Purchase decision - Columbus SLX vs Neuron
 

Hi,




I`m looking for your opinion, pros and cons between 2 bikes I`m considering to purchase but not sure which one to go for. Both are steel columbus tubing as I`m looking for it but not sure which one to go in terms of: 1) geometry, I`m looking a confrotable ride position and not to racer leaned forward. 2) liquidity - I`m constantly changing bikes and would like to understand which would be better to sell in a relatively fast time and for decent amount. 3) which one would you pick? :)





the options are:




Massi Prestige (not Masi) - Columbus SLX - weight 10.8kgs - Mixture of several component models. - Cost $ 200





Eddie Mercx Arcobaleno - Columbus Neuron - weight 10.2kgs - Shimano Ultegra specs - Cost $ 300




Note: I`m considering and tending to go with the EM but not sure if buying a classic SLX frame would be better for reselling and comfortably riding as I could not find much info on Neuron.....




Unfortunately I`m new here and cannot post pictures but hopefully soon I`ll have more posts and be able to update this post.

Thanks a lot

Champagne and caviar. At beer and pretzels prices. Such a problem.

Lol @63rickert! The most simple problems sometimes are the harder ones! which one would you choose if have this opportunity?

Cheers

Pic assist:
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...403a305d7e.png
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...27a5a1c837.jpg

If those have ten problems not visible in photos they are still screaming deals. Buy both now before someone else does. Ride them. Keep the one you like most. Sell the other for what you paid for both.

Those are crazy good prices.
SLX was the best steel for its era and Columbus Neuron is about the best steel ever produced.
Columbus Neuron is made from Nivacrom steel,
If you want more vintage look the chrome is very nice.
EM are cult classic frames.
Both bikes look to have nice wheels.

Yeah, I`m going for the EM given its an EM, Columbus Neuron and all specs are Ultegra. Will consider the suggestion above to buy both and sell the one I like less but unfortunately this might not happen given cash flow restrictions hehe

@CO_Hoya how have you done this? these are the bikes :)

Both are race oriented bikes, so they really don't seem to fit your requirements...


If you really can only grab one, take the EM. Make sure the frame is ok!
Cheers, Eric

Who the heck finds a Merckx for $300?!!?

Before buying the Merckx confirm the seat binder works. It's a good design and should not cause any issue. However it is vulnerable to truck mechanics. The sort who should not be near one of these but are. If someone did succeed in damaging that piece not easy to fix.

If damaged offer the seller $200 and buy it anyway.

Similar sizes visually.
Caution: Merckx owner doesn't know how to change a flat.

Buy the one that 'feels' right on a ride.



2) liquidity = ???? Why changing bikes so often; find a couple (or more) you like and stick with them for a while. Unless it's a profitable side hobby.


on a separate note - Shimano made the ugliest integrated shift/brake levers a human could image.

Right? That's why I hate this forum. :)

Framebuilders buy tubing.
Cyclists buy frames and complete bikes.

Both are outstanding buys, get 'em both if you can afford to, sell the Merckx to @Andy_K for $500 and you get a free bike.

Both - sort out the details later...essentially a free bike +cash if you do it right.

As far as making a comfy bike out of it, I think the Merkcx is ahead. The frame geometry used by EM usually has the seat tube angled less upright than other road bikes by a few degrees. This could make the bike more amenable to a higher handlebar.

SLX is made of Columbus' version of CrMo, called Cyclex. Essentially nothing sets that alloy apart from the CrMo of today. What sets it aside from Columbus other archetypal tubing SL (also just CrMo) is that SLX has helical ridges inside the butted area of the main tubes. This adds a little strength at the ends of the tubes and adds a little weight compared to SL, and some folks think they can feel a little added harshness. I couldn't say, and the Magnificent 7 write-up was not conclusive. I have a frame which I like a lot and I believe to be SL, but I've never owned or ridden an SLX frame.

The Niobium is made from a much more modern and stronger steel which Columbus calls Nivachrom. It's specs show it is about 150% stronger than CrMo based on metallurgical lab tests. To make a Nivachrom frame that is as strong as a CrMo frame, you need about 33% less Nivachrom all else being equal. The Merkcx should therefore be lighter, more lively, and perhaps better at shock absorption than the Massi frame. Again the Merkcx favors your goal for comfort.

I would not buy either at the moment, but that's mainly because Mrs. Road Fan has begun to steal my bikes and parts that she thinks would work better under her butt than under mine. If I brought the Merkcx and the Massi into the house, I'm sure she'd swipe the Merkcx. And I don't think I'd buy the Massi by itself. If it was a Masi, it might be different.

If my eyes arent deceiving me, I believe the Eddy Merckx has Ti stem and seatpost. Those together could go for more than 300. Just a shame its aluminium (not a fan)..
I would try asking to switch around components, the Massi with those 2 parts is a no-brainer decision.

Thanks a lot for the help and explanation, has enlightened me a lot.

I'm pretty sure Neuron is steel, not aluminum.

You're welcome! PM me anytime.

Eddy Merckx Arcobaleno. Columbus Neuron.

Youre 1000% right, Neuron is Columbus Steel. I dont know why I thought the Eddy Merckx was aluminium..silly me.

Ok... I'm not sure ir its a big issue but I found a deep mark on painting of the EM but owner says it's only a deep scratch from him leaving the bike in a fence to open his gate. I know steel can be fixed but I don't have the knowledge and now I'm suspicious if I should proceed still...

I also found a Mendiz Spanish brand with Columbus Neuron and seems to be in a better conservation....I know EM is EM but given these new informations I'm tending to go for the Mendiz that is same tubing but better conditions...

Waiting on more images to make final conclusions.

So to be more direct for now depending on the images from the EM frame if not too much I'd go for..

1) EM
2) mendiz Columbus neuron
3) massi slx

Probably getting 2 of these 3 since you guys are inspiring me so much on not allowing these treasures to pass by :)

Just replying (with a lot of delay - apologies) with my final decision and some pics :)

Mendiz Columbus Neuron and full DuraAce componentes and wheels. Hell of a bike, very smooth, I'm very very happy with the purchase! Hope you like it. Paid 290.00 euros +20euros shipping to my house,. I'm happy to help you with similar good deals, if you are interested, please message me.


Cheers and good ride everyone!https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...41da4934e0.jpg
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