Best Columbus MAX frame.

[bicycletricycle]

I propose a best Columbus MAX frame thread, you must post a picture of the frame and explain why!

I think it is this bianchi proto
http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae236/bicycletricycle/47D77ED0-6B03-4E04-9EC0-FA31AB07EFFE_zpssgx9iycb.jpg (http://s975.photobucket.com/user/bicycletricycle/media/47D77ED0-6B03-4E04-9EC0-FA31AB07EFFE_zpssgx9iycb.jpg.html)

Reasons-
Uses whole max tube set
Nice and clean seat cluster
Hybrid construction without looking funny
Celeste
Nice fork with smooth bend and clean crown

[weisan]

don't know about being the "best" but saw a couple (other than the MXL which I already have) that I wouldn't mind having in this writeup...

http://martinisontheroof.blogspot.com/2011/11/columbus-max-renaissance.html

Don Ferris
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kIw1rVS9ucI/Trw9ewqcOPI/AAAAAAAAAFo/cxsN41326X8/s1600/anvil+max+orange.jpg

Zanconato
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IbSHongLOQQ/Trw9oRPnveI/AAAAAAAAAFw/qPxeZfDJcls/s1600/zanconato+max+blue+2.jpg

[ultraman6970]

I've had 2 columbus max frames, 1 was a bertoni (bianchi made I think) just like the bianchi in the picture, awesome bike, really short wheelbase and do it all, handled like the gods. Screwed up and traded up here in the forums.

The second one was a maza (not mazza, mazza is a team from what I know... maza), that is pretty much two guys that moved out of somec many years ago, awesome bike too aswell, panto all over the place like a somec max. A forumite has it. Funny thing was that the 1st thing he told me was... "the ride is not harsh... what is people talking about!!".

Honestly? I miss them both but at least I know that went to good houses, had money I would try to get the maza back :)

Never had a EM with max tubing so no idea what i could be missing but the 2 I had were just fantastic rides. Smooth and stiff at the same time, ideal racing bike IMO. A lot of riders like cadillac type of rides, a max is not for them and that's maybe why you find comments about max bikes being harsh, they are not, but if you fit them wrong like a bear riding a BMX, heck will ride like cr@p for sure. All max ive seen are racing bikes, cant even imagine touring geometry with max...

[gone]

The best? My filet brazed Max Landshark with painted to match pump:

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p170/ghsmith54/My%20Fleet%20of%20Bikes/f0_3_zps63a15a83.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p170/ghsmith54/My%20Fleet%20of%20Bikes/0f_3.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p170/ghsmith54/My%20Fleet%20of%20Bikes/4f_3.jpg

[eBAUMANN]

The best? My filet brazed Max Landshark with painted to match pump:

DUDE.
If you ever sell that thing...
;)

[buldogge]

Vittorio Strada MAX...mainly, because it's quite possibly the only MAX frame ever produced by Vittorio.

-Mark in St. Louis

[witcombusa]

don't know about being the "best" but saw a couple (other than the MXL which I already have) that I wouldn't mind having in this writeup...

http://martinisontheroof.blogspot.com/2011/11/columbus-max-renaissance.html

Don Ferris
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kIw1rVS9ucI/Trw9ewqcOPI/AAAAAAAAAFo/cxsN41326X8/s1600/anvil+max+orange.jpg

Zanconato
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IbSHongLOQQ/Trw9oRPnveI/AAAAAAAAAFw/qPxeZfDJcls/s1600/zanconato+max+blue+2.jpg

Sorry but straight forks just don't work aesthetically!

[hollowgram5]

I'd have to say I'm pretty partial to my Koga Miyata Full Pro S. Its a full lugged frameset, and even has one of those threaded doomerhickeys under the top tube for a number card, but also has a pump peg...

Unique features include built in ferrule/cable stops for internally routed rear brake, as well as rear der chainstay stop. Both of these initially confused the heck of out me as I was trying to build the bike. It also has a 27.6 seatpost which was quite possibly the hardest thing to come across for a reasonable price.. it originally came with a ITM Eclypse Titanium post and quill stem. Somewhere I've got detailed photos of it. If I can find them I'll post swap some better pictures.

Thread here (http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=178657)

Threw 27c Paves on the shamals last night just to see how it looked, makes me want deep carbon wheels for it. Also went to a -17 stem, just wanna find a proper quill now.
http://i.imgur.com/R1vsHfzl.jpg http://i.imgur.com/FGFZfMFl.jpg

Another reason: Bicycletricycle, I think mine is a size you can ride.

[ultraman6970]

Not the only one, but heck are rare even in holland.

Vittorio Strada MAX...mainly, because it's quite possibly the only MAX frame ever produced by Vittorio.

-Mark in St. Louis

[Steelman]

http://columbusmaxbikes.blogspot.ca/

A small sample:

[bicycletricycle]

Awesome frame, too bad about the aero down tube shifter mounts. I wonder if John would repaint it after a change in shifter mounts.


The best? My filet brazed Max Landshark with painted to match pump:

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p170/ghsmith54/My%20Fleet%20of%20Bikes/f0_3_zps63a15a83.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p170/ghsmith54/My%20Fleet%20of%20Bikes/0f_3.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p170/ghsmith54/My%20Fleet%20of%20Bikes/4f_3.jpg

[bicycletricycle]

http://columbusmaxbikes.blogspot.ca/

A small sample:

That is an excellent blog

[bicycletricycle]

I don't think any max bike with the original seat lug can qualify for best ever, it is so ugly!

