Description Tubing: Columbus Nivacom Throughout his illustrious racing career Eddy Merckx was meticulous in the detail of his bicycles, taking the utmost pride in the fit and finish of all his equipment. As a man...
Bike Setup: Trek OCLV Madone full record carbon 10 speed
Summary: Sometimes it's very difficult to be completely honest with ones self. I raced an MX leader for years. It stands as one of the best ever made but with that said it is way over hyped. Most people who still ride them are clinging to nostalgia and fantacy mixed in with a smidgen of elite-ism. These bikes are heavy as hell. They were designed to carry pro level riders over hellishly brutal terrrain like the paris roubaix. I have to laugh when I hear people refer to MX leaders as great climbers. I once built my #1 race MXL with everything ti and 1400 gram wheels as an experiment to see how light I could get the bike. Still it came in at slightly over 20 pounds. Full record carbon 9 speed still leaves you with a 21-22 pound bike. Tha's not a climbing bike. My old MXL racer hangs on wall now. Nothing rides like a Trek OCLV frame. Ask lance. My other 3 MXL's were all sold off.
Strengths: A great bike to pose with
Weaknesses: Very heavy, Heavy to drag up abreviated climbs. Too expensive.
Similar Products Used: Corsa SL -- Look KG243 --
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Summary: Simply a great ride. I feel the bike exhibits a perfect balance of all the options: precision handling, firm yet comforable ride. I love this bike!
Strengths: A great climber, every watt goes to the wheel!
Weaknesses: I'm afraid to leave it locked anywhere for fear I will lose it.
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Bike Setup: Campy Record. Eurus Wheels. Deda Bar/Stem. Fizik Arione
Summary: Great bike. I have tried carbon, aluminum, aluminum and carbon, titanium, and have never truly been happy with the ride of these frame materials. Maybe it's because I'm getting old and sentimental about the racing days of my youth on a steel CA. Masi but the Merckx MX Leader is the ride feel I have been looking for. Extremely stable at high speeds and through turns. Yeah its a little heavier but hey so am I. 185lbs for myself. Built out with Record this bike is about 21 lbs (60cm). Very comfortable on bad roads and long rides. Awesome paintjob. Molteni replica 2004. I think the bike makers are trying to sell us a bill of goods with all of the "modern" materials. I would also highly recommend GVH bikes, they are easy to deal with and everthing was shipped in perfect order.
Strengths: It's the ride quality.
Weaknesses: Perceived as heavy
Similar Products Used: Orbea Orca, Orbea Lobular 50, Custom Russ Denny, Lemond Zurich and Tet De Course TI, Pinarello Prince
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Bike Setup: Full Ultegra + new SPD sl pedals; Ritchey WCS Bar, stem , seatpost; Flite Ti saddle, Mavic Open Pros; Conti GP 3000
Summary: Just got the 2003 MX Leader with the cool retro paint job Molteni Orange, looks just like the bike Eddy himself used to ride! I have always wanted an MX leader after a test ride on a friends several years ago. Ride quality is superb in all areas. Climbs well despite the wieght, sprints great, and long rides are super comfortable. Handling is spot-on. A Great all-around bike, and considering the MAX tubing and hand-brazed lugged construction, it should last me forever!
Strengths: Great ride quality, durability, cool retro look
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