Eddy Merckx MX Leader (1998) & Dura Ace 7800 groupset.

I have found a lovely condition Eddy Merckx MX Leader in my size after a long search. It's the model with chrome head tube lugs and fork crown. Frame number shows that it's a 1998 model.
At the moment it's a mix of Campag Mirage /Veloce with Zonda 16r rims and a Itm stem and bars.
I am after suggestions as to which groupset I should go for - either modern or period correct.
I have tried and failed to find a 1998 catalogue online to see what groupset they were sold with.
I am after Wheelset suggestions as well or
the Zondas right for the build?
Any thoughts or suggestions are very welcome.
Thanks very much

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Posted on your merckx thread post

Shamal's as it will match up with the pinks on the frame nicely imo, I can see this having some mavic ceramic wheelset as well, Grammo stem, if not then a nice cinelli 101! Record 9 speed groupset! Titanium if you can just for extra bling! Flite saddle? Maybe some 3ttt ergo power handlebars if it fits you.

I have considered C Record and 9 speed Record groupsets but now I am considering DA.
The 7400 groupset on my Corsa Extra is superb.
7700 would be period correct but then going forward 7800 looks very good.

Any thoughts /recommendations/guidance around DA 7700 /7800 ?

Thanks.

DA9000 all the way!

I nearly pulled the trigger on this on eBaybat the weekend. Glad it's gone to a good home :-)

Go for modern neo build

Goupset wise; I'm going to break from the mold and suggest a 7800 groupset with 7900 STI Levers.
Modern shifting is the business, but 7800 looks the best (and is quite lightweight too, if that matters?).

Changed the stem from Itm big one to a Itm Eclypse quill stem. The issue is that the quill stem barely enters the fork steerer and I think that this is due to the design of the Max forks.
It looks odd with so much stem and it's right on the stem limit at the top of the headset.
Is there a particular quill stem to fit the Max forks better or do I need to go back to the modern stem set as before.
Any advice is very welcome

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. Looking at a number of mx leader builds online it does appear a regular feature when using a quill stem.

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Sorted with the assistance of @WimVDD. The lower moving part of the thread less tube had fallen off and was wedged in the fork tube stopping the stem from fitting correctly.

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New stem and bar tape

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Changed the seat post to a Campag Chorus

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Great bike but I think your brake lever position is going to hurt your wrists, no?

Thanks Wim, position of the levers is comfortable - Do they seem low to you?

Groupset decided upon DA 7800. Some parts purchased -

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What Wheelset should I go for ?
I have been trying to decide what rims /Wheelset would go well with this build.
I really like the look of Ambrosio Nemesis and Giro d Italia rims and also H+son tb14 rims.
Should I go for 32 or 36 hole ?
Any suggestions /advice on the above is very welcome and please feel free to suggest other Wheelsets
Thanks

DA 7800 hubs and Mavic Open Pro rims? DA hubs are pretty light (thanks to the titanium body; think rear hub only weighs 250 g) but pretty expensive as a result. 32 or 36, that's no real difference in quality. I'd say 32 as it looks less "busy".

Had the number of spoke hole dilemma with my Moser, found a logical starting point is to decide what hubs you want first. This prevents buying rims, then realising you've got the wrong drilling. Works the other way too, but basically decide on both before purchasing.

Slowly coming together -
DA 7800 chainset
DA 7400 seatpost + flite

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Nearly there -
DA 7800 brake set,
Arundel cages

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Well it's all together and I've taken it for a quick spin and it's lovely to ride.

Cheap mismatched Ambrosio rims on Ultegra hubs. (Ambrosio Nemesis when funds allow)
I went for 25mm Continental grand Prix Classics which seem really rather good as I think I read @Poetic saying that they were good.
I crossed the gear cable from the shifters which I think looks alright.
Just need to decide on bar tape as the main frame is a sparkling black with the decals having pink /blue.

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25mm tyre, any bigger and I may have clearance issue's

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Colour in the decals which may come into play with the bar tape.

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Nice! I've found them really good. Probably done about 2000 miles on them and had no problems, I think only 1 puncture. Only real wear is from grabbing a hand full of rear brake to avoid a pedestrian and it skidding out.