Eddy merckx frames in order

[cnighbor1]

EDDY MERCKX FRAMES IN ORDER for steel lugged frames
Which is the better frame 1980 on
I don't know what order to arrange them in Please correct my numbering thanks
Charles
1. Eddy Merckx Strada
2. Eddy Merckx Strada OS (which I have)
3. Eddy Merckx MX-Leader
4. Eddy Merckx Century
5. Eddy Merckx Team Corsa
6. Eddy Merckx Century
8. Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra
9. Eddy Merckx Professional
10. Eddy Merckx 7-11 Team
11. Eddy Merckx Corsa Zero Uno

[dancinkozmo]

they ALL should be no. 1

[Hindmost]

What is the significance of the ordering? Chronology, a quality?

[bart998]

You left off Gran Prix... like mine.

[dddd]

The Century model offers a slightly "taller" stack-to-reach ratio, courtesy of a 1-degree reduction of the seat tube angle (vs. Corsa Extra) with no other changes (other than ~8mm longer chainstays, EDITED).

As one who myself has a tall stack-to-reach ratio, bodily speaking, I find it to be the perfect partner for dancing to the tune of spirited group riding.

Century TSX
https://live.staticflickr.com/4703/38926337314_0c87866c14_c.jpg

Corsa Extra older photo here (day after my acquisition so still wearing the old parts):
https://live.staticflickr.com/1795/28917992217_da974b5813_c.jpg

[lhuerta]

BETTER is dependent on what specific geo & tubing fit an individual's characteristics and their intended use. These are ALL top shelf frames and all have top quality tubing. Some are lighter (e.g. Gran Prix 753, Strada/Strada OS) and may not ride same as the heavier frames (e.g. Max) but better will be based on rider characteristics, fitness, intended use, etc and best fit (Century geo vs race geo). Better can also be just be about aesthetic preferences too.

For me, my ideal Merckx is the Century TSX ...geo is perfect for my body, flat fork crown is sexiest thing ever made, lower BB and slightly longer wheel base yielded amazing handling (especially on high speed descents). I have ridden SL, SLX, 753 and Max Merckx frame, with both century and race geo...the standout for me was my Century TSX.

lou

[dddd]

BETTER is dependent on what specific geo & tubing fit an individual's characteristics and their intended use. These are ALL top shelf frames and all have top quality tubing. Some are lighter (e.g. Gran Prix 753, Strada/Strada OS) and may not ride same as the heavier frames (e.g. Max) but better will be based on rider characteristics, fitness, intended use, etc and best fit (Century geo vs race geo). Better can also be just be about aesthetic preferences too.

For me, my ideal Merckx is the Century TSX ...geo is perfect for my body, flat fork crown is sexiest thing ever made, lower BB and slightly longer wheel base yielded amazing handling (especially on high speed descents). I have ridden SL, SLX, 753 and Max Merckx frame, with both century and race geo...the standout for me was my Century TSX.

lou

Just to correct one thing, the Century wheelbase on any given frame size is, if anything, actually shorter than Corsa, due to the same-sized top tube being effectively pulled rearward by the relaxed seat tube angle.
The head tube angles fork rake are actually exactly the same (unlike with many current "endurance" geometry bikes).

Measuring them right here/now, the Century chainstays seem to be ~8mm longer than Corsa with axles in similar position. This would further improve stability by shifting even more rider weight toward the front axle.

I corrected my earlier post stating that the seat tube angle was the only difference.

[jvp]

Where does this one rank?http://https://www.ebay.com/itm/Eddy-Merckx-Super-Rare-Milan-Show-Bike-1983-NOS-Never-Ridden-/333641514865?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Eddy-Merckx-Super-Rare-Milan-Show-Bike-1983-NOS-Never-Ridden-/333641514865?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292)

[ultraman6970]

The corsa is not in the list....

What you can do is to order them by manufacturing dates because if you do it by "which one is better" you might have conflicts because for example the mxl some guys dont like them and other guys loves them.

[VC Slim]

MIA is the Criterium model. 75° seat tube angle. 65mm BB drop. SLX main tubes. SP seat stays.

[VC Slim]

Dup post

[Spaghetti Legs]

MIA is the Criterium model. 75° seat tube angle. 65mm BB drop. SLX main tubes. SP seat stays.

Indeed. There’s also the Arcobaleno which I think might be considered a mid range model. Don’t forget the Reynolds versions of the Pro and Century. If I ever get a custom built bike, the geometry of my 653 Century is going to be the starting point. I agree with the other poster - going downhill on this thing is what it must be like to pilot a fighter plane.

