikes ride like a dream or ask the guys that have mines :D Specially the last one I had (it not an EM), the actual owner the least he said was to be sluggish and slow ride, he did not even think it is stiff as many thing. By the opposite that one in specific is a do it all frame, a little bit heavy but heck you can do it all.

Never been able to nail an EM frame tho, but had 2 already of other brands and the max tubing is just fantastic given their geometry.

[weisan]

2wheel pal, wow...just WOW!

[lhuerta]

My impression is that they use larger diameter thick walled steel tubes and are stiff and heavy.

...actually, the complete opposite. MXL tubing was multi shaped THIN wall Nivacrom tubing compared to SLX and TSX tubes of same era, and was actually lighter then SLX and TSX. The extra heft of complete frames was due to lug set for the multi shape and larger MXL tubes.

Search forum and u will find volumes of threads on this EXACT topic...

[texbike]

There are any number of bikes that ride as well as or better than an MXL. However, I love them enough to have 2 of them. For me, the MXL is the perfect combination of ride, handling, and responsiveness combined with classic lines and a long list of palmares and cult mystique. There probably isn't another steel frameset that carries that same combination.

Texbike

[TronnyJenkins]

I picked up a lightly dented one to test the waters... We shall see how it rides after I collect parts! I agree that some of it is the mystique, but they're sure sweet up close :)

[etu]

Stating the obvious, but much depends on the rider. What is lively and responsive to a 180lb punchy rider might be dead and heavy to a 140lb climber. Only way to find out how it fits you is try it out. The popularity of MX probably reflects the fact that it positively engages a broad range of cyclists. I prefer more compliant rides, so I'd suspect corsa extra might work better for me if I had to choose an merckx.

[danielpack22@ma]

Dang! That's a beaut!!

Building my second mxl as we speak....
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/03/12/1bf4588857b38402470ebdbf07ee455a.jpg


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[velofinds]

Building my second mxl as we speak....
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/03/12/1bf4588857b38402470ebdbf07ee455a.jpg

What size is this, for reference? Nice bike!

[bobswire]

Building my second mxl as we speak....
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/03/12/1bf4588857b38402470ebdbf07ee455a.jpg


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Well, if I was forced to take an mxl,this one is not too bad....;)

[bobswire]

Stating the obvious, but much depends on the rider. What is lively and responsive to a 180lb punchy rider might be dead and heavy to a 140lb climber. Only way to find out how it fits you is try it out. The popularity of MX probably reflects the fact that it positively engages a broad range of cyclists. I prefer more compliant rides, so I'd suspect corsa extra might work better for me if I had to choose an merckx.

Who you calling a climber, not all 140's are climbers,try as we might.But for an old guy I do all right and never turn a corner (wiggle) (https://www.sfbike.org/our-work/street-campaigns/the-wiggle/)to avoid a climb. :beer:
BTW I sold the corsa extra because of 1 too many bikes,wish I hadn't.

[KidWok]

I rode one as a main bike for awhile. It's not for me...heavy and rigid. I have a Merckx Professional now with Columbus SLX.

Tai

[2wheelwill]

What size is this, for reference? Nice bike!

It's a 54cm.

[tv_vt]

The Merckx I'd really love to try is the Team SC scandium frame. Now that one really intrigues me. Been thinking about one for probably 12-14 years. They're still around, but at this point, I'm a little nervous about what a used one has been through and its current integrity.

But I'd still love to check one out.

[skiezo]

I had a Basso Ascot at one time that had the Columbus MS tubes. It was from the early 80's. I loved the ride of that frame. It was in the 17# range and was a joy to ride on long rides. I ended up breaking the frame at the BB/DT junction.
I did love the looks of the MS tubes tho.

[TronnyJenkins]

The Merckx I'd really love to try is the Team SC scandium frame. Now that one really intrigues me. Been thinking about one for probably 12-14 years. They're still around, but at this point, I'm a little nervous about what a used one has been through and its current integrity.

But I'd still love to check one out.

No affiliation, but I've seen this one around. Looks safe to me :cool:
http://tucson.craigslist.org/bik/5489047929.html

[tv_vt]

No affiliation, but I've seen this one around. Looks safe to me :cool:
http://tucson.craigslist.org/bik/5489047929.html

Thanks. That's a beaut. But too small - I'm a 60 in bike sizing.

[jet sanchez]

I've never ridden a Leader frame but my Corsa Extra with a Leader fork is my favorite bike

http://i.imgur.com/88MtkER.jpg

[bigbill]

I've had one since 99, it's a great riding bike and I even raced it for a few years. I have a BLE and an Argonaut built with a mix of Max tubing that are better rides overall, but the MX Leader is the late 60's sports car that you keep in the garage and drive on sunny days, it does many things well but while lacking the refinement of newer frames, it reminds you of riding 20 years ago.

It's not for everyone, for someone newer to cycling that never rode a euro steel frame back in the day, it might not click. For me it brings back memories and I have no problems hanging with the local group when I ride it.

[velofinds]

I've never ridden a Leader frame but my Corsa Extra with a Leader fork is my favorite bike

http://i.imgur.com/88MtkER.jpg

What a great-looking bike.

Given how folks rave about the fork, along with the prevailing wisdom that an MXL without the matching fork just isn’t the same ride, I can’t help but wonder how much of the MX Leader’s properties come down to the fork and not the frame. 50/50? 75/25? Etc.

[2wheelwill]

Having ridden both I'd say the fork plays a big role. My corsa extra fork wasn't a noodle but no where near as responsive as my mxl fork.