[Steve in SLO]

Just happened to see this Llewellyn on ebay. Might be my new favorite...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Llewellyn-Columbus-MAX-Custom-Road-bike-Campagnolo-Athena-Record-/192014618038?hash=item2cb4f68db6:g:WvIAAOSwImRYFrj m

[buldogge]

Not the only one, but heck are rare even in holland.

T...Do you have any pictures of other Vittorio MAX bikes? Current proprietor has no records of any others...would love to see some, if they exist.

-Mark

ps...If you find pics of a red/white/blue fade job one...that's mine before repairs and re-paint.

[ultraman6970]

Here you have another one...

https://www.facebook.com/PropagandaRowerowa/photos/a.1026843914026258.1073742209.185289778181680/1026844077359575/?type=3&theater


And the next one I know has a multicolored squares paint job that is a awesome... I must have that pictures somewhere. My bad it is a vitalli that i think it is a dutch builder as well.

And here you have a blog with a bunch of max bikes...

http://columbusmaxbikes.blogspot.com/

[cadence90]

Just happened to see this Llewellyn on ebay. Might be my new favorite...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Llewellyn-Columbus-MAX-Custom-Road-bike-Campagnolo-Athena-Record-/192014618038?hash=item2cb4f68db6:g:WvIAAOSwImRYFrj m

That bicycle is sublime.

[Cicli]

Just happened to see this Llewellyn on ebay. Might be my new favorite...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Llewellyn-Columbus-MAX-Custom-Road-bike-Campagnolo-Athena-Record-/192014618038?hash=item2cb4f68db6:g:WvIAAOSwImRYFrj m

I just saw that.

Schwing.

[hollowgram5]

Just happened to see this Llewellyn on ebay. Might be my new favorite...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Llewellyn-Columbus-MAX-Custom-Road-bike-Campagnolo-Athena-Record-/192014618038?hash=item2cb4f68db6:g:WvIAAOSwImRYFrj m

That bike belongs to Andy White who runs the site fyxo.co. He used to be known as Fyxomatosis, and it has seen a plethora of variation. It was built with Deltas and C-Record downtube shifters, and then Athena 11s (among other builds). If I remember right, he's done some massive long rides on it, and has spoken like its one of his favorite bikes ever.

Buried somewhere in his site is a full spec review with some pretty stellar pictures; I just can't find it while I eat my breakfast...

[stephenmarklay]

I have always read about folks raving on MX Max bikes. At 180+ most of the time maybe this is something I should look into.

[oldguy00]

Not sure how many are actually out there, but, Zullo!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_atrK-jBKJKY/SnhL7YIpOvI/AAAAAAAAIb8/Y8wl60C2GBE/s400/max02.jpg


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zpbx71xv5OM/S4SP7RiN8kI/AAAAAAAAAkc/ojtSvz5CG9s/s400/nahbszullo.jpg

[mktng]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161031/2fa615b9bd230d51560d6a91341bb186.jpg

[jtbadge]

Couldn't imagine being happier with a production steel road frame than I am with my MX Leader. Rides like it's on rails. Stiff in all of the right places. Pedals itself.

http://www.pedalroom.com/p/merckx-mx-leader-29250_16.jpg

[texbike]

Cool thread and beautiful bikes!

OK, so not every tube on the MXL is made of MAX, BUT what other MAX-tubed bike has had the degree of success of the MXL? The ride is sublime, the bike is iconic, and it has unmatched palmares. Raced to success by Lotto, Motorola, and Tkom. What more can you ask for???

Texbike

[hollowgram5]

Kenevans from Australia has done some pretty awesome MAX bikes in the past. Here's one that Skunkworks put together... VIA CycleExif (http://www.cycleexif.com/kenevans-columbus-max-road)

http://7169-presscdn-0-61.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/kenevans-white-road-1.jpg

[bicycletricycle]

My 2nd submission is this argonaut

http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae236/bicycletricycle/8687BFF1-DFF1-414F-8A6D-E85C6FC2B40A_zpsoe7gtxwq.png (http://s975.photobucket.com/user/bicycletricycle/media/8687BFF1-DFF1-414F-8A6D-E85C6FC2B40A_zpsoe7gtxwq.png.html)

Great modern interpretation
A little bit of a cheat by omitting top tube but it does make that seat cluster clean
Super clean

[one60]

From Ultra..."The second one was a maza (not mazza, mazza is a team from what I know... maza), that is pretty much two guys that moved out of somec many years ago, awesome bike too aswell, panto all over the place like a somec max. A forumite has it. Funny thing was that the 1st thing he told me was... "the ride is not harsh... what is people talking about!!".


Loving the ride of Ultra's MAX tubed Maza. Currently running it as a single speed for winter/wet weather riding. Even with Gatorskins the ride quality is great! Not just for big boys either....this one is a 55 and I weigh @155.(Sorry but unable to post pics here for unknown reasons)

[icepick_trotsky]

The mods should have just closed this thread after that Landshark.

[merckx]

Cool thread and beautiful bikes!

OK, so not every tube on the MXL is made of MAX, BUT what other MAX-tubed bike has had the degree of success of the MXL? The ride is sublime, the bike is iconic, and it has unmatched palmares. Raced to success by Lotto, Motorola, and Tkom. What more can you ask for???

Texbike

This is the top of the lot. I had one. I was a fool to sell. It was the best marriage of flesh and steel that I have enjoyed.

[paredown]

No idea about "best" but this Bertoni is for sale on St. Louis CL--I'm guessing similar to Ultra's original:
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/5823601160.html

$1100 with low miles and Campy Chorus 8 speed...

