I was NOT looking for this bike - it found me via Elliott Bay Bicycles. Same guy that sold the minty 78 Davidson, rolled this in to the shop about a month later. It's in about the same condition - near mint! Seller bought it from a bike shop on the east coast in the early 90s, and swapped the stem and bars. The FiR rims appear to be from that time period as well:


The unused, green Michelin Axial tires were a bit too much color for me, and too narrow for a big fella - so I popped on a set of chubby Challenge P-Rs. LMK if you have a Bianchi that needs a mint set of Axials. I like the rims, though - I think the color match is quite good.


I was also thinking about yellow bar tape, but wrapped one side with friction tape to see how black would look - I think I dig the black!

The Turbo saddle is the Bernard Hinault version, and I find some humor in having the Badger's saddle on the Cannibal's bike.

I'm looking for a panto stem, in the same font as the decals. I've got a set of panto shift levers on the way. I'm going to have Jon Williams customize the chainrings for me. This is my first red bike, as the color doesn't usually suit me - this is a GREAT red, though.

Beauty! I'm normally not the biggest fan of these ano rims, but they do work on this bike.

gorgeous!

Hot.

That looks like one of the early De Rosa built (at least influenced) Merckx bicycles to me. Beautiful.

Fantastic

Gorgeous....

I kinda liked the green tires better but THANK YOU for changing out that horrible multi colored tape. I still don't understand why people like that junk..
What a beautiful bike you have.

Nice early 80's bike. The Ugo built bikes had Eddy's signature on the seat stay cap, factory built had the EM logo. At least that is my understanding. I have one from the same era, over the BB cabling, flat fork crown. They are very nice riding bikes. I prefer the Professional to the Corsa, myself.

That bike is sure to bring a smile to your face every time you ride it. Enjoy.

That bike is awesome.

Sweet bike, Alex! I dig the PRs and black tape.

Thanks - it is a very nice ride, esp with the PRs. I think you're right about the EM vs. signature caps.

I just got a set of Kool Stop brake blocks - will improve braking considerably.

The rear brake housing was broken, so I replaced it with modern Jagwire (yes, I see it's a bit too long.) I'd prefer a darker shade of yellow - anybody know a source?

gorgeous bike.

do you know who made the patterned handlebar tape that you removed?

Agreed.

Great looking EM.

An early 80s Professional in silver is the one Merckx I really want to own at this point.

Definitely on my top 5 list.

I've sold all of my EMs in my big spring cleaning, but would make an exception if that one pops up at the right price.

OFF THE FRONT! - a great brand name. One of the finishing tapes was pink, the other yellow. Sorta went with the TdF and GdI decals on the seat tube.

Thanks for the name.

I'll make sure I never buy it.

Hideous. Imho

Another beauty Alex.

Very, very nice!