Odin99

I have a frame with Eddy merckx's actual signature. it is unverified, but looks legitimate. Assuming it is legit (but I dont get it verified) what added value do you think this might add to a standard SLX eddy merckx steel frame (condition is well used but no significant rust - 6/10. it has scratches but not a ton).

sloar 

Pics would be helpful.

himespau 

I'd love to see some purdy ones.

Odin99

BTW, i make those saddle/handlebar bike racks

Chombi

Mercxx is so prolific in the industry with sooo many bikes,with his name on it out there, I will not be surprised if that's a real signature by him.
Just like how Caroll Shelby was with Shelby Cobra Roadsters and other things he might have sold through his life. He signed them literally by the thousands.....

longbeachgary

That's an interesting observation. But I would be surprised if all of the bikes that Merckx made from 1980 to 2010 add up to the production of one year of Trek or specialized or Fuji or Giant.

Belg-Ital Steel 

Have a friend that took an early 80s frame (cursive seat stays/fork) to the factory around the 2005 timeframe and Eddy signed it. Also had his picture taken with Eddy at the same time. Pics may be in an old Merckx forum thread?

longbeachgary

IMHO, I don't think that it would add a lot to the value. The chain stays look to be in bad shape and if the paint is in that bad-a-shape it might need a re-paint. Also, the frame is on the small side and that might have an effect on price. If it were my size I wouldn't pay more than $400-$500.

Kevindale

It's got to add a little something, just like a signed photo of a famous person is more valuable than a plain photo would be. However, unless it's a significant bike, I can't imagine it adds a lot. And it does relegate that frame to wall art.

I like your racks. I don't know if that one is finished or not, but I think it would look great with the wood nicely sanded and varnished like a fairly dry Waterlox treatment. Maybe pick a wood that contrasts with the saddle, like walnut in this case, and maple or birch or a lighter wood with a black saddle.

longbeachgary

There is a signed Eddy Merckx bike on the Inland Empire craigslist for $695 and it's a complete bike.

Signed Eddy Merckx 1987 Bike O.B.O.

Wildwood

If you knew the story of this particular frame (with some documentation) it could increase the value a bit, but as stated before given the condition (6-10) probably not much.
Eddy sig is cool, but that's mostly it, unless this is a 'famous' frame that got lost somewhere through the years.

johnnyace 

Those signatures certainly seem to share the same characteristics.

Also, whatever functionality notwithstanding, the stem on that Inland Empire CL listing Eddy Merckx has got to be the ugliest stem ever.

IrishBrewer 

Well, at least the duct tape handlebar tape makes up for the ugly, bulky stem. Speaking of the stem, it seems that while it may help make the ride more comfortable but it would seem to rob the rider of some watts, especially while climbing.