There is some discussion about who made them--often attributed to Bianchi, but the cognoscenti think the early frames in the line were made by Torresini--and not sure who made the later ones:
Bertoni was a brand created by Ben Lawee circa-1980. The frames were manufactured in Italy, sometimes mistakenly assigned to Bianchi, which had no connection to the Bertoni brand other than Ben Lawee's Bianchi imports during the 1960s. Earlier Bertonis have frame details that are similar to the Torresini-made Italvegas. The 1984 and later steel frames do not bear the typical Torresini details. These "second series" frames all utilized Columbus tubesets of Matrix, SL or SLX type tubing and featured Columbus "short point" lugs and Cinelli-type Columbus bottom brackets & semi-sloping fork crowns. Seat stay lugs were Gipiemme, brazed into the contour of the rear quarters of the seat tube lug. Other braze-ons were also Gipiemme, including the two styles of brake stay bridges used, depending on the model, and the induction-cast "box arch" chainstay bridge which was common to all steel Bertonis, with the exception of the TSX model - the frame of which was obviously the Daccordi Griffe, but with Bertoni inscriptions and decals. Dropouts were forged Columbus on the lower/mid range and Campagnolo for the upscale models.

Bianchi Girl on Bike Forum (I seem to recall) thought not Bianchi as well...

[gone]

Awesome frame, too bad about the aero down tube shifter mounts. I wonder if John would repaint it after a change in shifter mounts.

Why? I actually like the shifter mounts. The cables go through the frame and makes a neat setup with the filet brazed Max tubeset. Here are a couple of shots with DT shifters and Campy 10 speed:

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p170/ghsmith54/My%20Fleet%20of%20Bikes/DSCN6299_zpsbkynbfxw.jpg

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p170/ghsmith54/My%20Fleet%20of%20Bikes/IMG_0547_zpsztczkwqv.jpg

[Gsinill]

http://i64.tinypic.com/11m6d83.jpg

There was a lot of discussion going on here (http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=176597&page=3) whether this is a "real" MAX frame or not, so hopefully I won't get flamed ;)
Conclusion as per info I got from Casati is that this was their proprietary version of MAX tubing and therefore they labeled it as such.

I never rode any other MAX frame (top of my wishlist though) so I can't compare, all I can say is that since I got it, the Casati has been my favorite ride.
Handling very similar to my Serotta CSi which is a close 2nd.

[donevwil]

Best because it was custom built for me. It's impossible to get a ≥61cm TT on a lugged MAX frame without some tube swapping. Jess at Comare delivered a 61.2 TT and steepened the ST angle to 73.5. That gave me the reach I needed. It took four tubesets to yield a TT long enough and the DT is from a True Temper tandem tubeset.

http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697914422&d=1454431359

http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697929489&d=1477931508

[velofinds]

@Gsinill -- yours is one of my favorite bikes here, which is really saying something.

[oldguy00]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161031/2fa615b9bd230d51560d6a91341bb186.jpg

Cool, I only ever saw one other Marinoni with Max tubing, and it was a used frame that I snagged off ebay for a friend 13 years ago.

I called Marinoni to ask them if they'd build me one back then, but they had long run out of the tubing and weren't bringing anymore in..... :(

[hollowgram5]

Best because it was custom built for me. It's impossible to get a ≥61cm TT on a lugged MAX frame without some tube swapping. Jess at Comare delivered a 61.2 TT and steepened the ST angle to 73.5. That gave me the reach I needed. It took four tubesets to yield a TT long enough and the DT is from a True Temper tandem tubeset.

http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697914422&d=1454431359

http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697929489&d=1477931508
Yours sure is purty!!

[ultraman6970]

They made only a few of those max frames because they were pretty much prototypes of a product bertoni was going to put in the market (bianchi made from what I know), so those frames showed up in a bike show in Boston or chicago from what I know, a few months later Bertoni close the shop forever and the frames somehow made it out to some people, I had one... this one one here in CL and remember a red one in texas that was from a forumite I cant remember his nick name. Those bertoni had a shorter wheelbase and the BB was like 5 mm higher than normal, superb handling.

Awesome rides, I have to be honest i do regret selling and trading any of my max bikes, but at that minute for some weird reason the bikes were not fitting right, what sucks is that for some reason I might be able to fit them again hehehe :)

No idea about "best" but this Bertoni is for sale on St. Louis CL--I'm guessing similar to Ultra's original:
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/5823601160.html

$1100 with low miles and Campy Chorus 8 speed...

There is some discussion about who made them--often attributed to Bianchi, but the cognoscenti think the early frames in the line were made by Torresini--and not sure who made the later ones:


Bianchi Girl on Bike Forum (I seem to recall) thought not Bianchi as well...

[Gsinill]

@Gsinill -- yours is one of my favorite bikes here, which is really saying something.

Thank you Sir.
Downside of it turning into my most ridden bike is that I had to replace the Deltas with Record calipers; it's still beautiful though, just not as much ;)

[rodcad]

My 2nd submission is this argonaut

http://i975.photobucket.com/albums/ae236/bicycletricycle/8687BFF1-DFF1-414F-8A6D-E85C6FC2B40A_zpsoe7gtxwq.png (http://s975.photobucket.com/user/bicycletricycle/media/8687BFF1-DFF1-414F-8A6D-E85C6FC2B40A_zpsoe7gtxwq.png.html)

Great modern interpretation
A little bit of a cheat by omitting top tube but it does make that seat cluster clean
Super clean

That is sweet. I like the big red Argonaut that has been drooled over many times here. Red with chrome lugs....I wish Brian still built with steel.

