Decoding of Eddy Merckx frames
#351
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Hello everyone !
I would like to identify my Eddy Merckx bike but throughout forums and online discussion, I couldn't find any clue as the serial number does not match anything found.
The serial number is as following left side of the logo : A0 right side of the logo : 930
I should mention that the logo mentioned (bottom bracket) is the same as the one from post #252 on this thread. It is etched where you find the serial number as mentioned above It is also the sticker on the frame itself, like the bike from post #252.
I'm sure that the bike is genuine. It is in Domex-Weinmann Team's colors (Blue, yellow and white), full Campagnolo C-Records parts, Columbus fork and frame.
If anyone would help me I would be happy to know more about it's history. I unfortunately cannot post pictures for the moment, hence the description, I will gladly provide some when possible. I can answer questions about the bike if needed, although my bike knowledge is not the greatest.
Thanks in advance !
I would like to identify my Eddy Merckx bike but throughout forums and online discussion, I couldn't find any clue as the serial number does not match anything found.
The serial number is as following left side of the logo : A0 right side of the logo : 930
I should mention that the logo mentioned (bottom bracket) is the same as the one from post #252 on this thread. It is etched where you find the serial number as mentioned above It is also the sticker on the frame itself, like the bike from post #252.
I'm sure that the bike is genuine. It is in Domex-Weinmann Team's colors (Blue, yellow and white), full Campagnolo C-Records parts, Columbus fork and frame.
If anyone would help me I would be happy to know more about it's history. I unfortunately cannot post pictures for the moment, hence the description, I will gladly provide some when possible. I can answer questions about the bike if needed, although my bike knowledge is not the greatest.
Thanks in advance !
Last edited by Tim123450; 11-27-20 at 05:49 PM.
#352
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 939
Likes: 415
A0 930 fits very well into the early markings scheme (first "letterless" series) from 1980
If your frame has the same bottom bracket model and how to combine dropouts and stays as #252, the frame was built at the end of 1980...
The Domex Weinmann painting pattern only appeared in 1988, the frame had to be repainted.
If your frame has the same bottom bracket model and how to combine dropouts and stays as #252, the frame was built at the end of 1980...
The Domex Weinmann painting pattern only appeared in 1988, the frame had to be repainted.
#353
Senior Member


Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 598
From: Baltimore MD
Bikes: '72 Motobecane Grand Record, '72 Gitane tandem, '72 Raleigh Super Course, '73 Raleigh Gran Sport, '73 Colnago Super, '76 Fiorelli Coppi, '78 Raleigh SBDU Team Pro, '78 Trek 930, '81 Holdsworth Special 650B, '86 Masi GC, ’94 Bridgestone RB-T
Question for owners of (and experts on) early Merckx frames (1980-1983): what's the tire clearance like? Could one run 28s? I've been keeping my eye out for a ~62cm, old-logo, flat crown specimen, but am wondering if the tire clearance is more like '70s loose or '80s tight?
Thanks,
-J
Thanks,
-J
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The man who dies with the most toys…is dead. - Rootboy
The man who dies with the most toys…is dead. - Rootboy
#354
Question for owners of (and experts on) early Merckx frames (1980-1983): what's the tire clearance like? Could one run 28s? I've been keeping my eye out for a ~62cm, old-logo, flat crown specimen, but am wondering if the tire clearance is more like '70s loose or '80s tight?
Thanks,
-J
Thanks,
-J
Most of the early 80’s ones I’ve had my hands on are maxed out at 25’s as well.
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Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
Hard at work in the Secret Underground Laboratory...
#355
Senior Member


Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 5,352
Likes: 5,169
From: Central Virginia
Bikes: Numerous
Beautifully preserved card - it can be a proof of the original painting (and only possible corrections). "Go" or "Co" - pure speculation... I have already reached "Green over" and "German overspray"
In fact, we need for happiness the second frame from 1988 originally painted in Stuttgart "camo" with a preserved card or any EM with a card with an identical marking - I am afraid that only this will explain the situation. Another silly question: is EDDY MERCKX on brake bridge painted black or fuchsia?
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator
In fact, we need for happiness the second frame from 1988 originally painted in Stuttgart "camo" with a preserved card or any EM with a card with an identical marking - I am afraid that only this will explain the situation. Another silly question: is EDDY MERCKX on brake bridge painted black or fuchsia?Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator

55 cm Professional, Reynolds 753. Top line matches serial # on frame
Professional Reynolds 753 in Kelme colors (Thank you CM, for your other thread in which I learned of the early Kelme colors!). I wonder if the "Go" is actually a number - 60, as the same position looks like 31 on mine.
__________________
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, ‘81 Masi Gran Criterium, ‘81 Merckx Pro, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, Rivendell Rambouillet, Heron Randonneur, ‘92 Ciöcc Columbus EL
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, ‘81 Masi Gran Criterium, ‘81 Merckx Pro, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, Rivendell Rambouillet, Heron Randonneur, ‘92 Ciöcc Columbus EL
#356
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 939
Likes: 415
100% digit - thank you
I don't know how long the codes were used, I'm not even sure if it was color codes (there would be a lot of them!) or e.g. next batches of built frames (more data is needed - as usual)
It's nice to see the 55/753...
I don't know how long the codes were used, I'm not even sure if it was color codes (there would be a lot of them!) or e.g. next batches of built frames (more data is needed - as usual)
It's nice to see the 55/753...
#357
Full Member

Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 257
Likes: 26
I am working my way through this thread and came upon this post. Maybe my own bike can help decipher. This is the steerer from my 1985-ish

55 cm Professional, Reynolds 753. Top line matches serial # on frame
Professional Reynolds 753 in Kelme colors (Thank you CM, for your other thread in which I learned of the early Kelme colors!). I wonder if the "Go" is actually a number - 60, as the same position looks like 31 on mine.

55 cm Professional, Reynolds 753. Top line matches serial # on frame
Professional Reynolds 753 in Kelme colors (Thank you CM, for your other thread in which I learned of the early Kelme colors!). I wonder if the "Go" is actually a number - 60, as the same position looks like 31 on mine.
#358
Senior Member


Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 260
From: North of Boston
Bikes: 2003 Lemond Alpe D' Huez... plus a " few" more :)
Thank you Jacek for all your efforts and help with our EM bikes !!!
It is all greatly appreciated.
I am still trying to figure out how to determine the year. You have confirmed mine is a 1990 and not a 1985 and I thank you.
W 5TTB and C 1649
I know it's a 55 and TSX Columbus tubing and made in the summer of 1990
This I learned from CM..Jacek !!!
And what, if any....is the difference between a Century .....and a Century Geo ??
Sorry to be a bother, but my curiosity and ocd mix is getting the better of me
Thank you again
It is all greatly appreciated.
I am still trying to figure out how to determine the year. You have confirmed mine is a 1990 and not a 1985 and I thank you.
W 5TTB and C 1649
I know it's a 55 and TSX Columbus tubing and made in the summer of 1990
This I learned from CM..Jacek !!!
And what, if any....is the difference between a Century .....and a Century Geo ??
Sorry to be a bother, but my curiosity and ocd mix is getting the better of me

Thank you again
Last edited by bikemike73; 01-05-21 at 12:02 PM. Reason: More accurately describe
#359
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 939
Likes: 415
The Century model was to introduce the "century geo" into EMC
Century was built between 1988 and 1994, first from Reynolds 653 tubes, then from Columbus TSX; in 1995 it was replaced by the Arcobaleno model.
The 'century geo' was gradually being replaced by new models of EMC frames:
- 1990 Corsa Extra Max
- 1991 Corsa Extra and Corsa (at the same time "road racing geo" was still used)
- 1992 Mx Leader
- 1994 Titane EM, Corsa Thron
- 1995 Corsa 01, Arcobaleno, Strada OS, also alu frames.
"century geo" was used until 2003, when some modifications were made (that is why the names Team SC 3, Millennium 3 appear)
Century was built between 1988 and 1994, first from Reynolds 653 tubes, then from Columbus TSX; in 1995 it was replaced by the Arcobaleno model.
The 'century geo' was gradually being replaced by new models of EMC frames:
- 1990 Corsa Extra Max
- 1991 Corsa Extra and Corsa (at the same time "road racing geo" was still used)
- 1992 Mx Leader
- 1994 Titane EM, Corsa Thron
- 1995 Corsa 01, Arcobaleno, Strada OS, also alu frames.
"century geo" was used until 2003, when some modifications were made (that is why the names Team SC 3, Millennium 3 appear)
#360
Senior Member


Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,044
Likes: 260
From: North of Boston
Bikes: 2003 Lemond Alpe D' Huez... plus a " few" more :)








All great information !!
thank you
What would 2 on one side and E with 4367 below
color is yellow.
Again....all your knowledge is greatly appreciated
Last edited by bikemike73; 01-06-21 at 07:37 PM. Reason: spelling
#363
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 17
Likes: 4
Hi everyone,
new in this forum, I found a mxl in my size
The engraving in the BB
P F6459
I was told the frame was brought from Belgium. not an expert but I have never seen this paint scheme.
on the top tube says "Geant Bruno"
any idea?
new in this forum, I found a mxl in my size
The engraving in the BB
P F6459
I was told the frame was brought from Belgium. not an expert but I have never seen this paint scheme.
on the top tube says "Geant Bruno"
any idea?
#365
Steel is real

Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 1,505
From: Stockholm, Sweden
Bikes: 40 - accumulated over (now - more than) 40 years
I presume the frame to be really large considering the first owners name. Otherwise it would/could be ironic...
géant
nom
adjectif
énorme
géant
nom
- 1.
Personne dont la taille dépasse anormalement la moyenne (gigantisme).- Les Géants de la mythologie
nés de la Terre (Gaïa) et du Ciel (Ouranos). - À pas de géant
très rapidement. - Les géants de l'automobile, du textile
entreprises les plus importantes dans le domaine.
- Les Géants de la mythologie
- 2.
Génie, héros, surhomme.
Les géants de l'art, du sport.
adjectif
- 1.
Dont la taille dépasse de beaucoup la moyenne.
Tortue géante.
h
Liknande:
colossal
énorme
- gigantesque
- 2.
Étoile géante
de grand rayon, peu dense, très lumineuse.
#366
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 17
Likes: 4
I presume the frame to be really large considering the first owners name. Otherwise it would/could be ironic...
géant
nom
adjectif
énorme
géant
nom
- 1.
Personne dont la taille dépasse anormalement la moyenne (gigantisme).- Les Géants de la mythologie
nés de la Terre (Gaïa) et du Ciel (Ouranos). - À pas de géant
très rapidement. - Les géants de l'automobile, du textile
entreprises les plus importantes dans le domaine.
- Les Géants de la mythologie
- 2.
Génie, héros, surhomme.
Les géants de l'art, du sport.
adjectif
- 1.
Dont la taille dépasse de beaucoup la moyenne.
Tortue géante.
h
Liknande:
colossal
énorme
- gigantesque
- 2.
Étoile géante
de grand rayon, peu dense, très lumineuse.
#368
Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 31
Likes: 9
From: Jakarta
Bikes: Salsa Colossal, Merckx Corsa Extra Max, Merckx MX Leader
greetings all
I'm in the hunt of EM corsa extra, and I found this corsa extra with 90s production colorway (most likely). wanna make sure the frame is Corsa Extra and the tubing is Columbus SLX. The frame also has headtube cable guide. Greatly appreciate if anyone can help decipher the bb shell code, its L C9175 (pictures attached - error cant upload pic yet
).
thanks in advance!
I'm in the hunt of EM corsa extra, and I found this corsa extra with 90s production colorway (most likely). wanna make sure the frame is Corsa Extra and the tubing is Columbus SLX. The frame also has headtube cable guide. Greatly appreciate if anyone can help decipher the bb shell code, its L C9175 (pictures attached - error cant upload pic yet
).thanks in advance!
#370
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,107
Likes: 108
From: Upstate South Carolina
Bikes: 1980's Spectrum 10 sp Campagnolo Centaur, 1990 Eddy Merckx 10 sp Campagnolo Centaur, Bushnell Tandem, Co-Motion Speedster Tandem
I've been meaning to put this up here to see what the date and info is. I've had this since 2001 when I purchased it from a fellow in South Carolina. Unfortunately it had been used on a trainer and sweat accumulated around the top tube pump and created a significant amount of rust and bubbling in the pain. Off to hot tubes for paint. I've not been a fan of chrome so had the frame fully painted covering the chrome. This is a daily rider so is showing chips and scratches but rides like a million dollars.










#372
Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 31
Likes: 9
From: Jakarta
Bikes: Salsa Colossal, Merckx Corsa Extra Max, Merckx MX Leader
few images in spoiler:
Spoiler
Last edited by messy11; 01-25-21 at 01:04 AM.
#373
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 939
Likes: 415
C9715 - that changes things a bit 
This is a team frame built in late 1991 for Telekom (for 1992 season), rebuilt and repainted ~94/95 (PS paint scheme - 1996 catalog)
2p.chroom - chrome paint scheme
later - frame repainted in EMC

This is a team frame built in late 1991 for Telekom (for 1992 season), rebuilt and repainted ~94/95 (PS paint scheme - 1996 catalog)
2p.chroom - chrome paint scheme
later - frame repainted in EMC
#374
Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 31
Likes: 9
From: Jakarta
Bikes: Salsa Colossal, Merckx Corsa Extra Max, Merckx MX Leader
so is it corsa extra? SLX / TSX tubing?
#375
Thread Starter
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 939
Likes: 415
Corsa Extra or Century
SLX, TSX or Reynolds 753
The team frame does not have full technical markings
Are there "riflings" inside the tubes? (steering tube and all tubes visible through the BB cover) - if so: SLX or TSX; if not: R753
The distinction between SLX and TSX is completely crazy - but it can be done...
SLX, TSX or Reynolds 753
The team frame does not have full technical markings
Are there "riflings" inside the tubes? (steering tube and all tubes visible through the BB cover) - if so: SLX or TSX; if not: R753
The distinction between SLX and TSX is completely crazy - but it can be done...















