Merckx MX Leader

[Yorkshire_rusher]

After asking on here and various other forums I finally managed to get hold of an MX leader through a European source.

I have looked at the CADRE site and it looks like it is probably 1996 to 1997 due to the F on the BB, there is also a P denoting a professional frame (does that mean it was ridden by a pro at some point, despite no number hanger, as it isn't a Merckx professional frameset??). However, it has the small Eddy and large Merckx lettering indicitive of the later (2000s) frames. It is also in a colour scheme I have never seen before, it is quite reminisant of the Podio shoes they brought out in 1994. Anyone have any more info??

Unfortuantely the frame sticker is missing, is this likely to be an MXl or MAX tubeset??

Another thing is that the headtube merckx label is a sticker, not paint as on my OS Strada. It is definately an MX leader, the tubing is ridiculous, it tapers down to the BB and also from the top tube into the headtube, can't wait to get it built up with the 9 speed record titanium groupset I have and see how it rides!

 

[Yorkshire_rusher]

More pics

 

[Jamiedyer]

It looks very nice, thats for sure.
It certainly looks like either a 2000 or 2001/2 paint scheme. It may well have hung around in the factory for a few years before being painted, my corsa is a bit like this as well.
I'll dig out a ctalogue or two and see if I can find the colour, though not all colours are listed and I only have a few random years we may get lucky

Jamie

 

[Yorkshire_rusher]

Thank you! I've waited a long time to get hold of one and am very keen to build it up, just awaiting a headset to arrive

The hanging around the factory may explain a few things! What does the 'P' denote though? Maybe built for a pro but never painted up? It isn't in the 2002 catalogue as I've checkled the online scans. The frame is in good condition but woudl benefit from a re-paint in a couple of years when I can be bothered, any idea on someone who would do this and how much they would charge?

 

[hamster]

For a top-nothch paint job befitting such a lovely frame, I wouldgo to Argos Cycles in Bristol. They ain't cheap, but are very, very good.

 

[julianm]

Re:

I think it`s super & will be one to keep forever -
.......a story from the owner of a highly regarded store on the US West Coast. Merckx Sr dropped by and the the owner asked him which bike he was most proud of. Without missing a beat, Eddy immediately said "MX Leader. Best thing I ever did."
...a quote from the USA `Velocipede Salon` website.

It would be perfect to have a pair of Mavic classic pro`s to go with it`s `hard rider` reputation, but they are hard to come by.
It`ll be perfect for the cobbles of Batley or Hedben Bridge.
Good luck with it.

 

[oonaff]

Re:

hi , must be the ultimate merckx steely . cant wait to read about the handling and comfort of the beast .

 

[rusty bodie]

Re:

if it's as late a frame as one chap suggested then it will be an MXL tubed frame. MAX was the forerunner and came out around the late 1980s.

nice frame!

 

[Yorkshire_rusher]

Been building this up over the last two days and should be done tonight. It really looks fantastic, just need to sort gear cables and bar tape out.

When I was installing the fork crown race the forks were resonating a ridiculous amount! It was like I was using a Merckx branded tuning fork, had to really hold on to them! Away on a stag do until next week so can't even ride it this weekend!

 

[rusty bodie]

When I was installing the fork crown race the forks were resonating a ridiculous amount! It was like I was using a Merckx branded tuning fork, had to really hold on to them! Away on a stag do until next week so can't even ride it this weekend!

i remember that sound well!! have a great weekend and get those photos up when you can.