[one60]

modified MAX tube set on the Grandis Overmax. These are still available from Grandis out of Italy. Some very nice details...check out the rear brake routing through the seat lug!
(there is also one available on ebay)
http://www.cicligrandis.it/public/Articolo/Img/201371611197.jpg
http://www.cicligrandis.it/public/Gallery/Img/1993big.jpg

[OtayBW]

http://s12.postimg.org/fof3susx9/L1050012.jpg

That right there is a LOOKER!

[mattsbeers]

1) How did it take a page for someone to finally say a Merckx MX leader.

2) And there is no wrong answer...all Max bikes rule!

[Hilltopperny]

Certainly not the best, but a very cool max tubed serotta prototype or backdoor build. I am contemplating buying a rigid fork for this and have already bought some dirt drop bars. I think it would make an awesome gravel drop bar bike for all the trails out here.
http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=180220

[bfd]

I'm not the seller, but from SF craigslist:

This is a very special Della Santa road bike as it is constructed from Columbus Max tubing and only 1 of 2 built with these tubes. After building the bikes Roland said, "never again", as the build process was a pain in the butt with this tubeset. Second owner of this bike. It was built as a crit racer, thus the oversized and stiff Max tubes. It also has a high bottom bracket for pedaling through corners.

PRICE - $2000/bo

58cm c-c seat and top tube
Shimano Dura Ace 7700 9-speed group (172.5mm cranks, but 175mm available)
Campagnolo Record carbon brake levers and calipers
Campagnolo Chorus Titanium seatpost
Dura Ace 7810 pedals
Chris King Headset
Dura Ace/Mavic Wheelset

Additional set of BRAND NEW race wheels. DT Swiss Hugi/Mavic Reflex with brand new glued tires
Even have brand new anniversary water bottles

https://images.craigslist.org/00H0H_7N1Jaz6GMeg_1200x900.jpg

https://images.craigslist.org/00Q0Q_iuidXtceING_1200x900.jpg

link: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/5853677239.html

Good Luck!

[onomic]

That Landshark is awesome!! Love the Dura Ace 7402 downtube shifters and period correct. If it was my size I'd be working all angles to get it in my stable!! Sadly missed out on the Merckx Max that was recently listed here for sale and it just just my size, dang. I'm not balling at all:( That might be my favorite MAX bike ever because I can picture myself cruising along on it:)

[stephenmarklay]

http://s12.postimg.org/fof3susx9/L1050012.jpg

There was a lot of discussion going on here (http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=176597&page=3) whether this is a "real" MAX frame or not, so hopefully I won't get flamed ;)
Conclusion as per info I got from Casati is that this was their proprietary version of MAX tubing and therefore they labeled it as such.

I never rode any other MAX frame (top of my wishlist though) so I can't compare, all I can say is that since I got it, the Casati has been my favorite ride.
Handling very similar to my Serotta CSi which is a close 2nd.

Don’t care if its MAX or not that is damn proper.

[thirdgenbird]

I'm not the seller, but from SF craigslist:

This is a very special Della Santa road bike as it is constructed from Columbus Max tubing and only 1 of 2 built with these tubes. After building the bikes Roland said, "never again", as the build process was a pain in the butt with this tubeset. Second owner of this bike. It was built as a crit racer, thus the oversized and stiff Max tubes. It also has a high bottom bracket for pedaling through corners.

PRICE - $2000/bo

58cm c-c seat and top tube
Shimano Dura Ace 7700 9-speed group (172.5mm cranks, but 175mm available)
Campagnolo Record carbon brake levers and calipers
Campagnolo Chorus Titanium seatpost
Dura Ace 7810 pedals
Chris King Headset
Dura Ace/Mavic Wheelset

Additional set of BRAND NEW race wheels. DT Swiss Hugi/Mavic Reflex with brand new glued tires
Even have brand new anniversary water bottles

link: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/5853677239.html

Good Luck!

That is a sweet frame with a very sensible "forever" build. Two wheelsets as well.

I kinda want the fame...

[Fiertetimestwo]

That bike belongs to Andy White who runs the site fyxo.co. He used to be known as Fyxomatosis, and it has seen a plethora of variation. It was built with Deltas and C-Record downtube shifters, and then Athena 11s (among other builds). If I remember right, he's done some massive long rides on it, and has spoken like its one of his favorite bikes ever.

Buried somewhere in his site is a full spec review with some pretty stellar pictures; I just can't find it while I eat my breakfast...

I believe this bike is (or at least was very recently) for sale- I saw it on one of the Australian facebook sale sites. Absolutely gorgeous.

Edit- D'oh! Sorry - just saw the original post re this bike was an ebay sale- so. yes, it is for sale!

[rileystylee]

not sure if my RL max is the best but it's one of my favourites

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk216/devonbay/DSC_0159_zpsaz3gth2r.jpg (http://s281.photobucket.com/user/devonbay/media/DSC_0159_zpsaz3gth2r.jpg.html)

[buldogge]

Hey T...Thanks for that. Odd that Vittorio didn't have any record of more frames.

That pink fade bike has lost it's panto'd MAX fork, unfortunately. Only other difference I can see, is that my seat stays are filleted to the seat lug and that frame's are set below the lug...could just be a function of it being 2cm larger.

-Mark

Here you have another one...

https://www.facebook.com/PropagandaRowerowa/photos/a.1026843914026258.1073742209.185289778181680/1026844077359575/?type=3&theater


And the next one I know has a multicolored squares paint job that is a awesome... I must have that pictures somewhere. My bad it is a vitalli that i think it is a dutch builder as well.

