Merckx MX-Leader value?

[Rayomatic]

Hey everyone,
I'm trying to figure out a fair price for a complete Merckx MX-Leader, larger size frame (57-58), that I have a chance to buy.
It's in very good condition, unique paint scheme (though not a team bike) and apparently owned by a former pro (with his name printed on the tt). Looks like it has mostly Campy components, including Shamal rims, Ergo shifters, and Delta brakes, plus Fizik saddle.
Incidentally, I can't find info online about MXL production years.
I really like the bike itself (prior ownership doesn't matter much but is a nice plus, although hard to verify 100% as I doubt the seller can provide any documentation of this) and would be willing to pay a fair market price, but the seller is asking a LOT and I don't want to pay a stupid above-market price for it. I'm sure you all know what I mean...I'm the type that tends to go overboard once I fall for something, so I figured I'd get me some advice.
In any case, thanks for any and all opinions.
-Rayomatic

[donevwil]

Was it a custom build for the original owner or does it have stock geometry ? Is it an MXL (flipped TT and special Merckx lugs) or a Max (standard MAX lugs) ? Although I realize the seller is selling it complete is your primary interest in the frameset, frameset and parts, provenance ? In other words are the parts and provenance worth $$ to you ?

[Fishbike]

Based on my unscientific eBay monitoring, very good condition Merckx steel frames seem to go for about $600 to $900, maybe a little higher for a highly desired paint scheme. For a complete bike with quality period components in excellent shape, I would say $1200 to $1500, maybe up to as high as $1,800 of you are in love with it.

It is always interesting to me that Merckx top-tier steel frames typically go for much less than similar Colnago frames.

[Rayomatic]

Originally Posted by donevwil

Was it a custom build for the original owner or does it have stock geometry ? Is it an MXL (flipped TT and special Merckx lugs) or a Max (standard MAX lugs) ? Although I realize the seller is selling it complete is your primary interest in the frameset, frameset and parts, provenance ? In other words are the parts and provenance worth $$ to you ?

I've never even seen an MXL in the flesh, so wouldn't know stock geometry if it bit my non-Euclidean rear! The Columbus sticker says MXL. I can try and show some pics of the lugs and TT.
I like the complete bike, parts and all, and would keep/ride it as-is (maybe some new tires and bar tape down the line).
The provenance is just a little icing on the cake...it wasn't Eddy but another Belgian racer.

[Rayomatic]

Originally Posted by Fishbike

Based on my unscientific eBay monitoring, very good condition Merckx steel frames seem to go for about $600 to $900, maybe a little higher for a highly desired paint scheme. For a complete bike with quality period components in excellent shape, I would say $1200 to $1500, maybe up to as high as $1,800 of you are in love with it.

I can tell you that the seller is asking a good deal more than that!
I am in love with it, which is what makes it a dangerous situation for my wallet.
Here's a pic.
BTW: Cinelli stem and handlebars.

[donevwil]

Originally Posted by Rayomatic

I've never even seen an MXL in the flesh, so wouldn't know stock geometry if it bit my non-Euclidean rear! The Columbus sticker says MXL. I can try and show some pics of the lugs and TT.
I like the complete bike, parts and all, and would keep/ride it as-is (maybe some new tires and bar tape down the line).
The provenance is just a little icing on the cake...it wasn't Eddy but another Belgian racer.

First, Merckx MXLs are highly desirable, at least to those who highly desire them. I'd do almost anything for one, but alas it would have to be a custom geo (longer than stock Merckx TT). I finally found a custom SL/SP Merckx (built for a Belgian neo-pro). Bought the frameset with panto Cinelli stem, Campy headset, BB and seatpost for $600 plus shipping from France.

I think Fishbike's numbers are right on for standard tubing. Add $$ when it's just what you want, have been waiting years for, is the right size, etc

If the sticker says MXL than 99% sure it's an MXL, in general more desirable than a MAX Merckx. Are the parts top of the line, Dura Ace or Campy Chorus/Record, I assume 8 spd ? With your wanting to ride it as is I'd go as high as $2k if it's near mint, just what you want and ± a few hundred $ isn't going to put you into a painful place. If the seller is asking is the $3k neighborhood it may be hard to deal with him on realistic terms.

Edit: Just saw your pic, Campy Record with five pivot last gen Deltas, Shamals and a beautiful paintjob. If you have the means I don't think upping the ante is out of the question. Worth and worth-to-you are two very different things. If $3k gets it and you're OK with it, you couldn't duplicate it today for under $6k.

[wildboar]

This is the MXL Eddy made for Patrick Sercu, right?

[Rayomatic]

Originally Posted by wildboar

This is the MXL Eddy made for Patrick Sercu, right?

That's the name, and that's the claim! Can't find a pic of Patrick riding it, though...

[donevwil]

Is that Belgium paint ? Guess so.

Only one set of bottle braze-ons, none on the seat tube ? That would suggest custom.

[Rayomatic]

Yep, Belgian flag colours.

[donevwil]

So the Merckx - Patrick Sercu relationship is significant and adds a lot to the value IMO.

Merckx.jpg

[Rayomatic]

Originally Posted by donevwil

Edit: Just saw your pic, Campy Record with five pivot last gen Deltas, Shamals and a beautiful paintjob. If you have the means I don't think upping the ante is out of the question. Worth and worth-to-you are two very different things. If $3k gets it and you're OK with it, you couldn't duplicate it today for under $6k.

Thanks, donevwil, for all your input. I was thinking "hey, if the guy doesn't budge on price, then just pick up an MXL frame off ebay, get it painted the same, and buy the parts." And then I started looking into what it would cost...

I wouldn't want to be the only one who thinks the Sercu connection makes it worth more, as I'd be stuck if I ever had to sell it, which is a big reason why I wanted to get some other opinions.

[wildboar]

Here's a story of some kids playing around with it:

http://fyxo.co/reports/a-sunday-in-h...ris-roobaix/#1

[Rayomatic]

Originally Posted by wildboar

Here's a story of some kids playing around with it:

http://fyxo.co/reports/a-sunday-in-h...ris-roobaix/#1

Yep, saw that! I've been doing a lot of searching on this bike for the past week or so.

[christian]

The Sercu bike is more than I would pay, but it's one of a kind. If that means there's another buyer who would pay close to that price is another question. It's been for sale a LOOOOOOOOOOONG time.