Decoding of Eddy Merckx frames
#901
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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 its a team livery bike you may want to replicate, if not, well....
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#902
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From: California
Bikes: '96 Moots VaMoots, Bertoni MAX, Eddy Merckx Grand Prix Team USA, ‘94 Merlin


Just acquired this Eddy from a seller that bought it in a storage unit auction. Online searches only netted two examples in this paint job, one was here on BF and the other that was sold through Steel Vintage Bikes in Berlin. Both bikes from the search were Columbus SLX and had internal rear brake cable.
I’m guessing this bike may have been a custom order because of a several reasons. This frame measures 54.5 seat tube and top tube, and I’ve never seen an actual half-size Merckx before. Also, the fork has been built with a 15mm extended steer tube. And finally, it’s a Reynolds 753 frame.
The only left side stamp I can find, and I searched with a magnifying glass, is the D. Right side is clear B 1110.
Last edited by velomateo; 06-30-23 at 04:43 PM.
#905
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From: California
Bikes: '96 Moots VaMoots, Bertoni MAX, Eddy Merckx Grand Prix Team USA, ‘94 Merlin
I'll give the fork a good look once I have it removed, and look for any other clues.
#906
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From: California
Bikes: '96 Moots VaMoots, Bertoni MAX, Eddy Merckx Grand Prix Team USA, ‘94 Merlin
#909
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From: CA
Bikes: Emonda, 79/80 Colnago Super, early 80s Eddy Merckx, end 70/beginning 80s Somec Super Corsa, Santa Cruz Bronson, 1994 Kona Kula
I got this Merckx bike from a household liquidation of an older gentlemen who unfortunately passed away. It must have been in storage for a while and I had to disassemble and clean it thoroughly.
What stand out it that the frame does not have any down tube shifter bosses but two cable guides for the bar end shifters instead. The frame should be Reynolds steel according to the seat tube sticker. The bottom bracket probably reads. Left: A. Right E 4746.
I am also including a probably original sticker of the steerer tube. Molteni is probably the color (or team?) and then 60 for the size (?) and NR or MR (?).
Any further information about this frame is appreciated. Thank you.



What stand out it that the frame does not have any down tube shifter bosses but two cable guides for the bar end shifters instead. The frame should be Reynolds steel according to the seat tube sticker. The bottom bracket probably reads. Left: A. Right E 4746.
I am also including a probably original sticker of the steerer tube. Molteni is probably the color (or team?) and then 60 for the size (?) and NR or MR (?).
Any further information about this frame is appreciated. Thank you.



#910
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From: California
Bikes: '96 Moots VaMoots, Bertoni MAX, Eddy Merckx Grand Prix Team USA, ‘94 Merlin
CyclesMakaron a few pics of the fork tag which seems to reference the frame serial number and “USA” paint. Do you know if this tag would have been applied for a frame that had been sent to the factory for a repaint?
The tag appears to be paper and had a clear tape over it. I removed the tape to clean dark grease off of the tag so I could read it, and applied fresh tape after. Also, note the “K” stamp on the steerer tube.


The tag appears to be paper and had a clear tape over it. I removed the tape to clean dark grease off of the tag so I could read it, and applied fresh tape after. Also, note the “K” stamp on the steerer tube.