And here you have a blog with a bunch of max bikes...

http://columbusmaxbikes.blogspot.com/

[maxcolumbus]

I DO like the Bianchi MAX bikes.
I was looking for one of the sexy forks for mine.
I haven't ridden enough MAX bikes to say which is best, but mine definitely
ticks all the boxes where I'm concerned:

No heavy MAX lugs, so it's nice and light.
MAX chain stays and front triangle so it's really stiff under load and handles gravel and broken surfaces really well.
MAX fork with s Samson crown keeps the bike stiff and stable up front.

Steve Hampsten used a Spirit seat tube and seat stays to provide a little more comfort under the saddle so it's an all day bike.
Best. Ride. Ever.

[Aaron O]

I do like mine.

1. Lugs all hand modified, unusual and difficult with MAX
2. Built for me.
3. Chromed, drilled drop outs
4. Daniele is a fantastic builder
5. Mix of classic and modern where it counts
6. THE RIDE!!!
7. All lugged, no tig.
8. Classic horizontal drops.
9. DT modified to fit clamp for more crank versatility. I think you'll notice the others are all braze on due to the ovalized tubing.

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Marnati/B3639CE6-A1FF-4B57-95AF-BC4E5A892F07_zps5heheqd6.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/aolk67/media/Marnati/B3639CE6-A1FF-4B57-95AF-BC4E5A892F07_zps5heheqd6.jpg.html)

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Marnati/00DC2796-E272-430D-A67B-EA06F4A05D1F_zpsxodftoqg.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/aolk67/media/Marnati/00DC2796-E272-430D-A67B-EA06F4A05D1F_zpsxodftoqg.jpg.html)

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Marnati/1A6951D9-0CEE-4D42-B63E-1482C26ECBB0_zps7jrr0lye.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/aolk67/media/Marnati/1A6951D9-0CEE-4D42-B63E-1482C26ECBB0_zps7jrr0lye.jpg.html)

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/16092010265.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/aolk67/media/16092010265.jpg.html)

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/16092010262.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/aolk67/media/16092010262.jpg.html)


http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/16092010263.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/aolk67/media/16092010263.jpg.html)

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/05102010300.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/aolk67/media/05102010300.jpg.html)

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/05102010297.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/aolk67/media/05102010297.jpg.html)

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo0389.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/aolk67/media/Photo0389.jpg.html)

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Photo0386.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/aolk67/media/Photo0386.jpg.html)

The Grandis is a very cool one as well, and tomassini made a nice max frame.

[Aaron O]

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Marnati/A2A9F9C5-2CE8-4BD3-B8CD-BFF6F71E7263_zpsrffw4hih.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/aolk67/media/Marnati/A2A9F9C5-2CE8-4BD3-B8CD-BFF6F71E7263_zpsrffw4hih.jpg.html)

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Marnati/5D3499B5-E8F2-4CE6-93E6-F878407B01D3_zpsnvar8w5f.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/aolk67/media/Marnati/5D3499B5-E8F2-4CE6-93E6-F878407B01D3_zpsnvar8w5f.jpg.html)

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad205/aolk67/Marnati/null_zps3e6d3adf.jpg (http://s936.photobucket.com/user/aolk67/media/Marnati/null_zps3e6d3adf.jpg.html)

[jtbadge]

I DO like the Bianchi MAX bikes.
I was looking for one of the sexy forks for mine.
I haven't ridden enough MAX bikes to say which is best, but mine definitely
ticks all the boxes where I'm concerned:

No heavy MAX lugs, so it's nice and light.
MAX chain stays and front triangle so it's really stiff under load and handles gravel and broken surfaces really well.
MAX fork with s Samson crown keeps the bike stiff and stable up front.

Steve Hampsten used a Spirit seat tube and seat stays to provide a little more comfort under the saddle so it's an all day bike.
Best. Ride. Ever.

Hampsten is definitely where I'd go for a modern MAX frame. Nice, nice bike.

[rccardr]

Have had three, all lugged. Would be hard for me to pick a favorite, though.
Dancelli:

http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy254/rccardr/Dancelli/Dancellirightsidedoor.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/rccardr/media/Dancelli/Dancellirightsidedoor.jpg.html)

De Bernardi (now with Look585):
http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy254/rccardr/De%20Bernardi%2010%20speed%20black/DeB%20right_zpsgev36p01.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/rccardr/media/De%20Bernardi%2010%20speed%20black/DeB%20right_zpsgev36p01.jpg.html)

Tomassini Velocista:
http://i797.photobucket.com/albums/yy254/rccardr/Tomassini%20Velocista/TomVelorightside_zps6fb6500c.jpg (http://s797.photobucket.com/user/rccardr/media/Tomassini%20Velocista/TomVelorightside_zps6fb6500c.jpg.html)

[hollowgram5]

I DO like the Bianchi MAX bikes.
I was looking for one of the sexy forks for mine.
I haven't ridden enough MAX bikes to say which is best, but mine definitely
ticks all the boxes where I'm concerned:

No heavy MAX lugs, so it's nice and light.
MAX chain stays and front triangle so it's really stiff under load and handles gravel and broken surfaces really well.
MAX fork with s Samson crown keeps the bike stiff and stable up front.

Steve Hampsten used a Spirit seat tube and seat stays to provide a little more comfort under the saddle so it's an all day bike.
Best. Ride. Ever.
I do love the way those Samson crowns look!

[weisan]

SO many gorgeous MAX bikes here...which reminds me that it's time to take the MXL out tomorrow for my Wed. ride...after all, it's the RIDE that makes us fall in love with these MAX babes in the first place.

