Don't be silly, I should not have retired, never enough bikes or $$$$$$. :twitchy:

;)

Team Weinmann 1991 "camo" (and I see it - "pink bottom") could not appear until late autumn 1990 - the trouble is that the designation of your frame is 1989 ... someone in EMC was clairvoyant or the frame was repainted ; you can not see any model / tube markings - for TSX it should be TT, for SLX - X. There is one more option: someone instead of C chose B (I saw at least once the frame marked in such a wrong way). Show more pictures, it is rather over-painting (perhaps at EMC factory - they did this often to the order of customers who wanted to "upgrade camo".

L'A38 est une désignation inhabituelle - j'attendrai tranquillement les photos. Cadre du vélo construit en 1986

purchased as refurbished Team Gan Corsa. Whilst cleaning and preparing to touch up paint, I noticed the E 3380 number and decided to fully restore to a Professional model. Whilst stripping paint, I noticed the Reynolds stamping on tubes. Weighing in at 1800kg, I suspected 531SL which was confirmed by Reynolds expert. (not 753 as the frame was brass not silver brazed). You can see where the original cable guides had been removed from the top of bb. Having recently discovered a "9"stamped on the steering column and a Columbus dove stamp, I suspect the forks are not original. The seat tube measures 57.5 ctc and 55.5 ctc top tube.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...017722564d.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...47b1eeba88.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...fe2357352f.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8d6fbee67b.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f64c6f7a04.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...51333f88ba.jpg

OK, one step at a time:
- the original geometry (aggressive) of EMC bicycles is "road racing geo", all frames built before the Century model have it (except Criterium - that is, more or less until the summer of 1988).
- Century model introduced a new geometry (relax) that is just "century geo", it was used as the only one in Century models (653 and TSX), Corsa Extra Max, Mx Leader, Arcobaleno, Corsa Thron, Corsa 01, Strada OS and titanium AX, EX, Titane EM and early alu.
- unusual frames are: Strada produced until 1996 exclusively in "road racing geo" and Corsa Extra (SLX) and Corsa (SL), which were built in both geometries! Hence, the X and C markings apply to "road racing geo," and the XB and CB markings apply to "century geo."
Reynolds tubular frames did not have markings distinguishing the geometry, but all indications are that the Grand Prix model had a "road racing geo", there were Corsa Extra 653 (same geometry) - I have not found a Corsa 531 in this geometry so far (the marking should look like this: CRB).
- the biggest difference between the AX and EX is the use of profiled tubes in the latter. I don't think the AX used any Ti 6/4 parts, while the EX had BB covers and fork/dropouts.

Yes, there is a way to confirm this: you need a clear photo of a piece of paper attached to the fork steering tube - the necessary information should be there - good luck :)

This frame has a story :)
E3380, a beautiful Professional was built in 1981 - standard frames made of 531 tubing had an R marking and a frame size marking, in this case it should be A7R (the lack of a set of markings may indicate unusual geometry).
I saw 531SL stickers only on 2 EMC frames, the others were standard 531 (fork stickers were not used - except for team frames). Somewhere around 1994 the owner decided to "upgrade" the frame: all the old slides (BB cover and TT) were removed and replaced with new ones (TT and head lug).
Great job!

Many thanks for the great info! Since discovering the forks are Columbus, I have removed the 531SL decals from the forks and will build up with full Campagnolo Nuovo/Super record. Currently awaiting the arrival of frame #F1122 Corsa Extra Team Motorola :)

OK, so I misread or misunderstood all of my original understandings. Good to know. Thanks.

I wonder why Eddy decided to switch all of his bikes from a more aggressive to a more relaxed geometry all at once rather than having some of one and others of the other. He must have decided that the more relaxed was better for racing if he put that on the Corsa Extra and Max Leader bikes.

Bonjour merci pour votre retour, j'ai hate de vous partager les photos, j'ai oublié de vous préciser qu'il y a un porte plaque numéro sur le tube supérieur.
Bien à vous

Bonjour merci pour votre retour, j'ai hate de vous partager les photos, j'ai oublié de vous PRÉCISER qu'il y a un porte plaque numéro sur le tube supérieur.
Et le boitier de pédalier correspond bien à une fabrication 1984 1986
Bien à vous

If you start feeling like you've got to have this one, I can facilitate.

Thanks for this. I figured you would know.

Early 80s Merckx of unknown provenance
 

Hi Jacek,

Thank you for your efforts and all of the information you've been providing. It's much appreciated.

I picked up this bike not long ago and know little to nothing about it. Any information you can provide would be great.

I haven't yet removed the forks to check the steerer tube, but I was told the bike was repainted at the factory long ago (not sure if that's accurate). The paint was also recently touched up before I acquired it. Part of that involved repairing some rust, unfortunately on the bottom bracket, which obscured the serial and associated marks. I managed to get the previous owner to provide me with a photo of the bottom bracket prior to that, which allows them to be a little easier to see (but not much).

Thanks in advance for your (or anyones) opinions on this bike.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...956fbcdbed.png


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...cf63aa9f42.png


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a5cf51949a.png


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...f7f35dfdbb.png


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...afc9e6dab5.png

A bike too far I'm afraid, a recent sinkhole and a couple of other delusional irons in the fire have me far more upside down, I couldn't do this with out robbing a bank. :twitchy:

Professional 1983 most likely Columbus SL tubes. This does not look like a factory paint job, the decals are incorrect.
If the frame belonged to me I would immediately remove all the paint, clean off the rust and have it professionally painted.
Stickers matching the 1983 can be purchased without any problem. This could be a beautiful bike!