#911
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E4746 A - Eddy Merckx Professional 1981/1982, Reynolds 531 tubes , molteni is the color of the frame (orange), 60 is the length of the seat tube measured center-center, NR is the marking of the Reynolds tubes. Frame factory modified for the bar end shifters - first time I've seen this on an early EMC. The bike is beautiful and rare.
B1110 - USA - known, BAZ/YMS - unknown, 2p. chroom - frame chrome pattern, later - frame repainted in EMC (that was the point!), K - the guy who built the fork.
B1110 - USA - known, BAZ/YMS - unknown, 2p. chroom - frame chrome pattern, later - frame repainted in EMC (that was the point!), K - the guy who built the fork.
#912
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Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 18
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From: Poland
I need white lettering for the Merckx Profesional (black matt), do you know of anything other than cyclomondo? I pick up the frame tomorrow.
I've decided it's going to be really special and so I've chosen a Suntour superbe pro.
I've decided it's going to be really special and so I've chosen a Suntour superbe pro.
Last edited by JacekM; 07-06-23 at 04:17 PM.
#913
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Joined: Sep 2011
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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
I got this Merckx bike from a household liquidation of an older gentlemen who unfortunately passed away. It must have been in storage for a while and I had to disassemble and clean it thoroughly.
What stand out it that the frame does not have any down tube shifter bosses but two cable guides for the bar end shifters instead. The frame should be Reynolds steel according to the seat tube sticker. The bottom bracket probably reads. Left: A. Right E 4746.
I am also including a probably original sticker of the steerer tube. Molteni is probably the color (or team?) and then 60 for the size (?) and NR or MR (?).
Any further information about this frame is appreciated. Thank you.

What stand out it that the frame does not have any down tube shifter bosses but two cable guides for the bar end shifters instead. The frame should be Reynolds steel according to the seat tube sticker. The bottom bracket probably reads. Left: A. Right E 4746.
I am also including a probably original sticker of the steerer tube. Molteni is probably the color (or team?) and then 60 for the size (?) and NR or MR (?).
Any further information about this frame is appreciated. Thank you.

__________________
The man who dies with the most toys…is dead. - Rootboy
The man who dies with the most toys…is dead. - Rootboy
#915
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If not Cyclomondo then Bicals from Serbia
#916
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Joined: Jun 2023
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From: Poland
I understand but I don't share the philosophy of originality above all else. On the one hand, it is beautiful to have a perfectly restored bike, a perfect bike like the original.
But on the other hand, taste, one's own choice.... I always have this problem, or maybe a different group and so what if different years, or maybe something in my own way
Probably a little heresy, but ... maybe sometimes it's worth it. Worse if we regret it later ( correction I regret it)
I will think about the original, but ...
But on the other hand, taste, one's own choice.... I always have this problem, or maybe a different group and so what if different years, or maybe something in my own way
Probably a little heresy, but ... maybe sometimes it's worth it. Worse if we regret it later ( correction I regret it)
I will think about the original, but ...
#917
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Joined: Jul 2023
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I’m looking for more info about a Merckx frame I’ve had for about a decade now. I bought it on eBay for its tighter geometry. The seller mentioned that this size is very similar to what Axel Merckx raced/trained with at Team Motorola (~58 TT, ~ 63 ST) but couldn’t confirm that it was his. A bike shop said the rust buildup under the seat looked like it could have been used on a trainer often and is in identical condition as when I got it. Markings on the bottom are S - B 2391. Number hangar on top-tube with internal routing opening on the left side of the TT. It has no EM stamps at the top of the seatstay which doesn't seem too common on bikes with SLX stickers. "Silva" under the brake bridge and Campagnolo dropouts. Here are some photos of the bike with a groupset I got separately. Thanks in advance.












Last edited by R32; 07-16-23 at 12:33 PM. Reason: spelling
#918
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This frame has nothing to do with Team Motorola - it was probably built in early 1989. It is also unlikely to have anything to do with Axel Merckx, who was not even 17 at the time - and still growing 
If I were you, I'd check if the frame isn't built from Reynolds tubes (the Columbus SLX sticker is non-factory). Remove the front wheel and take a photo of the inside of the fork steerer tube - we'll see

