Merckx AX or RB-1?
05-29-20, 07:17 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Merckx AX or RB-1?
Newbie here, first post. Multiple injuries (3rd acl recon, 4 bulging lumbar disks, and testicular surgery) have kept me out of the saddle for better part of last 3 years, and I'm struggling to justify keeping both of these. Now that I'm healthy, at the moment anyway, I've been doing way more mountain biking anyway. But I love em both, and I can't decide which to get rid of. Both in solid condition but of course the RB-1 has a few little rust spots, but rides better because I've upgraded with newer Shimano 105 over the years. But the Ax is just so sweet. All original campy chorus, but pretty much needs a new groupset at this point. Not super fun to ride as is.
What would you do? Not necessarily looking for answer, just perspective and/or inspiration. Thanks!
What would you do? Not necessarily looking for answer, just perspective and/or inspiration. Thanks!
05-29-20, 08:07 PM
#2
Senior Member
What keeps the AX not super fun to ride?
__________________
My bikes: '81 Trek 957, '83 Trek 720, '85 Trek 500, '85 Trek 770,'81 Merckx, '85 Centurion Cinelli, '85 Raleigh Portage, '92 RB-2, '09 Bianchi
My bikes: '81 Trek 957, '83 Trek 720, '85 Trek 500, '85 Trek 770,
05-29-20, 10:05 PM
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think it just needs a rebuild. I've take it to two campy specialists in SF that I was referred to and they both say they can't make the gear any better, they just need swapping. None of the components work nearly as well as even the old 105s on the Bridgestone. So I guess another way to say it, is the Ax that much better of a frame that it's worth putting money into, over the RB-1 that rides well now? If so, how much?
05-30-20, 03:07 AM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,038
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4510 Post(s)
Liked 6,377 Times
in
3,667 Posts
I think it just needs a rebuild. I've take it to two campy specialists in SF that I was referred to and they both say they can't make the gear any better, they just need swapping. None of the components work nearly as well as even the old 105s on the Bridgestone. So I guess another way to say it, is the Ax that much better of a frame that it's worth putting money into, over the RB-1 that rides well now? If so, how much?
So the RB-1 easily holds its own most of the time, not here, these are both grail bikes to their fans but the Merckx is in a far higher category imo.
Sell the RB-1 to fund the refit of the Merckx or step up and keep them both. The Merckx deserves a modern upgrade to bring it right up to speed, also imo.
This is all assuming they both fit and you like the ride of both.
Also, we need pics of both, lots of them, get your post count up to 10 so we can see them.
Last edited by merziac; 05-30-20 at 03:10 AM.
05-30-20, 08:38 AM
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ha good call, I'll keep making little posts so I can throw some pics your way. I have to make 10 posts before I can add pics?
And yes, it's also crossed my mind to sell the RB to get a really nice groupset, although I'm not sure I'd get offered enough to make me want to sell it. Another thought is to turn the RB into more of a daily tool. My first rebuild was a beautiful 1970 Gitane with bullhorns with barcons, was perfect for the tooling around SF. Wouldn't having that set up again for a daily fun bike. You can see where my heads at...all over the place.
And yes, it's also crossed my mind to sell the RB to get a really nice groupset, although I'm not sure I'd get offered enough to make me want to sell it. Another thought is to turn the RB into more of a daily tool. My first rebuild was a beautiful 1970 Gitane with bullhorns with barcons, was perfect for the tooling around SF. Wouldn't having that set up again for a daily fun bike. You can see where my heads at...all over the place.
05-30-20, 03:41 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,038
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Mentioned: 267 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4510 Post(s)
Liked 6,377 Times
in
3,667 Posts
And like I said, step up, maybe way up and get that Merckx rockin in style suited to it.
And yep, 10 posts, 5 X 2 days anti spam measure, then let er rip.
Also, no worries, head all over the place, we are with you, we so get it.
You have a perfect to me scenario, 2 known bike quantities that fit and you value, good starting theory, with proper tools, time and patience, you will be knee or neck deep in this in no time.
Just like the rest of us.
Last edited by merziac; 05-30-20 at 03:48 PM.
Likes For merziac:
05-30-20, 04:05 PM
#8
Banned.
Which frame do you prefer to ride, as far as ride quality? Keep that frame and sell all the other stuff and put a modern drivetrain of your choice on the keeper. Get some new wheels, too.
Likes For jiangshi:
06-04-20, 08:42 PM
#9
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
gonna sell
I just tried posting pics but it wouldn't let me. But thanks for the feedback fellas, I've decided to sell the RB1 and use that money to dial in the AX. Once I'm allowed to post pics I will.
