anthmike

Hey all! I've just recently admitted to myself that I've fallen quite hard for the c+v side of things, so when I happened upon a nifty complete Eddy Merckx just down the road from my doorstep, I was immediately intrigued. Since then I've done a little research to somewhat familiarize myself with the frame, but was hoping some of the residents here could enlighten me even further. Sidenote: apologies for the potato quality of the photos

Couple more specific questions––
- Any impressions of these TSX steel frames (durability, weight, best riding purpose, etc)?
- Any idea of the year in which this was manufactured?
- Is this a solid frame for which to source out a dream grupo? I know that's near entirely a matter of preference, but I've seen some similar, darn nifty frames with new campy components that made me swoon.
- I've never run 700x23 tires before and am somewhat nervous about making the switch to this smaller size. Only really run 25s prior to this, and most recently 28s (smooth like butter)...but alas. Do you believe this is a legitimate, or fictitious worry? Road conditions in Austin aren't "bad," but I really don't want to inadvertently put this thing down if at all possible.
- Lastly, given that the bike is in solid condition, do you think that price tag (850) is fair?

In any case, I appreciate all your helpful commentary in advance friends!

plodderslusk

Great bike in a very, very good condition ! Does it fit, is it your size ? If so and With a not too horrendous price this is a nobrainer, og buy ! TSX is great tubing, very solid, Merckx bikes are really well made and ride well too. The group that is on now will serve you well, might do With a brifter bath With WD 40 too get the old goo out. Would of course look even better With Record or Chorus Group.Good Luck !

anthmike

It's a 54cm and fits quite well! I began my road adventures on a modern 52cm Raleigh, and despite my height at ~5'9, felt pretty comfortable riding a small-ish frame––though the more I've ridden a recently acquired 55cm Ironman Master, the more I've begun to reconcile that I need something a bit bigger. Thinking this might ring especially true when riding distance.

Just started a new job so I couldn't justify buying it outright, but the shop (absent layaway policy) allowed a trade-in of a new-ish State fixed/SS as downpayment to secure it. Figure within a month or so I'll have budgeted this thing home. No regrets concerning inelastic funds right now though, as my partitioned "play bike money" went into the aforementioned Ironman I now dearly love.

cb400bill

Moved from C&V to Appraisals.

rccardr 

A Merckx Century in TSX is a thing of beauty and rides as well as it looks. Century frames were designed for all-day riding and I've found mine to be very comfortable for 100+ mile rides. TSX tubing has internal spiraled grooves that are supposed to lend stiffness but don't expect a major different in ride quality over SL or SLX. They were made starting in the late 80's and if the group on that one is original (could be, lots of Merckx bikes were sold in Europe with that group) then it's likely a 93 or 94.

Like others have said, if it fits, it's a good deal.

miamijim

How much do they want for it?

jet sanchEz

Show up with $600 cash and I bet he takes it.

As already mentioned, the Century model was designed with comfort over long distances in mind. Here's a catalog scan.

joe englert

great paint scheme!! I picked one up a year ago...not in quite that good of shape with dura ace. rides fantastic. I would try to get it for 600.00 That 600 group is great but does not have much value. The value is in the frame. So figure 300.00 tops for the group and 300.00 for the frame. 800.00 is a bit high for sure. anyway, if you want a great riding, great looking bike, that one may be for you. good luck

anthmike

Thanks for moving the thread; still figuring my way around these forums.

850, of which I've put 250 down with a trade-in.

Thanks for the catalog scan! I've been looking everywhere for that exact information! I've not yet done any significant distance, but it's something I've desperately wanted to get into. Thinking more and more that this is the perfect frame to dedicate to that end.

And I'd like to believe the shop owner will wheel and deal a bit with me, but because I've already thrown down some funds on it I'm not sure he'd be as compliant negotiating. Then again... this shop highly prefers the trade-in model so maybe that in fact engendered a little goodwill my way.
Would you think it then a wise strategy to run back in there with 4-500 instead of the remaining 6 and propose we call it even? I did tell him I'd pick it up within a month.5, so maybe the earlier the better for my chances...

gomango

No it's not.

I've sold two Century framesets north of $800.......

Porschefan

It's a beautiful bike and if it fits you, just get it. It's apparent that you love it. You can try presenting a lower offer, but I wouldn't let the price stop you. Compared to buying a new (and lesser) bike, it's super-cheap.

My .02.

STP

anthmike

That apparent? hehe

I truly am falling for this era of machinery and don't intend to look back. I'm also definitely committed to landing this particular bike––all the same, it's valuable to hear a couple different interpretations of the value. As I mentioned a little ways up, I'm pretty sure this is the frame for which I'd like to source out a full record or chorus grupo. The tri-color looks and functions pretty alright, but I feel like it's just begging to be decked out.

elboGreaze

Anthmike , you already agreed on $850 , so pay it off and enjoy your beautiful bike . For what its worth , I saw a Century TSX for sale in Mich., and was tempted at $1100, but I balked, as bikes pay for bikes at my house . I would have had to sell off at least 4 !

anthmike

elbo–That's exactly right, and the way I do business in most arenas... though it *is* tempting to run up there shortly with ~$500 and see if he'll take it and be done with the transaction earlier than anticipated. While not likely, it may be worth the attempt (without risking disrespect)

miamijim

I agree. Team replica Merckx framesets go for good money.

Too many times we look at what bikes are worth as 'flips' versus what fair market value is. $800-ish is fair market value, not a deal but not over priced. Parted out, the bike in question is worth in excess of $800.

gomango

Some of these appraisals here are outlandish.

I would never give away a Merckx TSX Century frameset for $300.

Miamijim's on the money, yet again.

The op has a treat waiting for him though.

These are great riding bicycles. Quite suitable for long, all day rides.

thinktubes 

just looked at the pics, and $850 is a very decent and fair price. Great foundation frame that can wear many groups. The 600 is a great group, I wouldn't be in a hurry to replace it. Doubt you'll notice any difference between 700x23 and 700x28.

anthmike

I've always fancied myself to have a reasonable handle on delayed gratification, but you guys are making the necessary wait SO difficult.

miamijim

Campy sucked so bad in the early that many European manufacturers spec'd Shimano. 600 is OE for the Merckx!!! Here's my old Century..with 600:

gomango

I went the other direction on this Century and did all 10 speed Campy.

A pic from the day the new owner picked it up.

[IMG]DSCN3508 by gomango1849, on Flickr[/IMG]

jet sanchEz

Nice looking Centurys, I've always wanted one but they seem to elude me.

anthmike

These are some radical looking bicycles! Thanks for sharing––glad, too, to know the 600 is an original set on the century.

Got a chance yesterday to get back there and photograph (nonDSLR, whoops) a little more substantially. I'll upload those in a moment, but to clarify I am totally content with the price I'm paying for this babe.

upthywazzoo 

I was very confused for a second and thought that you had managed to fit half gallon milk jugs onto the bike.

gomango

The most expensive milk bottles you could buy.

Seriously.

I agree though, they are absurd and not one of Campy's best designs.

The fellow that bought the bike bought the last six of these I had.