sykerocker 

No, you're the second to ask - I got to him yesterday morning when he brought it up to the shop.

Actually, I'm the guy who he called about the bike (it's my size, too). Now the part that hurts:

When Kirk called, I had about $120.00 in the bicycle fund, with the expectations of picking up another $100.00 that day from the Nishiki Manitoba that I was CLing. In fact the kid and his father showed up while Kirk was there. Deal done, however it still wouldn't have been close. Except that dad took a liking to the Fuji Mt. Fuji I built back in the spring (and later realized that I didn't like modern mtb geometry, suspension forks or disc brakes). So he bought it for $250.00. At which point, a number of hours too late, I had the funds to pick it up.

Oh well, Kirk's now looking for a 62cm frame of same brand, equal value. And if anyone really wants to leave a widow (rich or otherwise) all you have to do it come up with a frame of those specs.

JohnDThompson 

Looks like they used straight fork blades as the chainstays.

Bianchigirll 

I have seen a few like that.

Poguemahone

To make matters worse,my other ride partner found out about the bike and is now sniffing around it. It's her size as well as Syke's. She is also better looking, and needs to rest her pink Waterford every now and then.

It was a very lucky buy (read: total dumb luck), certainly the nicest thing I've ever found at a yard sale (though not the nicest thing I've ever found at a yard sale or thrift store). I think part of the luck was the guy who sold it to me liked someone being honest with him about the bike. We both knew my offer was lowball, but I was up front about it. I've had some success with this in the past; earlier in the summer I scored an entire box of Suntour Superbe, Campy, Cinelli and Stronglight just because I was honest with the seller. I think too many buyers are sometimes too obsessed with the "deal." This seems to be especially true of some of our local CL sellers. Someone said it's a 1500$ bike, why offer the guy 50$? If you're looking at something decent, be prepared to pay.

Another thing I learned from my comic book dealing friend is always ask the seller what kind of price they're looking for first. That way you can get a gauge of their expectations. The guy is very wise.

This also met a couple of my rules for buying bikes.

If the answer to the question "Am I likely to see this bike again at this price?" is no, pony up and pay. Stuff like this does not show up at yard sales or thrift stores very often.

And then the next question "If it doesn't fit, can I get something like it in trade?" if the answer is yes to this, and no to the first, buy.

(edit: Holy crap. I knew the bike was worth more than the seller was asking, but:
https://cgi.ebay.com/FRAMESET-EDDY-ME...item3361cd293f
This is the highest of the recent completed auctions; the other two were around 700$, framesets only. The one thing I knew was that Merckxs were out of my price range; I didn't realize just how much.)

also: Robbie, I hope you find one. I'm starting to look, although I can hope for a trade.

Old Fat Guy

The MXLeader is a cult status bike. It's great for the heavier rider.

gomango

I certainly qualify for the "heavier rider" after a summer of bbq and heavy, rich brews.

In fact, my wife just sent me off to the YMCA to join some "workout" classes this winter.

This may be just the bike for me.

sykerocker 

Julie's dead.

Roger M

Here's one that sold recently... https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...WAX:IT&afsrc=1

I know it's not the same bike, but still...

You done good.. hope you find a replacement in your size.

snarkypup

Gorgeous! That color scheme is wonderful. Very retro.

Poguemahone

This could get entertaining. Hope I'm not testifying at any trials soon or anything.

Ya'll know the price. 62 cm Merckx, preferably another Leader MX. Not that I'm fat or anything, but I'm falling in love with those ovalized tubes (something Freudian is hidden in that sentence, but for the life of me, I can't figure out what). I'll take additional bribes, though. (And I'll call about that Stumpjumper today).

One on the bay right now, but it's got dents. Nah.

Given the lesser value of large frames, it's a great trade.

gioscinelli 

Hi Poguemahone, That was a super find! The Merckx MX Leader that I picked up earlier this week is by no means near the condition to yours. Mine had paint chips on the top tube, which I touched up with British green, everything else was great on mine. In comparison to yours, I like the paint scheme on yours better then mine. But wait, why should I ramble on, I sold the frame for $600, and still have all the components. So don't worry, just do what I did, sell the frame and fork and be happy! I would have made the trade, but someone on Ebay took the BIN, and lives in your area, CA. Mike

amor fati

That's your "Bottle of Smoke", Mr. Poguemahone.

This is why I always pull over when I see a garage sale. You just never know what you're gonna find.

CenturionIM

Someone just bidded $1500 on the frame+fork.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Eddy-Merckx-...cycles_Frames&
hash=item3f24876096

roadrunner2012

That's a pista, not a road bike.

Puget Pounder

That and ths thread was posted 3 years ago.

roadrunner2012

Prices are improving!