J'ai trouvé vos photos sur "velo vintage a go go" - C'est moi, Emerxil :)

Here's an interesting one.

Serial number: A on the left, Z 2448 on the right side. The frame seems to be custom size between sizes 57 and 58. It is stripped of paint and the seller claims it weighs 1872g for frame and 761g for fork. It is advertised as Columbus SLX (Pro). Due to frame weight, could this actually be a 753 frame? The seat stay cluster is narrow like on Grand Prix and (standard) Strada. Pictures below.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9ddb702447.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2bd63f0ca2.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...18ebad3806.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...42a62bc008.jpg

Appears to be SLX to me. Looking at the picture in through the bottom bracket shell, the chainstays and seat tube have the Columbus internal ribs, and the downtube appears to have also (though hard to see).

This is awesome! I now recall where I've seen this frame recently, the seller knows what he's talking about. I'm sure that in this case CyclesMakaron will agree exactly with everything the seller has said ;)

The seller's name is Jacek, it could be CyclesMakaron himself :)
It's a nice project to have the frame repainted and the price is OK too, just a bit small for me.

Deciphered without mercy :)

Was just browsing thro Pedalroom, and seems nenad has joined the MX Leader club:). Love the color:love:, tell us more...

Here's mine, I believe a '91 Century TSX

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...84c3989bf8.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7d1d314d41.jpg

Here's another one, MX Leader in size 59 and FNP (Collstrop) paint, serial H F7561.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ea19703ffb.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...cdb044af3f.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...dab7523580.jpg

Based on documentation I would say this is:

- MX Leader v. 4
- Built in (mid?) 1995

Is there any other significance to this frame? I ask because in your list you have F7651. Also, there is a name on the frame however I have been unable to attach it to any former racer.
On a side note, I bought this frame for a friend and now I want it for myself. So, I am in search for another MX Leader in size 59 (hint Jacek).

Edit 1: I have disassembled the fork, there's a card on it:

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...11237ece11.jpg

And the more I looked at it the more I discerned:

F7561
MX 60

I couldn't see any other info. So, I take it this is size 60 after all...

Edit 2: Modern cameras and graphics software are amazing, I have found the color code (FNP):


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9496e8faf2.jpg

No surprises.

Beauty. I love the lugged MX Leader frames.

Ah so its not yours (see my post a few posts up:))

Its a great color. I guess in the absence of finding info on the rider online, the name is probably just the name of the person that ordered the frame from EM. Both my MX Leaders have names on the top tube like yours, both names reveal nothing about them being racers, so I guess they were just the customer.

And good luck finding one for you, they are great riding frames, peak steel bikes in my opinion. You won't regret the purchase once you eventually find one.:thumb:

Well, I am very stoked about it. I spoke to my friend (responding to the other message in the thread), he's OK that I keep it; he understands the madness. So, I need to find another MX Leader for him :)
Some pictures in Pedalroom and I will add more:
https://www.pedalroom.com/bike/1995-...x-leader-50034

This one will be built more as a classic bike of that era. The original fork really needs to stay where it is, carbon will not do.

So the question is, which quill stem and which handlebar - suggestions most welcome.

nenad hell yeah nice score bagging that for yourself after all:)

You've gotta keep the fork, Max forks are THE BEST, and look sooooo much better than a generic carbon thing up front.

I've mostly got 3t Record stems and 3t Competitzione Merckx bend bars on my Eddy's, tho also have a Cinelli XA stem and another one.

And I'm sure our eagle eyed Polish friend has already clapped his peepers on this, but for everyone else this has just popped up on UK eBay.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/285492169...Bk9SR5i_98LbYg
A claimed Merckx built, Caloi badged ex Sean Yates Team Motorola frame. Yates was a total horse of a man, and looking at those mahoosive stays and chunky frame main tubes it looks like its Columbus Max, which would figure for a beast like Yates. Also I note the Caloi bikes have different forks to any of the Merckx bikes of the era, what material do we think the fork is, is it even steel or possibly alu? Personally I'm not a fan on the looks of these forks and much prefer the Mercks ones, especially the Max ones on MX Leaders. Edit: it does look like a steel fork but there's no side on view of the forks so can't really tell if they are Max forks or not. I'd expect them to be, no?

But I am a little puzzled as the first pic Yates riding at speed (I don't think he had any other speed!):), the frame looks a few sizes bigger than the frame in the rest of the advert. I know Yates was a tall unit, but also know nowadays pro's are prone to riding frame that are a few sizes too small for them, but did they do that back in Yates's era too?

Anyway cool bit of history if its as claimed.

PS I've got too many Eddy bikes so though its in England and it piqued my interest, I'm not in the market for it.

Surely this is a time trial frame intended for bull horn handlebars with clip-ons?

I can’t recall ever seeing a photo of Yates riding such a frame as a road bicycle with drop handlebars, and as a follower of Freuler and Edwig van Hooydonck I paid attention to such things all those years ago.

Ah yes that makes sense. And on further reading in the advert it mentions Cinelli Lola bars, which I'd never heard of and just looked them up and they are indeed bullhorn type bars.