Wayne Bingham wrote:
> (snip) I have a frame that would
> appear to answer it, at least somewhat. I have a Merckx Grand Prix,
> built with 753 tubes. It is a 55cm frame, and has conventional
> (for the
> time) geometry of 73 degree seat and head tubes, BB drop of about
> 70mm,
> and fork rake probably in the 73 range. Collectively, I have probably
> put more miles on this frame than any other I have ever owned. A
> lot of
> that is due to timing, of course. The Merckx was my primary ride for
> many years, years when I didn't own as many bikes as I do now. It was
> built up with various component combinations at various times, from
> friction to Ergo. It remains one of the best riding bikes I have ever
> owned. Still subjective. For me it's great. It's geometry was the
> model for my Land Shark - in Dedacciai Zero Uno tubes (another bike
> that
> is a joy to ride), and is the model for my Bohemian - 531 SL
> tubes. Now
> there's something to compare. (snip)
I have the same bike Wayne. Complete bike from the Merckx factory as partial payment for designing his decals. I've ridden lots of different racing bikes and Merckx bikes are among the best riding bikes made. I'm sure he must have learned his geometry from Faliero, Ernesto and Ugo, (Masi, Colnago and De Rosa being some of the bikes he raced as a pro)... with heavy emphasis on Ugo.
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California
.