[Gsinill]

Have had three, all lugged. Would be hard for me to pick a favorite, though.


That Tommasini was such a good deal, too bad that nobody here on the TPL was able to snag it...

[hollowgram5]

That Tommasini was such a good deal, too bad that nobody here on the TPL was able to snag it...

Maybe someone here can.. though that price seems quite steeeeeep!

Link to EBAY (http://www.ebay.com/itm/142140427326)

Not sure if its the same frameset, but it sure looks it...

[hampco]

I'm pretty sure I'll be keeping this one:

[bheight1]

The best bikes are shiny and white...

[Gsinill]

The best bikes are shiny and white...

Wowza!!!

[hollowgram5]

I waited for him to post it up, but there is the Maddox Argonaut MAX that he put up for sale, and then quickly pulled back down.. A steel bike from before Ben switched and went to his current carbon process

It's my size, and as much as I wanted it, I'd just purchased the Koga and was getting through the build process with that rig.

Formerly for sale thread (http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=181100)

http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697914059&stc=1&d=1453840892

[Jad]

Soooo nice. Very stylee, Riley.
not sure if my RL max is the best but it's one of my favourites

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk216/devonbay/DSC_0159_zpsaz3gth2r.jpg (http://s281.photobucket.com/user/devonbay/media/DSC_0159_zpsaz3gth2r.jpg.html)

[bismo37]

I'm a fan of Columbus MAX bikes. I'd love a Celeste Bianchi MAX frameset but I'm not sure I'd want the heft that comes with a straight old school MAX frameset. I think the modern MAX framesets with MAX tubes mixed strategically with lighter/nimbler tubes is the best of both worlds.

I'm gonna be biased and post my own MAX bikes:

Hampco MAX...

http://i.imgur.com/qj7Wirh.jpg

Winter Bicycles MAX based frame...

http://i.imgur.com/ugogmIx.jpg

[maslow]

Wowsers. Your Hampsten MAX is really nice..

....but the 'Winter' Columbus MAX rig is totally stunning. Very well executed paint and chrome combination.

I'll add one of my Max frames to this thread (I don't think I've ever psotd pics of this one. It's a Rossin Columbus MAX Concept. Lugged coloumbus max with what I believe are SLX stays (not sure) but 99% certain they;re not Max stays as are quite thin compared to the full max frames I've come across.

[maslow]

Rossin MAX Concept built with 10v Record....

http://i.imgur.com/PsWHzwx.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/TtNifZO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/14uc68H.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/AG9Jzye.jpg

[hollowgram5]

Rossin MAX Concept built with 10v Record....
That is crazy beautiful!

[Fivethumbs]

Digging the Rossin a lot!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[oldguy00]

The best bikes are shiny and white...

This!! Where did you even manage to buy one??

[DarkStar]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161031/2fa615b9bd230d51560d6a91341bb186.jpg
No idea that Marinoni built with Max tubing, see a new bike in my future.

[ColonelJLloyd]

Am I correct in that I'm seeing some of the top tubes used one way and others the opposite? What is the thinking on both?

[ultraman6970]

U are right, some used the top tube backwards, specially the ones that were not using lugs. If you put the flat part at the front, the front should get stiffer IMO, and the back might get tad easy in the bad roads but the tube is so nice that who knows if it makes any difference in the way the bike handles.

[oldguy00]

No idea that Marinoni built with Max tubing, see a new bike in my future.

They no longer do, not for a long time. I inquired years ago, like over 10 years ago. :(

[maxcolumbus]

Dude, that Winter MAX is the cat's meow. dang! :hello:

[cadence90]

Dude, that Winter MAX is the cat's meow. dang! :hello:

And the cat's pajamas too. Wow!

[lzuk]

Zanconato Max, maybe not the greatest looking but rides nice.

[fignon's barber]

Zanconato Max, maybe not the greatest looking but rides nice.

That's funny. When I saw the picture, I said "wow, that's a great looking bike".

[oldpotatoe]

Really a MXLeader tubeset but still..

[spacemen3]

Your flimsy Max bikes are nothing compared to Columbus Over-Max! ;)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/282253199194

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/4DEAAOSwsN9XA98D/s-l1600.jpg
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/H3AAAOSwSzdXA98Z/s-l1600.jpg

[tv_vt]

This Zanc Max was posted on VSalon a while back. Was in a shop out West somewhere. So, so tempting. I'd love to try it out. Beautiful, too.

[rodcad]

Your flimsy Max bikes are nothing compared to Columbus Over-Max! ;)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/282253199194

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/4DEAAOSwsN9XA98D/s-l1600.jpg
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/H3AAAOSwSzdXA98Z/s-l1600.jpg

Damn, never even heard of this tubing. Nice looking bike.

[bicycletricycle]

I think this winter may be the winner. A+++++++

chrome!!!!!!

I'm a fan of Columbus MAX bikes. I'd love a Celeste Bianchi MAX frameset but I'm not sure I'd want the heft that comes with a straight old school MAX frameset. I think the modern MAX framesets with MAX tubes mixed strategically with lighter/nimbler tubes is the best of both worlds.

Winter Bicycles MAX based frame...

http://i.imgur.com/ugogmIx.jpg

[vav]

Neophyte curiosity question: What makes Columbus Max so special? What makes it so different than any other Columbus or Tange or Reynolds, etc etc?

[Villgaxx]

Gotta be two things:

1) lugged & 2) Euro production junk,

so, the two best max bikes are the Tommasini in second place and the Merckx Corsa Extra Max in first.

