All,
I am interested in getting a used/retro lugged steel bike. It would be something for fun, nice to look at and would be used primarily for fitness rides and maybe a century or two per year. I've wanted a lugged Colnago since I was a teenager, but in the 4 yrs since I've gotten back in to the sport I've been intrigued by the Merckx bikes and the legion of riders who swear by Eddy's steel bikes, especially those with his "century" geometry.
Is there anyone out there who has experience with both and is willing to share it? The Colnago with chromed lugs and fancy paint has the "bling" factor down (if that's your thing), but it's all about the ride for me (I'm 5'11" and 190# and ride a bike with a 58cm TT). Are there any real differences between these old-style euro bikes or is it really just a matter of degrees?

Thx,
SPG

I've got a Merckx Corsa 01 and AX (ti), but no Colnagos. I think both frames would make great riding bikes, but the fit is a little different. I think Merckx have slightly shorter top tubes than Colnagos in your size, particularly if you take into account their slack seat tube angles. I also think the Colnago MXL would be lighter than either Merckx Corsa or MXL, if that's important to you.

However, I don't think the differences are great between the Merckx and Colnago. When I was hunting for frames a few years ago, I was actually searching for a Colnago MXL or Merckx Corsa/MXL because their fit was pretty similar in my size -- which is close to yours. (I'm 5'11" and 190 lbs as well, and ride a 57 Merckx). I ended up buying the Merckx because I found a brand new Corsa for about 50% less than a new Colnago MXL, and good used ones were hard to find in both cases.

Keep in mind that Merckx and Colnago size (or measure) their frames quite differently. A size 57 Merckx would be equivalent to a 58 or 59 Colnago. Merckx measures their frames center-center, while Colnago measures theirs center-top (sort of). You want to pay the most attention to their top tube lengths. One possible advantage to the Colnagos is that they tend to have longer head tubes, if that is an issue for you.

I can't coment on the Merckx; however, the reviews always seem very good and I am curious about what cetury geometry really means. I have a Colnago MXL and like the way it fits me. I am 6' tall and ride a 58cm, which means 56 tt. I think the overall ride is influenced by the wheels and tires. I feel very comfortable being a little stretched out on the Colnago even after suffering compression fractures to my mid back a few years ago before I traded the motorcycles for bicycles.

I have a Colnago C40 and Tecnos (butted steel with lugs) as well as a Merckx Corsa SL and Merckx EX (ti). I've also recently bought a Merckx SC (Al) and Merckx Genius (butted steel with lugs) but haven't built either up so I can't comment on their ride.

The Century geometry has a more laid back seat tube than the Strada version of the Corsa's, one to one and one-half degrees, depending on size. Eventually, the Corsa's went back to the Century geometry as well. The MXL was always made in the Century geometry as were the 01 (steel), Ax, EX, Titane, Millenium and Majestic.

The Masterlite, not the Master, Master Olympic or Master Piu, is a lighter and more recent tube set than anything made by Merckx from steel. The last non-retro issue steel bike he made was the 01 unless you can find one of the Genius tubed models which are fairly rare. The only point here is that the Masterlite will be a bit lighter and responsive than the Merckx steel offering. Geometry, they're both get on the bike and ride machines. You'll forget about the machine. They both handle well and ride well.

It comes down to availability and cost. Used steel Merckx's in the last few years have been getting increasingly higher prices although this is not as consistent as the Masterlite. Also, fewer were made. In your size, I'd consider a Merckx MXL machine, steel, or a Merckx EX or Majextic if you can fine one (both ti) in addition to the Masterlite.

All,
I am interested in getting a used/retro lugged steel bike. It would be something for fun, nice to look at and would be used primarily for fitness rides and maybe a century or two per year. I've wanted a lugged Colnago since I was a teenager, but in the 4 yrs since I've gotten back in to the sport I've been intrigued by the Merckx bikes and the legion of riders who swear by Eddy's steel bikes, especially those with his "century" geometry.
Is there anyone out there who has experience with both and is willing to share it? The Colnago with chromed lugs and fancy paint has the "bling" factor down (if that's your thing), but it's all about the ride for me (I'm 5'11" and 190# and ride a bike with a 58cm TT). Are there any real differences between these old-style euro bikes or is it really just a matter of degrees?

Thx,
SPG

I think this is a tomato, tomahto decision. Geometry should be similar. Stiffness similar. Either one would make a great bike if it fits ya.

Thanks to all who responded. I've decided to hold off for now and build up the Riv Rambouillet frame that's been sitting around before buying with another lugged steel bike.
I'll continue to keep my eye out for for a good deal on a lugged Colnago/Merckx though!