If I were you, I'd check if the frame isn't built from Reynolds tubes (the Columbus SLX sticker is non-factory). Remove the front wheel and take a photo of the inside of the fork steerer tube - we'll see
#922
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This scheme did not exist at the beginning of 1989. We have 2 possibilities: the frame "waited" in Meise for the Motorola paint job, or it was repainted at the customer's request. The solution to this mystery is (probably) found on a piece of paper placed on the fork steering tube. Narrow seatstays and number hanger are options. Markings indicate early "road racing geo".
#923
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hi Jacek and Magos,
i just purchased an ED Corsa Extra SLX which by coinsidence i found it mentioned here in this interesting thread
Left: S
Right: C4484
Team Telecom
Model early 1991
Riders name: Carlo Janssens.
i took the front fork off to check for the label that Jacek mentioned that could possibly exist inorder to find more info on this bike, but the label did NOT exist unfortunately.
I write this post because of two questions that i have:
1. i purchased this bike with Campagnolo Chorus 8 speed groupset and Campagnolo Epsilon strada G25 wheels having......9 gears on them... After alot of effort i finally found that the rest of the group was 8 speed (was not clear to me at start) so that is why it would never tune up right. In any case i ordered to buy 9 speed derailleur and grips to make it work. But the question is: I look at the catalogues of 1990/1991/1992 and i only see bikes with "traditional shifters" located on the tube and NOT these chorus shifters on the grip that my bike has. Was there an option as to what kind of groupset/shifters one could fit at that time? Or were mine fitted later maybe?
2. Question for Magos (sorry but i can't PM you because of only one post here i am not allowed) : I don't think i bought the bike from you directly so when you sold the bike did it have above componets (Chorus 8 groupset but wheels with 9 gears?) or maybe something was changed?
by the way the bike is really great and in very good condition !!
tnx and sorry for the long bandwidth.
Costas
i just purchased an ED Corsa Extra SLX which by coinsidence i found it mentioned here in this interesting thread
Left: S
Right: C4484
Team Telecom
Model early 1991
Riders name: Carlo Janssens.
i took the front fork off to check for the label that Jacek mentioned that could possibly exist inorder to find more info on this bike, but the label did NOT exist unfortunately.
I write this post because of two questions that i have:
1. i purchased this bike with Campagnolo Chorus 8 speed groupset and Campagnolo Epsilon strada G25 wheels having......9 gears on them... After alot of effort i finally found that the rest of the group was 8 speed (was not clear to me at start) so that is why it would never tune up right. In any case i ordered to buy 9 speed derailleur and grips to make it work. But the question is: I look at the catalogues of 1990/1991/1992 and i only see bikes with "traditional shifters" located on the tube and NOT these chorus shifters on the grip that my bike has. Was there an option as to what kind of groupset/shifters one could fit at that time? Or were mine fitted later maybe?
2. Question for Magos (sorry but i can't PM you because of only one post here i am not allowed) : I don't think i bought the bike from you directly so when you sold the bike did it have above componets (Chorus 8 groupset but wheels with 9 gears?) or maybe something was changed?
by the way the bike is really great and in very good condition !!
tnx and sorry for the long bandwidth.
Costas
The bike was too small for me. I sold it as a frame. When I bought it, it had mostly Chorus 7spd parts.
Regards
#924
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Joined: Mar 2008
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E4746 A - Eddy Merckx Professional 1981/1982, Reynolds 531 tubes , molteni is the color of the frame (orange), 60 is the length of the seat tube measured center-center, NR is the marking of the Reynolds tubes. Frame factory modified for the bar end shifters - first time I've seen this on an early EMC. The bike is beautiful and rare.
B1110 - USA - known, BAZ/YMS - unknown, 2p. chroom - frame chrome pattern, later - frame repainted in EMC (that was the point!), K - the guy who built the fork.
B1110 - USA - known, BAZ/YMS - unknown, 2p. chroom - frame chrome pattern, later - frame repainted in EMC (that was the point!), K - the guy who built the fork.
Laten=let it be/leave/remain
So leave the chrome on the 2 p (patten = drop outs poten = (fork) legs) take your pick
#925
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From: California
Bikes: '96 Moots VaMoots, Bertoni MAX, Eddy Merckx Grand Prix Team USA, ‘94 Merlin








