Broid

Been shopping for a Merckx and wondering if I should buy a frame and do my own build. If so, what vintage Campagnolo groupo would be best, maybe mid 80's through early 90's. Super Record seems like a no brainer, but is there a groupo that really stand out from that time period?

Thanks again,
Brian

thirdgenbird

It isn't the vintage answer you are looking for, but campy 10. Pick any group or combination of groups. The stuff is reliable, comfortable, pretty, and will likely cost you less than period parts in the same condition.


edit: if you use record or chorus 10 you may end up liking it more than your supersix

KonAaron Snake 

+1 - If you're riding it, modern campy.

I would not use Campy from the mid-80s unless it's a wall hanger. Early 90s Record ergo is pretty affordable and works quite well. For 80s, I'd go Dura Ace.

gomango

I agree with Casey/Aaron.

I've been down the same road with Merckx framesets three times in the last six years and I've chosen modern Campagnolo twice and a nice 9 speed Chorus build once.

The modern systems have it over the older SR equipment. Imho

So, I would try a nice Athena build or my favorite, a lightly used 10 speed Chorus groupset.

Just watch for good pricing at Ribble or Shineybikes on the new gear.

They usually offer everyday decent pricing.

Just for grins, try Ben at Velomine as well.

I've heard he will match pricing and he is in Springfield, Illinois.

gomango

Agreed.

Good tip on the DA, for sure!

whatwolf

Agreed on modern for a regular ride. If you're interested, I'll be looking to sell a 1995 Record Ergo group in about a month.

shoota 

I agree with everyone that previously agreed with someone else.

thirdgenbird

It isn't a Merckx, but if she is selling the whole bike, you may want to verify size. It is a beauty.

KonAaron Snake 

I disagree with this.

shoota 

I agree with your disagreement with my previous agreement.

gomango

Broid

Yikes!!!!

thirdgenbird

Which part?

Broid

Thanks everyone! Especially those who agreed...or disagreed agreeably.

What I am looking for, I think, is Campy (Not interested in Shimano, nothing personal!) maybe something that straddles the line between vintage and modern. I understand the better functioning of the modern group sets, but still want a somewhat vintage or classic look. But I am aiming for this bike to be a trainer, so it will get ridden regularly. All help is appreciated...
Brian

whatwolf

Alas the frame will stay with me, to await a modern SRAM build next season.


Broid, here's a shot of the whole thing:

thirdgenbird

I think silver campy 10 has a classic look, but if you want to stick to early 90's, seriously consider whatawolf's offer. 1995 record is the pinnacle of early 90s components. You will love it.

here is chorus 10. With silver wheels it looks right at home on these builds:

shoota 

And besides I already called dibs on that frame

gomango

Hard to beat this era Campy.

gomango

I still like the modern 10 speed idea though.

thirdgenbird

That was the pic I wanted to use Grady.

gomango

Too bad I'm out of pedals!!!!

That Century that I sold was a mistake on my part.

Should still live here.

KonAaron Snake 

I think your answer is 8sp record - maybe 9sp if you can get the alloy configuration. I'm actually taking the Ergo off of this bike and replacing it with correct DA 740X...it was Steve Bauer's, was almost definitely in the tour and deserves to be restored:



This has deltas, which many don't like (and they're expensive). You could use monoplanars...or 8sp dual pivots, which came a little later.

Broid

A-A Ron, that is a fine looking Merckx! I know the Deltas have a mixed record, are you offering this group set? If so, shoot me a price. I am still a bit mixed on doing my own build, would love to find something all done, but ahve had a hard time coming up with something that ticks all the boxes at one time...

KonAaron Snake 

Honestly - I hadn't thought about it...I was vaguely planning on finding an MXL to hang it on. I'd like to own a merckx that I enjoy riding at some point. If I do decide to part with it, I'll let you know.

Broid

Cool, thanks. By the way, the reference to A-A Ron is from a brilliant sketch by Key and Peele here...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd7FixvoKBw