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[etu]

Who you calling a climber, not all 140's are climbers,try as we might.But for an old guy I do all right and never turn a corner (wiggle) (https://www.sfbike.org/our-work/street-campaigns/the-wiggle/)to avoid a climb. :beer:
BTW I sold the corsa extra because of 1 too many bikes,wish I hadn't.

Hey, I do the wiggle myself, although I barely made it up 17th from Market up to Clayton once!
All this positive feedback about Corsa Extras and MXL really makes me want to try one. I do have a CSI on the way, so may get to experience something similar.

[bobswire]

Hey, I do the wiggle myself, although I barely made it up 17th from Market up to Clayton once!
All this positive feedback about Corsa Extras and MXL really makes me want to try one. I do have a CSI on the way, so may get to experience something similar.
Up 17th to Clayton is a steep climb but too much traffic for my liking.
You'll love the CSI,I'm trying to decide if I should get a De Rosa Primato I saw for sale.I've been talking back and forth with the guy.
I had a nice ride today that went up to Fort Miley and was thinking of you.
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1086447994
http://i63.tinypic.com/11kgupt.jpg

[jtakeda]

Up 17th to Clayton is a steep climb but too much traffic for my liking.
You'll love the CSI,I'm trying to decide if I should get a De Rosa Primato I saw for sale.I've been talking back and forth with the guy.
I had a nice ride today that went up to Fort Miley and was thinking of you.
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1086447994
http://i63.tinypic.com/11kgupt.jpg

Ugh. Up 17th to Clayton sucks.

I used to carry rolls of blueprints to this client up there. Always at the end of the day too.

[bobswire]

Ugh. Up 17th to Clayton sucks.

I used to carry rolls of blueprints to this client up there. Always at the end of the day too.

No Sh__t! :)

[OtayBW]

...I'm trying to decide if I should get a De Rosa Primato I saw for sale.Get it. You won't regret it!........

[texbike]

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1086447994
http://i63.tinypic.com/11kgupt.jpg

Wow! Heaven!

Oh, and yes, you should get the Primato! ;)

Texbike

[don compton]

Up 17th to Clayton is a steep climb but too much traffic for my liking.
You'll love the CSI,I'm trying to decide if I should get a De Rosa Primato I saw for sale.I've been talking back and forth with the guy.
I had a nice ride today that went up to Fort Miley and was thinking of you.
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1086447994
http://i63.tinypic.com/11kgupt.jpg
I went to Cal '69-'74 and recognize that area. I played golf and remember playing a qualifying round at Lincoln Park during the San Francisco City Championship.
Thanks for the pic.
Don

[thirdgenbird]

I've never ridden a Leader frame but my Corsa Extra with a Leader fork is my favorite bike

http://i.imgur.com/88MtkER.jpg

Are you ready to sell me that framset yet? I've got the build kit ready. Seriously.

[2wheelwill]

Just finished my build! Going out for the first ride today...
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/03/18/a53435651d6540cb942ebc6434d6c31a.jpg


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[hampco]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/03/18/a53435651d6540cb942ebc6434d6c31a.jpg

Nice!

[sam.g]

Since there's already been some thread drift, I thought that I'd add my opinion based upon owning a CSi and a recently acquired 7 Eleven Corsa Extra. I've not had the opportunity to ride the MXL but it's on my short list.

As already mentioned, allot has to do with the rider, I'm 5'8", around 160#, and at 66 I can still climb halfway decently. My CSi is a 2000 model with the original F1 carbon/steel fork and equipped with Chorus 11 speed and Eurus wheels clad with Conti 4000s. The Corsa Extra (in the 7 Eleven team livery) has Chorus 10 speed with the same Eurus wheels and Conti 4000s tires. I decided I wanted a daily rider rather than another retro ride.

Both bikes weigh about the same (~20#'s) and the ride is quite similar, were it not for the different saddles, I'd have trouble telling them apart while riding. However I do have to say that the CSi seems to be less fatiguing on long rides, 50 miles and up. The CSi is my go to bike for centuries, it just feels right. Can't explain why, but at 75 mile and up, the CSi just feels better and I'm fresher. My only thought is that the CSi could be stiffer due to the shaped tubing at the bottom bracket. I would be interesting to see how the MXL would fare compared to my CSi.

Sam in Cincy

[dancinkozmo]

i found a nice looking one for sale in my size !!!what would be a fair price to pay ?? seller is asking $2k canadian

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTE5WDgwMA==/z/-scAAOSwoudW6rVl/$_27.JPG

Purchased new in 2003, never raced or crashed and lovingly maintained. This is a rare opportunity to own one of the most revered steel lugged frames ever built. Due to physical restraints I am no longer able to give this bike the long rides it deserves.
56 cm C-C seat tube and 56cm top tube.
10 speed Campy chorus drivetrain.
Record Hubs with Ambrosio rims.
Deda cockpit.

[oldpotatoe]

i found a nice looking one for sale in my size !!!what would be a fair price to pay ?? seller is asking $2k canadian

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTE5WDgwMA==/z/-scAAOSwoudW6rVl/$_27.JPG

Purchased new in 2003, never raced or crashed and lovingly maintained. This is a rare opportunity to own one of the most revered steel lugged frames ever built. Due to physical restraints I am no longer able to give this bike the long rides it deserves.
56 cm C-C seat tube and 56cm top tube.
10 speed Campy chorus drivetrain.
Record Hubs with Ambrosio rims.
Deda cockpit.

$1500USD or so...may be just a smidge high but all in all, not bad..

[patfl1]

^^agree. If one came my way in that condition and in my size, I'd grab it quick for $1500.


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