New (to me) Merckx
10-06-19, 02:53 AM
#1
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New (to me) Merckx
Like many of us here, I spend some time on the web looking for bikes to add to my collection. I found this 1987 Merckx SLX on the Milwaukee CL listed as a 52 cm but knew it was a mistake. I contacted the seller, about my age, had him take some measurements and voila, it's my size, 54 with a 54.5 TT 
I asked @CyclesMakaron to look over the pictures and he gave me a resounding "It looks great!" so I arranged to meet the seller yesterday. The bike, as pictured, has a set of older Record hubs laced to a pair of Matrix rims; he also had the Croce d'Aune hub wheels laced up to Campy tubular rims to make the Croce d'Aune gruppo complete.
We agreed on a price, I loaded it in the truck and drove home to Ohio. This is one of the nicest examples I've seen in a while and am likely to leave it as is, despite my penchant for putting modern Campy on all my bikes; it's only original once. Now all I have to do is wait for Bartali or Coppi's 200th birthdays and I can bring home an award
A big thanks to Jacek for the assist, his expertise on Merckx's is interesting and in this case extremely helpful. One question, when did EM begin using the Corsa Extra name and put it on the top tube?
I asked @CyclesMakaron to look over the pictures and he gave me a resounding "It looks great!" so I arranged to meet the seller yesterday. The bike, as pictured, has a set of older Record hubs laced to a pair of Matrix rims; he also had the Croce d'Aune hub wheels laced up to Campy tubular rims to make the Croce d'Aune gruppo complete.We agreed on a price, I loaded it in the truck and drove home to Ohio. This is one of the nicest examples I've seen in a while and am likely to leave it as is, despite my penchant for putting modern Campy on all my bikes; it's only original once. Now all I have to do is wait for Bartali or Coppi's 200th birthdays and I can bring home an award
A big thanks to Jacek for the assist, his expertise on Merckx's is interesting and in this case extremely helpful. One question, when did EM begin using the Corsa Extra name and put it on the top tube?
Last edited by nomadmax; 10-06-19 at 05:45 AM.
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10-06-19, 05:29 AM
#3
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Very nice @nomadmax. Well worth the trip to Milwaukee, obviously.
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10-06-19, 08:33 AM
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Indeed, very nice. Looks terrific just as you acquired it. If it were mine, I'd leave it alone.
Dean
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10-06-19, 08:33 AM
#10
Half drunk? Finish!
Jery Lee said it best....
"Goodness Gracious, Great Balls o' Fire!"
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10-06-19, 08:44 AM
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Oh, that red, white, and pink is so hot! Wow!
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10-06-19, 08:53 AM
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Nomadmax,
All I can say is D#$M!!!!!!!
Best, Ben
All I can say is D#$M!!!!!!!
Best, Ben
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10-06-19, 09:43 AM
#13
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Beautiful.
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Others but still loved,; '80 RIGI, '80 Batavus Professional, '87 Cornelo, '09 Motobecane SOLD, '?? Jane Doe (still on the drawing board), '90ish Haro Escape
Bianchis '87 Sport SX, '90 Proto, '90 Campione del Fausto Giamondi Specialisma Italiano Mundo, '91 Boarala 'cross, '93 Project 3, '86 Volpe, '97 Ti Megatube, , '90 something Vento 603,
Others but still loved,; '80 RIGI, '80 Batavus Professional, '87 Cornelo, '09 Motobecane SOLD, '?? Jane Doe (still on the drawing board), '90ish Haro Escape
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10-06-19, 09:56 AM
#14
Veteran/Pacifist/Resister
Corsa Extra decal was on top tube of my '85 Merckx, near head tube.
Not sure when that started or ended.
Love the CdA group.
Not sure when that started or ended.
Love the CdA group.
Last edited by Wildwood; 10-06-19 at 10:38 AM.
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10-06-19, 10:12 AM
#15
Hump, what hump?
Nice score! And Delta brakes to boot!
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10-06-19, 10:15 AM
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Very nice looking bike. You did well! Marker of a bike in fantastic shape - frame reflected in the headset!
I'm not sure you can date yours by presence or absence of the Corsa Extra sticker. I have the '85 brochure and the Criterium is also shown in that paint scheme with SLX tubing. Croce D'Aune came out '86 or '87 (I think) and that might help date yours if the BB serial number doesn't.
I'm not sure you can date yours by presence or absence of the Corsa Extra sticker. I have the '85 brochure and the Criterium is also shown in that paint scheme with SLX tubing. Croce D'Aune came out '86 or '87 (I think) and that might help date yours if the BB serial number doesn't.
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10-06-19, 10:59 AM
#18
Half drunk? Finish!
Originally Posted by Cibi42
Wow, that’s a beauty, and in such good state...
10-06-19, 11:19 AM
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Originally Posted by RobbieTunes
It was. Now it's in Ohio.
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10-06-19, 11:46 AM
#20
Some Weirdo
Fork's bent! 
Are you going to put on a Power or Pro Stealth saddle on this beauty, or leave the Turbo?
Are you going to put on a Power or Pro Stealth saddle on this beauty, or leave the Turbo?
10-06-19, 12:33 PM
#21
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Originally Posted by Ferrouscious
Fork's bent!
Are you going to put on a Power or Pro Stealth saddle on this beauty, or leave the Turbo?
Are you going to put on a Power or Pro Stealth saddle on this beauty, or leave the Turbo?
Goes to show, you can always count on good riding buds
As far as the saddle, you know I love my modern equipment but I have to leave this one as is. Hopefully I can get it out for a ride with you sometime.
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10-06-19, 04:45 PM
#24
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Oh my.....channeling George Takei there.
Beautiful Merckx score! You done good on this one, Jarhead.
Bill
Beautiful Merckx score! You done good on this one, Jarhead.
Bill
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10-07-19, 03:14 AM
#25
aka: Dr. Cannondale
That's quite attractive. Nice score.
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