EDDY MERCKX MX leader columbus max

top tubes in most max frames is set like that

horizontaly at the ST and verticaly at the HT

mxl has it backwards, i've seen it also in some other frames

i was just wondering if it's max tubes, but it has to be. i think i've seen some mxl's with round top tube.

It isn't backwards, it's intended. The frame builder (or marketeer) would be best to fill in the details here, information about stiffness and compliance and such :)

That is stunning!

of course it is, i was just wondering why?
columbus often marks directions of tubes like that, by painting specific endings

so if it's designed to be like that, i wonder what is the real difference in puting it backwards.
simple curiosity.

@guyfriday
stunning it is.

Ah right, I didn't know Columbus designed them to be used in a certain orientation.

I think the frames with normal round top tubes like this have a SLX/EL? top tube i.e. not fully MXL. e.g the forks ain't max either.

Might be to save a few grams, the actual positioning of the MAX flanged tubes is down to the geometry of the frame itself, i.e. more stiffness towards a certain point in the frame for certain conditions.

Interesting stuff, thanks :)

Merckx Arcobaleno had ovalized tubes near the BB too.

red paint marks the short butted side, therefore it shuld be cut (shortened) on the opposite side

reversing tube direction depends on the desired frame characteristics
not a common practice, but it's used sometimes. e.g. Hampsten Cycles uses this design for their MAX model frames
http://www.hampsten.com/portfolio/MAX

interesting thing is the MXL Merckxs bikes have proprietary designed lugsets and tubes that differ from standard MAX properties. including sets of lugs which are designed for opposite use of top tubes

thanks,
but what is the real difference? is it stiffier? less/more aero? i wonder, what in fact, is all about.

and sorry for OT.

more on http://theradavist.com/2010/02/merckx-mondays-30/

So the LBS have had some issues acquiring a set of silver open pro's, anyone got any suggestions for rims of a similar quality? I like the profile of archetypes but Im not convinced the look will really will go with the rest of the parts.

Silver Tb14's.

@turkish yeah they look pretty good!

A few more pictures prboably wont do this thread any harm as well.

Cinelli Eubios bars would be good for that bike. Nice work from the paintshop. Looking forward to progress

B.T.

Stunning frames. Paint and decals are absolutely bang on!

Very nice. Love matching bike threads

this is now complete, took it for an inaugural ride yesterday up mt. Seymour, 1040m of vertical over 12km.

Looks great! Paint is also superb. I have sold quite a few vintage Merckx frames and the paint is as close to the original as it gets.

@SWijland Thanks! yeah im very pleased with how it turned out Chris Dekerf (http://www.dekerf.com/) did a really great job re-producing the motorola colourway.

Here's mine

3 Attachments

Incredible bike