As the name implies, this was sold as a bicycle that had extra comfort for long rides. The seat tube angles were a little more slack (as I recall, it was 72 degrees in a 56 cm model). I think these were only sold for one or two years in the late 80's.
I don't know anything about the Romulus, but at the time, this would not have been considered a "racy" frame (although it was probably more like a Tour de France bike than the criterium style bikes popular in the U.S.)
I wouldn't think you would want to use a tire wider than 25c on this bike. Should be a nice ride, however.
Louis Schulman Tampa, FL
Aaron Thomas wrote:
> I have an opportunity to purchase a used lugged Merckx Century frameset from
> a friend. Year is unknown, tubing is Columbus TSX. I know next to nothing
> about this model and cannot seem to find much info in the archives or
> online. I don't know seat or head tube angles or fork rake. The only
> dimensions I have are chainstay (approx 42cm) and seat and top tubes (56cm).
>
> I am not concerned with whether the frame is collectible. Rather, I am
> seeking a frameset that I might build up as a comparatively more lightweight
> and "racier" alternative to my current (57cm) Rivendell Romulus.
>
> The frameset is dismantled so I cannot take it for a test ride. Can anyone
> wager a guess as to how the ride might compare to the Romulus?
>
> As for tire clearence, would it likely fit a Michelin Pro2 Race in 25c? What
> about a Grand Bois Cerf (26c or 28c) or a Roll-y Pol-y (27c)? Or is this a
> model better suited to narrow tires 23c or under? How might the choice of
> tire width/pressure affect the handling of this model?
>
> Any other considerations to help me make an informed decision are welcome.
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Aaron Thomas
> Santa Monica, CA