Merckx MXL - help i.d frame?

Yes. That's one of my concerns - all of the max/mxl tubed merckx' frames I've seen have the tubes as per your link. However, the earlier post showing 1992 max tubed corsa extra seems to be the other ( normal? ) way round. Mmmm.! They are great, tho' aren't they?!?!?!?

:(
 
Old Ned":2lv0ujt2 said:
The track frame appears to have the same tube orientation as my Scott.
Click to expand...
That's interesting. Max frames I've seen have the top tube ovalised "tall" at the head tube, and "broad" at the seat tube, like the Kona Explosif, which had that ugly mitre at the seat cluster caused by the top tube being wider than the seat tube there.
 
malley":27yjpfot said:
Yes. That's one of my concerns - all of the max/mxl tubed merckx' frames I've seen have the tubes as per your link. However, the earlier post showing 1992 max tubed corsa extra seems to be the other ( normal? ) way round.
Click to expand...
Here's Anvil Bikeworks' article on Max:

http://www.anvilbikes.com/?news_ID=18&catID=3

The real MAX, which is probably most famous as the tubes used to construct the Merckx MX Leader (except the MXL’s top tube and seat stays which weren't the original MAX shape)...
Click to expand...
and then:

The real MAX top tube is based on a 31.7mm tube and biaxially ovalized to 37.5x26mm with a .7/.4/.7mm butting profile. When installed on a frame, the 37.5mm axis followed the long axis of the head tube yet traverses the seat tube, meaning it is significantly wider than the seat tube, which creates either a really weird looking lug or a whole bunch of cool opportunities depending on your point of view.
Click to expand...
So a Corsa Extra built with MAX uses the standard Max top tube, but the MX Leader has a different top tube (and seat lug) with a different orientation of the oval.
 
I understood it was Merckx himself who came with the idea to put the tt in the opposite direction as his legs sometimes touched the tube in conventional configuration.
 
Thanks for all of this. Really useful info. It's all making me think I NEED it! Last piece of the jigsaw would be to confirm dimensions/fit. Any resources on the web? Frame numbers for specific years etc, etc? Also - what was the really cool stem the motorola boys used? Was it the cinelli GRAMMO?

Finally, would anyone know where to get a first class motorola team paint job? In the UK? :D
 
Old Ned":d0emw9ur said:
The track frame appears to have the same tube orientation as my Scott. My frame is lugless (as most MTB's are) but, according to Framebuilding Supplies, the special Max lugs are no longer available which is a pity.
Click to expand...

Sorry I've got this wrong. I've had another look and it is the opposite to my Scott! Like I've said before, it's 'tall' at the front and 'flat' at the back.

Many apologies for the confusion :oops: :oops:
 
Doh! I blew it. Haggled too hard over postage costs! Thought it was in the bag and got cocky - outbid by someone who just paid more. S**T! That will teach me. Thanks to all - I want one more than ever now!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
Eddy merckx corsa - faema - frame & forks 1980s - 59cm ctc campagnolo
Replies
0
Views
721
colnago_costa
C
G
Sold Eddy Merckx Vintage Lugged Steel Road Bike - Belgium Handmade 59.5cm
Replies
0
Views
1K
gregg34
G
MuchAlohaNui
Titanium Frame Identification - (Sorted Sept. 2023 - Russian Mig 3.3)
2
Replies
16
Views
2K
MuchAlohaNui
MuchAlohaNui
J
1992 Cannondale MTB frame ID help
Replies
2
Views
912
Vesatoro
Vesatoro
citizen-snips
MERCKX MX Leader custom colour scheme
Replies
5
Views
1K
foz
foz

Latest posts

Back
Top