Merckx Corsa Extra sizing

Yes I've gone with 8 speed as it's definitely easier to find and I can more easily work on the bike myself. Also yes to downtube shifters - keeping it simple!
 
Re:

good man!! nothing like keeping it looking clean, uncluttered and RETRO!! can't wait to see it completed. what parts are you still needing/ finding hard to get hold of?
 
I have pretty much everything purchased, just waiting for the crankset and a few small bits and pieces to come in. I should have everything in hand within e next two weeks, then will start assembling (hopefully) third week of February. The goal is to have the beast ready by the time the snow is gone (April).
 
I am thinking of 'retro' fitting Dura Ace 7403 or thereabouts to my Merckx. I might do it before the spring as well if I get a chance. I do like the 6500 Ultegra 9 speed I have on it but I had most of the 7403 stuff and picked up some new brakes last week and thought a change might be good.
The stuff is getting expensive but can be found still reasonably priced but its getting harder. Thankfully I have just picked up bits and peices over the last few years and put in the spares box for the Merckx. I dont have any hubs but I will just use my Ultegras with Open Pro and fit a spacer to the cassette to get the eight speed running. I have a chainset but its not ideal in that its 172.5 rather than my usual 170 so may try and sell/swap it for similar. My stuff is a mixture of 7400, 1 to 3 but have a few options as I have good condition STI's as well as down tube shifters.
Mine has run 105 and Ultegra since it was new and I dont want to swap good/as new condition Ultegra for rough condition DA. Thankfully I now have a good condition box of stuff and will change purely for a change and the Ultegra stuff will most likely sit in the box until its time for a change again.
I might have to head into the loft and sort through the spares and just have a proper look at whats there.
Your either inspiring, or to blame chrispy2001 :)

Jamie
 
ok, if you get stuck for a chainset then let me know. i'm running 177.5mm dura ace cranks on my merckx but bought a nice pair of 180mm ones last year and am still in two minds whether to sell them or fit them. anyway, i don't really want to sell either but if you're having problems getting a hold of a decent pair nearer springtime then give me a shout.

craig
 
Thanks for the offer Craig.
They would be a bit too big for me and for a vertaically challenged man like myself to run something like 180mm, well, in the sprint I would knock myself out with a quick knee to the chin :) :) :)
I'll keep my eyes open as sometimes bits come up.
Jamie
 
I've been somewhat surprised with what I've been able to find online. Yes, there are the $275 USD DA aero seatposts but I found a great one for about $50. The stuff is 30 years old so you cross your fingers and hope for the best. I picked up a wheelset with DA hubs, cassette, QRs and chain for $300 and they're in great shape. Still wish I had kept my original 1989 DA grouppo though...
 
Re:

sorry jamie - i meant to offer the cranks to chrispy, not you (no offence!) as i knew he was short of cranks (if you pardon the pun). :oops:

chrispy - please see my last post and if you're stuck come springtime then give me a shout.

craig
 
AArgghh! :oops:
Now it makes sense :lol: Why you were offering me 180 cranks when my 172.5cm ones were too big.
My apologies, that's what I get when I peruse this site late at night.

Jamie
 
Re:

I may very well need that 180 crankset. And after doing an initial setup, I'm now thinking I may need another frame.

In order to match my current bike setup, I need the distance of the middle of the stem to floor to be 94mm and the tip of the saddle (depending on the saddle I suppose) to be about 103mm. In the attached pic the seatpost is maxed out and with saddle I'll be at about 103mm, but the stem looks pretty darn high so not happy about that.

Based on frame specs (ST= 60cm c to c, TT = 57.5cm c to c) the thing should fit me perfectly but I think the short head tube (175mm) is killing me.

Gah...
 

Attachments

  • 20150209_134047.webp
    20150209_134047.webp
    65.5 KB · Views: 193

Latest posts

Back
Top