Decoding of Eddy Merckx frames
#851
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Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,881
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From: Pac NW
Bikes: several Eddy Merz (ride like Eddy, braze like Jim!)
Molteni team livery question….
Earlier you mentioned that EMC made Molteni "team issue" bikes for six years.
Q: Which six years??? (just Molteni) That can't be in a row.
My friend, David, who owns River City Bicycle in Portland, OR has on display a 1981 EMC Molteni with proper '81 campy.
I have a 91 "re-issue" with proper components as well.
I always wondered if EMC came out with the 91 in direct response to DeRosa who made their 200 1973 re-issues.
If I'm allowed a 2nd question: The Fiat Livery, you mentioned is quite rare, one year only and towards the end of his career. What year? How many?
My friend wants to trade a his Fiat for my Molteni. I assume they are the same minus the colors. And SILVER is not a color. It is the absence of color plus sparkles.
As always, you are doing GODs work with your exhaustive research and sharing. Thank you.
Q: Which six years??? (just Molteni) That can't be in a row.
My friend, David, who owns River City Bicycle in Portland, OR has on display a 1981 EMC Molteni with proper '81 campy.
I have a 91 "re-issue" with proper components as well.
I always wondered if EMC came out with the 91 in direct response to DeRosa who made their 200 1973 re-issues.
If I'm allowed a 2nd question: The Fiat Livery, you mentioned is quite rare, one year only and towards the end of his career. What year? How many?
My friend wants to trade a his Fiat for my Molteni. I assume they are the same minus the colors. And SILVER is not a color. It is the absence of color plus sparkles.
As always, you are doing GODs work with your exhaustive research and sharing. Thank you.
__________________
"Leave the gun. Take the Colnagos."
"Leave the gun. Take the Colnagos."
#852
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 939
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It is possible that I managed to mess up two completely different things.
The first is the frames built for Eddy Merckx and his colleagues on the Molteni and Fiat teams - indeed for 6 years (1971-1976 seasons) and 1 year (1977 season) respectively.
The second is EMC production - and it's complicated:
- frames painted dark yellow (Patrick Sercu rode on such a frame in 1980-1983)
- Orange frames "like Molteni" but not part of the Team Issue series (1980-1982)
- Team Issue frames (from 1983): silver Fiat - produced briefly in small numbers, FAEMA - produced for a long time, especially the Corsa model (until 1994) and Molteni - produced intermittently until 2006 (various models - including alu).
The first is the frames built for Eddy Merckx and his colleagues on the Molteni and Fiat teams - indeed for 6 years (1971-1976 seasons) and 1 year (1977 season) respectively.
The second is EMC production - and it's complicated:
- frames painted dark yellow (Patrick Sercu rode on such a frame in 1980-1983)
- Orange frames "like Molteni" but not part of the Team Issue series (1980-1982)
- Team Issue frames (from 1983): silver Fiat - produced briefly in small numbers, FAEMA - produced for a long time, especially the Corsa model (until 1994) and Molteni - produced intermittently until 2006 (various models - including alu).
#853
Flawless description 
Dating EMC E-series frames is getting more and more difficult
New information is coming out (most of it unconfirmed) that neatly blows away the dating I thought most likely.
This is a topic for a new update thread.
E 2022 is definitely 1981.
Earliest month is March, most likely April/May, latest is July.
Without new verified data I can't be more accurate

Dating EMC E-series frames is getting more and more difficult

New information is coming out (most of it unconfirmed) that neatly blows away the dating I thought most likely.
This is a topic for a new update thread.
E 2022 is definitely 1981.
Earliest month is March, most likely April/May, latest is July.
Without new verified data I can't be more accurate

just a quick update from me, after the repaint, there is an additional dot visible on the left side:

So, serial number becomes .G8 E2022. I wonder if this adds any further info to the production of the frame.
Regards,
Nenad
#856
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Joined: Oct 2015
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From: PDX
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
#859
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16,098
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From: PDX
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
[MENTION=557277]Robvolz[/MENTION], you need to page him. 
Paging [MENTION=448872]CyclesMakaron[/MENTION]

