Merckx internal cable routing: Bikefanclub.com

I've had my MX-Leader since May of 2002. I bought it here in Seattle used from a very nice Microsoftie who had bought it in '92 and had it built up with a complete Campy C-Record 8 speed group. It was in essentialy like new condition when I got it and I liked everything about it except the 177.5 cranks, Look based pedals and the Delta brakes (purely for fashion victims!). I replaced all these bits as well as the Rolls saddle and have been enjoying it ever since.

I am fairly big, 6'2' and 180#, and ride a 61 so the stiffness issue isn't an issue for me. As a matter of fact, the TI Merckx with an Ouzo Pro fork actually feels stiffer to me. There's no question that the MX-Leader is stiffer than my SLX Corsa Extra but both bikes are a pleasure to ride.

The other aspect of the MX-Leader that always surprises me is how light it feels when I pick it up. You really get a sense of how thin the tubing is compared to other steel bikes of the period.

I had it out on Saturday in very cold and ultimately snowy conditions here in Seattle. It really gives you the sense of putting this bike to it's intended use when you're rolling through freezing mud and snow flurries. It's also a tribute to the toughness of the finish. I have been riding this bike for about 18 months and it still doesn't have any scratches. It beats the heck out of me why not, but its the case.

I'm probably getting myself into a world of trouble here, but a few months ago a poster on the Serotta forum offered to mail interested parties a collection of articles he had assembled reviewing the MX-Leader back in the early 90's. He's an attorney from Adelaide and actually mailed eveyone who requested it copies. I have them and would be happy to send you a set if you e-mail me your address.

I'm sure you're going to love your MX. The only person I've ever met who didn't like one was the fellow who sold me mine. He had been riding an early Klein for years and thought that the MX wasn't lively or stiff enough for him. The fact that it was obviously too small for him may have had something to do with it as well. He was inches taller than me.