Eddy Merckx MX Leader
 

Hi,

My sister-in-law gifted me an Eddy Merckx bike a while ago but it has just been sitting collecting dust every since. I know little about bikes, the research I've done on its value ranges from $400 to $2,000. I'm planning on selling via eBay or Craigslist.

About the bike: The serial number is H-4445-B and the model is MX-Leader with Columbus tubing. The bike appears to be in decent condition, although I've never tried to ride it.

I'd appreciate any valuation ranges that would be fair, as well as any tips on what to include in the selling description. I can post additional pictures, measurements, etc. if that would impact the value as well.

Thanks!
Justin

First thing is you should clean up the whole bike really well and you might gain another hundred bucks of resale value on a bike like that.......
I would say a 1000 bucks would be the max if you find a real big MX leader fan to sell it to, 800+ bucks would be more realistic for the frameset. I think similar vintage and construction famous brand Italian frames tend to be valued a little bit more.

Rusty chrome and chipped up paint = $500 frameset, tops. The chrome might clean up okay, but if I shelled out $700 for a frameset and found pitted chrome, you'd be getting it returned to you.
Parts might net you another $100+/-.
It's a good, desirable frameset, with a dedicated following.

Thanks all -- super helpful. Spent some time today looking this all up, draft of CL ad below. Please let me know if anything seems off. I'm in San Francisco, hoping to find this bike a good home soon.

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Title: Eddy Merckx MX Leader 54cm Frame and Fork with Columbus MXL Tubing

Vintage Eddy Merckx bike. MX Leader with Columbus MXL tubing. Serial number is H B4445. In good condition, some small chips (see pictures).

Specs:
* Seat Tube: 54cm CT 52 CC
* Top Tube: 54cm CC
* Head Tube 11.5cm
* Bottom bracket height: 24cm
* Chainstay length: 40cm
* Fork rake: 5cm

Comes with Cinelli 64 42 handlebar; Continental Grand Prix 23-622 tires; Shimano 600 brake calipers, derailleurs (front and rear), brake levers, crankset, wheel Hubs; and Shimano Sora Flight Deck Shifters.

Thanks again, all. Great advice so far, wouldn't have been able to get this far without it.

I've gotten several inquiries about the condition of the paint from serious buyers, and my response has been to send some pictures of the worst offending areas. The pictures have scared off pretty much everyone, at least at the $1,000 price point.

The pictures are attached. The worst spots are near the rear wheel, some smaller rust spots on the frame itself.

Given this:

1. Any way to clean up the rust spots myself without damaging value of the bike?
2. What is the best description of the bike given its condition? Would "Some small rust spots on frame, particularly near rear wheel" work?
3. What do you think the value of the bike given the condition of the bike?

MXLs are desirable. They usually come with a beefy fork that contributes to the distinctive ride. Since your buyer would typically expect that fork, I think the lack of original fork will negatively affect the value.

There is a reason that it has a replacement fork.

caveat emptor