sloar 

Any idea on year and model? Thanks...

sloar 

JTTDF

The pantographing on stay caps and fork crown, over the bb cable routing, square fork crown, serial number starting with E all point to an early '80’s Professional. All the same characteristics as mine, which is supposed to be an '81. This link may be useful if you haven't already found it - Eddy Merckx Serial Numbers

sloar 

I guessing this is Columbus SL tubing. Whats your thoughts and opinions on the ride quality of your bike.

909Rat

early 80´s I would say yeah. Did you prime it to have it repainted?

sloar 

Not mine.............................yet. Potential project maybe..

JTTDF

Yes, i believe mine is SL too. SLX, by my understanding was introduced a little later. I absolutely love the bike. Of course a lot of that goes back to fit and drivetrain, but the bike feels so solid, climbs stiff, descends with complete confidence, compliant and obedient. its the one I go to first in most circumstances. This is it:

JTTDF

^^just based on ride quality and enjoyment, not sentiment or other factors, if I had to sell all but one, the Merckx would be the keeper - though the GC would be tough to let go.

sloar 

Nice Merckx, thats what I'm going for. I love the decal style, and a great frame to hang nuovo record on. Just not sure if I want to pay the money for this frame, then turn around and have to paint it and buy new decals.

JTTDF

Well I am certainly not going to discourage you!

jiangshi

I had one of the same era. That is a Professional (only model made in the early 80's) and date code indeterminate, but early 80's, 82-83 likely. Mine had a higher serial number and was a 1983 model, so yours likely earlier. I really like the geometry of these bikes, and like SL tubing. Mine also had an E on the left side, and only a size (4) on the right, no 'P'.

Should be a keeper, if the size is right, but lack of original paint kills it for collector value, IMO.

sloar 

I ended up getting this frameset. Seller accepted a pretty low offer, I think he just wanted to get rid of it. The middle top tube guide needs replace and some pits need filled and smoothed out, nothing I can't handle myself. Now I have to decide what color, I think I have red, metallic blue and yellow. Then decide if I want super record or nuovo record hanging on it. Decisions decisions.

RobbieTunes

Well, there was a Molteni jersey in yellow, one year only, I think.

JTTDF

Here's Eddy standing proudly over a lineup of early Professionals. I just noticed that it appears the bike closest and the third back have tubing decals but the red one between doesnt appear to. I'm partial to the light blue one.

sloar 

I do like silver. I just finished painting a Torpado bright yellow. Looks good, just not sure if it's for me.

JTTDF

In addition to the inconsistent use of Columbus decals I also notice the placement of the country decals above and below is not consistent. Some have Italy drive side above and France below, others opposite. I love that - just goes to show obsessing on little things like that when doing a restoration is pointless.

sloar 

Decals are the only thing that makes me nervous doing a restoration. I can always wet sand and fix a paint goof. You only get one chance sticking the decal on.

gomango

You've done a fantastic job on mine in the past.

I'd go silver. Imho

The one EM is holding in the foto is a dream bike for me.

sloar 

Grady, I agree with the silver, I really liked the way your Croll and the Ciocc I did in silver came out.

gomango

The quality of the finish on the Croll doesn't show in pics.

I constantly get nice comments about the bike locally.

A person just asked me a couple of weeks ago if Walter Croll is building again!

sloar 

thanks Grady, how's the Gazelle?

gomango

Poor thing is just sitting there right now.

Lots of building to attend to this winter.