Merckx 653 Century for $600? Worth it?

[rohan]

This Eddy Merckx 653 Century is available about an hour's drive from me for $600, and I am tempted. I already have a Team ADR Corsa Extra that I think is beautiful, but I haven't been road riding as much as I should.

Should I be concerned about Dura Ace 7400 compatibility? Is this a Uniglide or Hyperglide hub? Will I need a special tool and freehub if I would like to replace it? Are the shifters and rear derailleur only compatible with each other?



Full-size image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohans...h/26056000188/



Full-size image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohans...h/26055994288/

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by rohan

This Eddy Merckx 653 Century is available about an hour's drive from me for $600, and I am tempted. I already have a Team ADR Corsa Extra that I think is beautiful, but I haven't been road riding as much as I should.

Should I be concerned about Dura Ace 7400 compatibility? Is this a Uniglide or Hyperglide hub? Will I need a special tool and freehub if I would like to replace it? Are the shifters and rear derailleur only compatible with each other?



Full-size image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohans...h/26056000188/



Full-size image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rohans...h/26055994288/

$600 for the whole rig? Good deal. Hard to say if it's HG or UG..how many 'speed'? DA freehub body does need a specific tool to remove.

If it's 130mm, any modern group fine.

[rohan]

My guess/hope is that this is an 8-speed Dura Ace 7403 hub, which would make it both Uniglide and Hyperglide compatible.

Originally Posted by oldpotatoe

Hard to say if it's HG or UG..how many 'speed'?

[VC Slim]

There is a difference between the Century and Corsa Extra geometry so make sure to check that out. I favored the steeper seat tube angle of the Corsa Extra over the Century.

[lhuerta]

$600 for full rig is sort of a no brainer. I would suspect that while u were wondering it has already been scooped up by someone else.

[Pastashop]

Good deal. Guessing you can shove the rear wheel back all the way and fit 28-29 mm tires in here. Probably a good candidate for a 650b conversion, say up to 36/38 mm – so, dirt road-able.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by Pastashop

Good deal. Guessing you can shove the rear wheel back all the way and fit 28-29 mm tires in here. Probably a good candidate for a 650b conversion, say up to 36/38 mm – so, dirt road-able.

I hear it crying from here!! It’s ‘dirt roadable’ with 25/28mm.

The 653 Century are very uncommon. TSX much more common.

[Pastashop]

Well, depends on the road and one’s tolerance... I’ve ridden plenty dirt roads here on my 26-28mm tires (a bit nicer on sewups), but the road quality is very seasonal. when they get very washboardy, rains a lot, “resurfaced”, etc., the 27mm bottoms out too easily, is too uncomfortable. I had a much nicer time on 650x38. YMMV.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by Pastashop

Well, depends on the road and one’s tolerance... I’ve ridden plenty dirt roads here on my 26-28mm tires (a bit nicer on sewups), but the road quality is very seasonal. when they get very washboardy, rains a lot, “resurfaced”, etc., the 27mm bottoms out too easily, is too uncomfortable. I had a much nicer time on 650x38. YMMV.

I get it but do a 650b conversion on an old Centurion or sumthin, not this beauty—>>

[Fishbike]

Yup good deal. That’s on the low side of the going rate for a Merckx frameset in good condition

[rohan]

You're right! I may have waited to long, not something I would have expected for Corning, NY! I find out on Monday if it is still available. I would have picked it up earlier if I had the car this week (The bike was over an hour and a half away.), or if $600 was something I could throw around a little more easily.

Originally Posted by lhuerta

$600 for full rig is sort of a no brainer. I would suspect that while u were wondering it has already been scooped up by someone else.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by rohan

you're right! I may have waited to long, not something i would have expected for corning, ny! I find out on monday if it is still available. I would have picked it up earlier if i had the car this week (the bike was over an hour and a half away.), or if $600 was something i could throw around a little more easily.

glwb!!!

[Spaghetti Legs]

Absolutely! I have that same frameset (same paint job too) and it is one of my favorite bikes. Rides like a dream, descends like a demon. It was the first version, only made in 1989 before they went to TSX.

Edit: take a look at the fork. Mine has flat fork crown, all chrome, although I painted the legs on mine because the chrome was beat up. If it’s not a Merckx fork, use that as leverage to knock the price down.