The Tommasini has a nice lug treatment and more art, but the Merckx is a Merckx and all business, while the MXL is not a Max bike at all.

All the custom bikes out there now and all one-offs and tig-welded stuff from the past is fun and goofy, but they fall short of the Tommasini and the Merckx.

[hollowgram5]

Gotta be two things:

1) lugged & 2) euro production junk,

so, the two best max bikes are the Tommasini in second place and the Merckx Corsa Extra Max in first.

The Tommasini has a nice lug treatment, but the Merckx is a Merckx, while the MXL is not a Max bike at all.

All the custom bikes out there now and all one-offs and tig-welded stuff from the past is fun and all, but all fall short of the Tommasini and the Merckx.
My Koga was Japanese made (it's lugged), but I think my MS Tommasini more than makes up for it..

[bicycletricycle]

Neophyte curiosity question: What makes Columbus Max so special? What makes it so different than any other Columbus or Tange or Reynolds, etc etc?

huge ovalized tubes

gigantic aero fork blades

MX leader

[echelon_john]

It's the alloy; Max is made up of .001% of Delirium, which itself is comprised of the sweat, blood, vomit, embrocation and broken dreams of generations of Belgian hardmen.


Neophyte curiosity question: What makes Columbus Max so special? What makes it so different than any other Columbus or Tange or Reynolds, etc etc?

[Mzilliox]

Zanconato Max, maybe not the greatest looking but rides nice.

thats so damn sexy, loe the matte black! I am craving me a Zanonato, you know, Z names and all that. really nice ride, thanks for sharing.

[Mzilliox]

I'm pretty sure I'll be keeping this one:

hell yes! and i don't even like white bikes

[Mzilliox]

I'm a fan of Columbus MAX bikes. I'd love a Celeste Bianchi MAX frameset but I'm not sure I'd want the heft that comes with a straight old school MAX frameset. I think the modern MAX framesets with MAX tubes mixed strategically with lighter/nimbler tubes is the best of both worlds.

I'm gonna be biased and post my own MAX bikes:

Hampco MAX...

http://i.imgur.com/qj7Wirh.jpg

Winter Bicycles MAX based frame...

http://i.imgur.com/ugogmIx.jpg

these are both hot, but i agree with bicycletricycle, that Winter may take the cake, those stainless or chromed stays are super sexy! and the fork is killer

[donevwil]

It's the alloy; Max is made up of .001% of Delirium, which itself is comprised of the sweat, blood, vomit, embrocation and broken dreams of generations of Belgian hardmen.

And when a builder flips the TT it's a big middle finger to all things Italian.

[Mzilliox]

not sure if my RL max is the best but it's one of my favourites

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk216/devonbay/DSC_0159_zpsaz3gth2r.jpg (http://s281.photobucket.com/user/devonbay/media/DSC_0159_zpsaz3gth2r.jpg.html)

one of my favorite bikes ever, really lovely!

[Mzilliox]

That's funny. When I saw the picture, I said "wow, that's a great looking bike".

haha me too! i love the classic black and white like that. great proportions too, and that beef heading into the head tube looks dang sexy!

[Masaoshiro]

That miyata is beautiful. These are all beautiful!

[colker]

Too much bike porn on this thread. I am having an overdose. Call 911.

[colker]

Rossin MAX Concept built with 10v Record....

http://i.imgur.com/PsWHzwx.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/TtNifZO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/14uc68H.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/AG9Jzye.jpg
Killer. Build did justice to the frame. Well done! :beer:

[alrsv1]

Another MX Leader. With custom paint job, and (for those with sharp eyes) the wrong fork. It's still a Max fork though.

A Max frame is probably overkill for my 70kg frame but I still love the way it rides.



http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l502/alrsv1/IMAG1358.jpg (http://s1121.photobucket.com/user/alrsv1/media/IMAG1358.jpg.html)

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l502/alrsv1/IMAG1363.jpg (http://s1121.photobucket.com/user/alrsv1/media/IMAG1363.jpg.html)

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l502/alrsv1/IMAG1359.jpg (http://s1121.photobucket.com/user/alrsv1/media/IMAG1359.jpg.html)

http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l502/alrsv1/IMAG1362.jpg (http://s1121.photobucket.com/user/alrsv1/media/IMAG1362.jpg.html)

[Mzilliox]

This one is "mini max" for lighties like me:beer:
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2858/33558047396_3464f1c948_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/T8pLm5)SLOW (https://flic.kr/p/T8pLm5) by Matt.zilliox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41573599@N06/), on Flickr
https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3678/33578502305_1e677c7f4c_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/TadASV)Shaped tubes (https://flic.kr/p/TadASV) by Matt.zilliox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41573599@N06/), on Flickr

[XXtwindad]

Bumping this excellent thread because I’m very intrigued by oversized steel tubing. Seeing Argonaut steel bikes was an eye-opener for me. And some names from the way-back machine. (Colker you are missed!)

A few questions for those that own them:

1) I’ve heard conflicting reports about Max tubing. The good (very responsive) and bad (too stiff). Any first hand reports from owners?

2) How does it compare to other oversized tubing such as Columbus Spirit or Columbus Life?

Posting some pics of my favorite Forum Columbus Max frames (Nortex Dave’s bike is iconic)

[Nessism]

Bumping this excellent thread because I’m very intrigued by oversized steel tubing. Seeing Argonaut steel bikes was an eye-opener for me. And some names from the way-back machine. (Colker you are missed!)

A few questions for those that own them:

1) I’ve heard conflicting reports about Max tubing. The good (very responsive) and bad (too stiff). Any first hand reports from owners?

