RFC

I have always ridden a good deal of SS/FG. And particlularly this summer, I have been building and riding SS/FG because of my youngest's new found interest.

As a result, a sort of fun project has been stewing in my brain. That is, I'd like to build a replica of Eddy's Hour Bike.

Understand that I'm not trying to make an exact reproduction including the exact Italian manufacturer and components. I am perfectly happy to use an older Crit frame or newer TIG welded track frame. The reality is that few or none fellow riders will get it. This is my own little party.

So, for starters, what do we know about the Hour Bike? Manufacturer? Components? Specs and geometry?

Eddy is a long legged, shorter torso guy who preferred a more forward position, Lille the rest of us LLST guys. Also, I got the impression from what I read that Eddy rode that same bike in the TdF that year. Is that correct? Was the Hour Bike a modified road bike as opposed to a pure track bike?

So, how would you go about this project? I willing to consider BikeDirect frames. I am also willing to consider Crit frame such as my Trek 660. And, most importantly, where do I go for paint or PC to crown this project?

Thanks

Andycapp

I'll be watching this one! You're gonna need a drill press Here's a start: https://www.classicrendezvous.com/Ben..._B-guide_1.htm

Munny

No ! Not again another fake Merckx Molteni

Why are people so obsessed to spend sometimes more on fake bikes than buying and restoring an original ?

How many of the Merckx hour record bikes are fake ? How many Colnagos are fake ?

I'm about to put a Kessels Merckx Molteni on sale but I think I'd better invest in a can of orange paint.

RobbieTunes

Wow, wadded panties, after the OP made it very clear it was a fun project.
All he asked for was information. Are all Belgians like this?
Eddy was the best ever, no need to be so touchy. We have fun here.
Maybe try the Road Cycling forum, could be a better fit.
And welcome to C&V, sort of....

gomango

Sounds like a good time to me as well.

I'll mull these options on our ride this morning and chat with the guys.

.....and return with some ideas.

Good luck!

...and let's try to keep it positive around here!

Jeesh.

Italuminium

Andy's article probably answers all your questions. have fun on this project and leave the dustcaps of, a bit choice in AZ but very "Eddy".

Picchio Special

Because Eddy was the best rider ever and his bikes were iconic, and because "original" Colnagos and De Rosas in Molteni livery and "Eddy Merckx" decals are next to non-existent. There are some nice Kessels Molteni bikes, but they're not common either (at least in the US), and the vast majority of Merckx-Molteni bikes from the era in which Eddy rode that were sold commercially are distinctly second-rate quality-wise, and often worse. Next question?
Oh, and when I have seen Kessels bikes in the livery of Eddy's teams - either Molteni or Fiat - come up for sale, their owners are usually asking too much money for them.

rhm

For a frame, why not see if you can get a Falcon in the right size? They're pretty good frames, and can claim some Eddy 'legitimacy.'

RobbieTunes

I still remember the Ironman done in 7-11 scheme, and thought it was great.

RFC, I know absolutely nothing about the information you see, but wait with anticipation.

RFC

Thanks guys, including the grumpy Belgian. I had read that article on another site, but the photos and charts were new. I will give this all more thought and see what comes up.

Have a great Sunday,

RFC

Italuminium

Maybe the Drillium Dude can help you with the cranks, post and bars

jet sanchEz

Cool idea. Bikeisland has Kilo TT frsmes in orange that are unbranded, they are well made but fairly inexpensive.

AZORCH

+1 +1 +1 !!!! Yeesh. No kidding! They're our bikes...let us play with our toys, man.

cudak888 

There are three reasonably confirmed originals, and a few Eddy track frames that appear original, but can be questioned: https://prollyisnotprobably.com/2009/...40/#more-29452

To my knowledge, no accurate replicas exist, yet - unless one of the frames listed above isn't a training bike, but a purpose-built replica.

I take it you consider a tig-welded frame that can be spotted from a mile away as a tribute frame as a sin, and that the OP should consider nothing less than the procurement of one of the remaining six original examples?

-Kurt

due ruote 

Have fun rocking that 52 x 14 is all I can say.

Picchio Special

I took it that the poster had his own ax to grind and was trying to wedge a more general point into the discussion, i.e. I don't think he was speaking about the Hour bikes specifically.
But what do I know? I'm a Porsche guy ...

cudak888 

Might as well bring some historical accuracy into the thread, if nothing else.

-Kurt

P.S.: I revised the post since. Three are originals that are reasonably confirmed to have been involved in the hour record in one way or another, according to the blog. The others are originals, but with questionable pedigree for the hour record event. In particular, Cinelli can take their claim and stuff it where the sun doesn't shine with the provided picture - their Merckx track bike has a chrome fork crown.

Picchio Special

"Historical accuracy" is my middle name.
How many have the correct Pino parts? My understanding is that some of the original components were subsequently swapped out.

RFC

Kurt, great resource. Thx!

cbresciani

Sounds like fun project to me. RFC, we should ride sometime I have some really fun SS/FG bikes.

RFC

Thx. I have seen that Kilo on line and it looks interesting.

whatwolf

I may be wrong, but I believe they also make a lugged version of the kilo.

It would also be fun to find a frame to refinish though. Good luck, I will eagerly await the results of this project!

RobbieTunes

Since I haven't a clue what he rode, I'm not all that interested in the "actual."

You could paint a Huffy to match and I'd find it cool.

I think he'd have done pretty well on a Huffy, too, which is kind of my point.
I've seen the video, and it was pretty cool. Pretty simple premise for the Hour.

Since I have the timing equipment, I may ask a couple of locals to try this.

Back to the OP...

RFC

Yes we should. In what part of the city do you live. I live close to West World and McDowell Mountain, which has some great roads for SS/FG, including the 2.4 mile West World loop.

And, I have a few SS/FSs around here as well, including the unbranded 2007 Schwinn Madison I just built up for my son. Right now, he is kicking my ass on the first half of the ride, but on my wheel for the second. It will just be a matter of time.

cbresciani

I'm at 32nd street and Shea, not to far from you. I think we should definitely plan to meet up, maybe even get a few more Arizona members to join in.