love the geometry, very stable handling, an 'all day ride' kind of bike
should last quite a while yet, only about 15 to 20 years old at present
classic styling, the MX-Leader is a legend

heavier than new high end carbon or other materials, but not much heavier when compared to other lugged steel frames
will rust if not looked after properly
well known issue of very little clearance for larger size rear tires due to brake bridge being mounted super low

Although I had thought about picking up an MX-Leader for quite a while, I recently purchased mine when I noticed it for sale while looking for another Colnago C-40 and bought the Merckx on impulse when I saw it- paid $444 shipped for frame/fork/headset. Paint was rough and had 2 small dents in TT. The seller described the MX-Leader as being a 'twitchy' Kermesse geometry- After just building it up and doing a 50 miler I think it's nothing like that; I find it to be very stable handling, an easy 'hands-off' kind of bike, and a great descender. Some riders have described it as 'sluggish', feeling like they were riding with a brake rubbing; but I find it to be a very lively feeling frame and a joy to spend hours on.

It seems one of the great mysteries of cycling is how different riders can describe the same bike so differently, and also how bikes that have seemingly very similar materials and construction can feel so different when you ride them. I was fearful after reading some MX-Leader reviews that I might find the bike way too stiff and heavy feeling, or too quick handling, as I typically like steel frames that are not constructed of oversize tubing so they are a bit more flexy than the Merckx. I had a BASSO Viper a few years ago which was also built from oversize tubing but that was the deadest feeling frame I had ever ridden and sold it after one ride. I also was worried if I'd like the handling of the Merckx since I prefer stuff that has a bit more trail than normal (like Colnagos typically do).

I'm keeping my new to me but 15-20 year old MX-Leader, it is one of the nicest riding bikes I've ever been on, to me it feels much lighter ad more nimble than it's actual weight might lead you to believe. I don't care about the weight, the bare frame I measured at 2100 grams out of curiosity, plus 740 for the fork. As a complete bike I'm probably giving up perhaps 3 pounds ready to ride to most of the dudes on my local group rides. Looking at the 'analyticcycling' website, a 1 mile long 8% climb at 300 watts and a bike +rider combined weight of 181 pounds; I'd save less than 7 seconds on that climb aboard a 3 pound lighter bike. I've been lucky enough to ride some pretty nice stuff like Colnago's c-40, a steel SEVEN, titanium SEVEN, a steel LANDSHARK, Cannondales, and a bunch of others; but the MX-Leader is now probably my all time favorite, along with the C-40.

I was unable to use my Mavic SSC brake calipers as I had zero tire clearance even with just a 23mm tire, so I put on some DA 7800 calipers to provide more tire clearance. In the front you have massive clearance and could easily run even some of the widest new rims, with probably even a 28mm tire I'm guessing. Lastly, since the dropouts are horizontal with adjusters, don't try to use some cheap skewers in the back, or some crazy light ones having little clamping pressure, your rear wheel will move over and F' up your non drive side chainstay paint. I only use Campy or Shimano skewers on horizontal dropout frames to avoid this.

Eddy Merckx was quoted as saying the best bike he ever designed was the MX-Leader, whatever he did in designing the geometry, I'm a big fan, plus the materials are top notch (Columbus Nivacrom steel)

A great bike to pose with

Very heavy, Heavy to drag up abreviated climbs. Too expensive.

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.

Similar Products Used:

Corsa SL -- Look KG243 --

bi ovalized lugged steel,paint (really) strong and reasonably stiff, great steel road feel, quality construction.

not made anymore

awesome lugged steel frame and fork. i love the geometry, low bttm brkt laid back seat angle.

Similar Products Used:

merckx corsa

A great climber, every watt goes to the wheel!

I'm afraid to leave it locked anywhere for fear I will lose it.

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!

It's the ride quality.

Perceived as heavy

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.

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Orbea Orca, Orbea Lobular 50, Custom Russ Denny, Lemond Zurich and Tet De Course TI, Pinarello Prince

Great ride quality, durability, cool retro look

Kinda heavy

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!

Similar Products Used:

Cannondale, Fuji Team, KHS Flite, Trek steel frame.

This bike is the most stable and comfortable rode bike I have ever ridden. Dead solid in turns and climbs like a homesick angel. I am a big guy 240lbs and the bike is extremely comfortable for long periods and stable at speed. For this rider, steel is real. It's like a piece of jewelry. A keeper for life!!!!!!!!!