2) How does it compare to other oversized tubing such as Columbus Spirit or Columbus Life?



I'm a garage framebuilder who has made three different frames using Max sized round tubing. I can't say what a real Max frame rides like, but I do know that the ride of similar sized tubed frames can be anything from "firm" to downright stiff, depending on what specific tubes are selected.

The favorite frame that I've built uses thin True Temper Platinum main frame tubes. Unfortunately, I can't remember the exact tube specs, but they were quite thin. .65 x .45 butts, I think. This frame rides quite nicely, in my opinion, while being nice and stiff through the bottom bracket.

Sachs sells his UOS lugs and tube set, which mimics Max sizes. I don't know the specs of his tubes. And there is the Llewellyn XL Compact lug set, which I've used on my latest build. This is just a lug set, so the builder can pick whatever tubes suit the build. Bottom line, I'm a big fan of XXL tubeset frames. And as long as the builder matches his tube selection to match your desires, I wouldn't worry about the frame being overly stiff.

https://live.staticflickr.com/1786/41621248110_ceb4a79c50_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26pVM13)Picture136 (1) (https://flic.kr/p/26pVM13) by nessism (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18095073@N08/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/846/42524730595_433d494fba_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27MLmSg)Black9 (https://flic.kr/p/27MLmSg) by nessism (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18095073@N08/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/1810/42524693555_d9b33ce46e_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27MLaRD)DSC01479 (https://flic.kr/p/27MLaRD) by nessism (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18095073@N08/), on Flickr

[XXtwindad]

I'm a garage framebuilder who has made three different frames using Max sized round tubing. I can't say what a real Max frame rides like, but I do know that the ride of similar sized tubed frames can be anything from "firm" to downright stiff, depending on what specific tubes are selected.

The favorite frame that I've built uses thin True Temper Platinum main frame tubes. Unfortunately, I can't remember the exact tube specs, but they were quite thin. .65 x .45 butts, I think. This frame rides quite nicely, in my opinion, while being nice and stiff through the bottom bracket.

Sachs sells his UOS lugs and tube set, which mimics Max sizes. I don't know the specs of his tubes. And there is the Llewellyn XL Compact lug set, which I've used on my latest build. This is just a lug set, so the builder can pick whatever tubes suit the build. Bottom line, I'm a big fan of XXL tubeset frames. And as long as the builder matches his tube selection to match your desires, I wouldn't worry about the frame being overly stiff.

https://live.staticflickr.com/1786/41621248110_ceb4a79c50_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/26pVM13)Picture136 (1) (https://flic.kr/p/26pVM13) by nessism (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18095073@N08/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/846/42524730595_433d494fba_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27MLmSg)Black9 (https://flic.kr/p/27MLmSg) by nessism (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18095073@N08/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/1810/42524693555_d9b33ce46e_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27MLaRD)DSC01479 (https://flic.kr/p/27MLaRD) by nessism (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18095073@N08/), on Flickr

Nice!

[mhespenheide]

I'm a garage framebuilder who has made three different frames using Max sized round tubing.

Nessism, that's beautiful work!

[glepore]

Bumping this excellent thread because I’m very intrigued by oversized steel tubing. Seeing Argonaut steel bikes was an eye-opener for me. And some names from the way-back machine. (Colker you are missed!)

A few questions for those that own them:

1) I’ve heard conflicting reports about Max tubing. The good (very responsive) and bad (too stiff). Any first hand reports from owners?

2) How does it compare to other oversized tubing such as Columbus Spirit or Columbus Life?

Posting some pics of my favorite Forum Columbus Max frames (Nortex Dave’s bike is iconic)
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52717637082_16efacbda7_b.jpg

This one is mine. Its "for sale" in the Classifieds, but I really am ambivalent about it going somewhere.
I've had 2 Max bikes- a Merckx and this Rossin. Although both 51's the ride is really different. The Merckx rode like it was made from water pipe. Stiff, unyielding, harsh riding and you felt every ounce of its weight. It certainly wasn't suited to a 51 cm frame, although who knows how it would ride in a larger size.
The Rossin is very different. Its very solid and planted, but doesn't feel dead or burdensome to ride. The handling of this particular bike is "different" -it doesn't handle very well until you get going at a good clip. Not sure why, suspect its some combo of rake/trail that was to avoid overlap perhaps. Handles fine at 16 mph and up. But the handling has nothing to do with the tubeset. It is just really solid in a Mercedes kind of way, not harsh, but like a bank vault.
The only oversize bike I can compare it to is an Excell tubed Giordana from the 90's which is OS but not like current OS stuff like Life. It has a similar solid feeling, but a little more spring to it when you jump. Not that its wasting energy or flexing, it just feels more on the traditional steel side of the spectrum than Max.

[gbcoupe]

Didn't know we had this thread. Here's my Grandis.

[gbcoupe]

A bunch of sweet looking bikes here. Thanks for digging this up! :)

[Mike V]

My 53cm MXL/ Campagnolo 10

The ride on mine is stiff and very planted. I’ve done a bunch of long rides on it and was very comfortable. It descends incredible and corners on rails. When it really shines is over rough stuff. Big gear and it feels like it skims over rough road.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240204/4d22bb24314b5e25c6e2b046b99ab7d4.jpg

[merckxman]

My MXL Is stiff but I don't find it uncomfortable. Maybe because it is "first version of Mx Leader, produced briefly (a few months at the beginning of 1992" according to Emerxil. Note seatstay attachment to back of seatube , the seatstays are rectangular shape; both chainstays are chromed. I am the original owner, still have it!

[XXtwindad]

Dirty!