[wildboar]

Ok, I'll bite. It goes:

3.
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_
_
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[Emerxil]

The 1986 Corsa Extra SLX was a top model at EMC...
The same Corsa Extra SLX 1996 was "second from last"...

[oldpotatoe]

EDDY MERCKX FRAMES IN ORDER for steel lugged frames
Which is the better frame 1980 on
I don't know what order to arrange them in Please correct my numbering thanks
Charles
1. Eddy Merckx Strada
2. Eddy Merckx Strada OS (which I have)
3. Eddy Merckx MX-Leader
4. Eddy Merckx Century
5. Eddy Merckx Team Corsa
6. Eddy Merckx Century
8. Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra
9. Eddy Merckx Professional
10. Eddy Merckx 7-11 Team
11. Eddy Merckx Corsa Zero Uno

Hard to put that subjective adjective, 'better' on any of them. Different tubing, MXLeader different shaped tubes, geometry slightly different.

But reminds me of when Bill McGann did a test of a bunch of 'Torellis', different tubing from Cromor, SLX, TSX, etc..all identical groups, wheels, tires but not marked. Variety of riders tested these and ranked and I think the Cromor was rated as the 'best' ride.

[ddtn]

My understanding is that Corsa 01 was the final version of Corsa Extra.

I think by the late 90's, new frame pricing wise, MX Leader was the top dog for steel, Corsa 01 and Arcobalena were the same and Strada was the entry level.

SC Team was the actual top model by then and double the price of MX Leader.

[ddtn]

Also keep in mind that by the mid-late 90's, the real racing bikes were carbon/ti/scandium/alu, so the market for steel Merckx was probably an older slower crowd (hence century geo on all).

[oldpotatoe]

Also keep in mind that by the mid-late 90's, the real racing bikes were carbon/ti/scandium/alu, so the market for steel Merckx was probably an older slower crowd (hence century geo on all).

Maybe a little later..1995 TdF winner, Indurain on a steel bike..1998, Pantani, steel Bianchi. 1999, LA7 was on plastic Trek?
Didn't Ullrich ride a steel Pinarello in early 2000s?? Might have been aluminum(?)..

[Hindmost]

...1998, Pantani, steel Bianchi...

Alumino, iirc.

[cmg]

i thought the "Century" geometry was for longer rides over a rougher terrain. longer wheelbase, slacker seat tube. Speed depends on the riders capability.

[ddtn]

Maybe a little later..1995 TdF winner, Indurain on a steel bike..1998, Pantani, steel Bianchi. 1999, LA7 was on plastic Trek?
Didn't Ullrich ride a steel Pinarello in early 2000s?? Might have been aluminum(?)..

I remember reading 94 was the last year steel won. The same year lugged carbon won Paris-Roubaix (edit: two years later).

People might be riding steel in the pro tour peloton in the mid 90's, but the wind was shifting very quickly. Elsewhere on track and in other disciplines steel was disappearing quick too.

If you look at old catalogs from the mid-late 90's, steel bikes were always in the middle and back. Manufactures were pushing 'exotic' materials big time both on the pro tour scene and to the public.

[ddtn]

i thought the "Century" geometry was for longer rides over a rougher terrain. longer wheelbase, slacker seat tube. Speed depends on the riders capability.

That's how it came about. But in this context there's a reason why only non-steel Merckx bikes had more aggressive geometry and all the steel ones had Century – people weren't racing on them as much.

Going back to the original topic: the best Merckx steel frame for me is between Corsa 01 and MX Leader. I also like a good old SXL but you do feel its age and limitations (I'm 6'/185lbs sprinter type). A Corsa 01 with an MXL fork is as good as it gets.

[Hindmost]

...I also like a good old SXL but you do feel its age and limitations...

I believe you're referring to the tube set; in my case it would be the rider.

[Ozz]

....
Didn't Ullrich ride a steel Pinarello in early 2000s?? Might have been aluminum(?)..

Pinarello Prince? Aluminum with carbon rear I think.....

[cmg]

Pinarello Prince? Aluminum with carbon rear I think.....

Ullrich’s 1997 Pinarello Paris was a custom TIG-welded aluminum affair with Columbus tubing. and what looks like a steel fork. Finishing kit included Time pedals, an anatomic-bend 3T aluminum bar and a 3T forged aluminum threadless stem for a total reported weight of about 9kg (19.8lb).

[monarchguy]

MIA is the Criterium model. 75° seat tube angle. 65mm BB drop. SLX main tubes. SP seat stays.

As above, missing the criterium model. I have both the road race and crit geos, and the crit is so much fun. Anyone wants to part with one in a 52/53, let me know...

Dan