Paging [MENTION=448872]CyclesMakaron[/MENTION]
#860
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 939
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The matter looks serious, very serious.
F3624 H was built in the fall of 1994
Disturbingly, there is a (one of several) "list of Motorola frame serial numbers" created by a mechanic (one of several) of this team.
It lists several numbers from around F363x - 365x belonging to specific team riders.
Your frame is very close to this one.
Try to reach the piece of card located on the fork steering tube - it could be interesting.
F3624 H was built in the fall of 1994
Disturbingly, there is a (one of several) "list of Motorola frame serial numbers" created by a mechanic (one of several) of this team.
It lists several numbers from around F363x - 365x belonging to specific team riders.
Your frame is very close to this one.
Try to reach the piece of card located on the fork steering tube - it could be interesting.
#861
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Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,881
Likes: 3,917
From: Pac NW
Bikes: several Eddy Merz (ride like Eddy, braze like Jim!)
I was curious how you might react.
This bike was owned by the Italian rider who sadly crashed and was killed in the TdF. Fabio Casartelli.
https://www.velonews.com/events/tour...nates-in-tour/
It is owned by a shop in St. Louis. I don't think he wants to sell it.
This bike was owned by the Italian rider who sadly crashed and was killed in the TdF. Fabio Casartelli.
https://www.velonews.com/events/tour...nates-in-tour/
It is owned by a shop in St. Louis. I don't think he wants to sell it.
__________________
"Leave the gun. Take the Colnagos."
"Leave the gun. Take the Colnagos."
Last edited by Robvolz; 04-10-23 at 09:10 AM.
#862
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Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 5,774
From: London, UK
Bikes: Yes, probably too many but still have a roving eye...
There's a Bottecchia badged Tommasini built bike also formerly owned by Fabio Casartelli on ebay at the moment.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266184584...Bk9SR_bLqrztYQ
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266184584...Bk9SR_bLqrztYQ
#864
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Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,881
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From: Pac NW
Bikes: several Eddy Merz (ride like Eddy, braze like Jim!)
I believe the story goes…. It was gifted to his best friend and team mate who then gave it to an American.
__________________
"Leave the gun. Take the Colnagos."
"Leave the gun. Take the Colnagos."
#866
Newbie
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 31
Likes: 26
From: Los Angeles
Picked up this bike last week and curious what it is. All components have been replaced and frame was repainted. Last owner rode it as a fixie.
Serial number: O H J (or O 4 J?) on left, A 7 4 6 2 on right
TIA



Serial number: O H J (or O 4 J?) on left, A 7 4 6 2 on right
TIA



#867
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Joined: Oct 2016
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It looks like a J0M i.e. Strada frame, Columbus Cromor tubes. Just in case, check the lettering on the dropouts - it should be COLUMBUS. If you find Campagnolo lettering then I need to buy glasses, and your frame is Corsa, Columbus SL/SP tubing. In any case from 1988
#868
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Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
A local collector is selling this nice Merckx. According to him it is an '89 Team Stuttgart, but the production series places it a little earlier?
Would like to know a little more about the bike.
Thanks in advance!
ibb.co/stK6199
ibb.co/pX7ZVnR
ibb.co/Z6rNPcZ
Would like to know a little more about the bike.
Thanks in advance!
ibb.co/stK6199
ibb.co/pX7ZVnR
ibb.co/Z6rNPcZ
#869
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16,098
Likes: 9,461
From: PDX
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
If those are pics try and upload them to your home page and they may get moved here, and or list all numbers on the BB as they appear indicating front or rear and exact orientation, left, right, above , below, etc.
#870
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Joined: May 2023
Posts: 8
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Hey Cyclesmakaron. I have a few I'm trying to put a date on -
What I think is 1980 or 1981 Aerodynamic - my dad purchased new from the Pedal Shop in St. Petersburg, Florida sometime in the early 80's.
Left side BB shell - B / Right side BB shell E 2290
Next up - what I'm guessing is a Corsa (your thoughts?) that I recently purchased - I think it predates the Strada so perhaps the M on the shell is the employee code?
Left side BB shell - 6 M / Right side BB shell Z 2896
Since I'm a newbie - it won't let me post pics...
What I think is 1980 or 1981 Aerodynamic - my dad purchased new from the Pedal Shop in St. Petersburg, Florida sometime in the early 80's.
Left side BB shell - B / Right side BB shell E 2290
Next up - what I'm guessing is a Corsa (your thoughts?) that I recently purchased - I think it predates the Strada so perhaps the M on the shell is the employee code?
Left side BB shell - 6 M / Right side BB shell Z 2896
Since I'm a newbie - it won't let me post pics...
#871
Senior Member




Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16,098
Likes: 9,461
From: PDX
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Hey Cyclesmakaron. I have a few I'm trying to put a date on -
What I think is 1980 or 1981 Aerodynamic - my dad purchased new from the Pedal Shop in St. Petersburg, Florida sometime in the early 80's.
Left side BB shell - B / Right side BB shell E 2290
Next up - what I'm guessing is a Corsa (your thoughts?) that I recently purchased - I think it predates the Strada so perhaps the M on the shell is the employee code?
Left side BB shell - 6 M / Right side BB shell Z 2896
Since I'm a newbie - it won't let me post pics...
What I think is 1980 or 1981 Aerodynamic - my dad purchased new from the Pedal Shop in St. Petersburg, Florida sometime in the early 80's.
Left side BB shell - B / Right side BB shell E 2290
Next up - what I'm guessing is a Corsa (your thoughts?) that I recently purchased - I think it predates the Strada so perhaps the M on the shell is the employee code?
Left side BB shell - 6 M / Right side BB shell Z 2896
Since I'm a newbie - it won't let me post pics...

He won't get a ping unless his handle is exact, [MENTION=448872]CyclesMakaron[/MENTION]
And you have to type it out without letting it autopopulate.
Last edited by merziac; 05-03-23 at 03:01 PM.
#873
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Joined: May 2023
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
CyclesMakaron trying again but using your exact handle...
I have a few I'm trying to put a date on -
What I think is 1980 or 1981 Aerodynamic - my dad purchased new from the Pedal Shop in St. Petersburg, Florida sometime in the early 80's.
Left side BB shell - B / Right side BB shell E 2290
Next up - what I'm guessing is a Corsa (your thoughts?) that I recently purchased - I think it predates the Strada so perhaps the M on the shell is the employee code?
Left side BB shell - 6 M / Right side BB shell Z 2896
Since I'm a newbie - it won't let me post pics...I have added them to an album in my profile, so perhaps you can view them there. Or I'll just make 7 more posts and then be free to post pics.
I have a few I'm trying to put a date on -
What I think is 1980 or 1981 Aerodynamic - my dad purchased new from the Pedal Shop in St. Petersburg, Florida sometime in the early 80's.
Left side BB shell - B / Right side BB shell E 2290
Next up - what I'm guessing is a Corsa (your thoughts?) that I recently purchased - I think it predates the Strada so perhaps the M on the shell is the employee code?
Left side BB shell - 6 M / Right side BB shell Z 2896
Since I'm a newbie - it won't let me post pics...I have added them to an album in my profile, so perhaps you can view them there. Or I'll just make 7 more posts and then be free to post pics.
#874
Senior Member




Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 16,098
Likes: 9,461
From: PDX
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
CyclesMakaron trying again but using your exact handle...
I have a few I'm trying to put a date on -
What I think is 1980 or 1981 Aerodynamic - my dad purchased new from the Pedal Shop in St. Petersburg, Florida sometime in the early 80's.
Left side BB shell - B / Right side BB shell E 2290
Next up - what I'm guessing is a Corsa (your thoughts?) that I recently purchased - I think it predates the Strada so perhaps the M on the shell is the employee code?
Left side BB shell - 6 M / Right side BB shell Z 2896
Since I'm a newbie - it won't let me post pics...I have added them to an album in my profile, so perhaps you can view them there. Or I'll just make 7 more posts and then be free to post pics.
I have a few I'm trying to put a date on -
What I think is 1980 or 1981 Aerodynamic - my dad purchased new from the Pedal Shop in St. Petersburg, Florida sometime in the early 80's.
Left side BB shell - B / Right side BB shell E 2290
Next up - what I'm guessing is a Corsa (your thoughts?) that I recently purchased - I think it predates the Strada so perhaps the M on the shell is the employee code?
Left side BB shell - 6 M / Right side BB shell Z 2896
Since I'm a newbie - it won't let me post pics...I have added them to an album in my profile, so perhaps you can view them there. Or I'll just make 7 more posts and then be free to post pics.















