Decoding of Eddy Merckx frames
04-12-24 | 05:54 PM
#1027
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 38
Likes: 70
Amazing Eddy Merckx Collection Seminar Classic Bicycles Auburn
Any Eddy Merckx bike/history fans out there? Thought so! Rich Gangl is assembling an amazing collection of bikes representing the historical evolution of the bikes Merckx rode. There are 10 bikes in the collection. Some are period bicycles painstakingly presented to be just like what Merckx rode. Other bicycles are recent creations that are insanely accurate reproductions of what Merckx raced on. Rich has spent years on this project. He's searched high and low for proper parts, made parts when necessary (such as for the hour record bike), and obtained or built frames and made sure the paint/decals are presented with amazing accuracy.
In order to bring this project to life, he spent countless diving into the history and images of Eddy Merckx. His collection of bikes is truly unique. Part of it was shown at Classic Bicycles Auburn in 2022. The completed collection will be on display at Classic Bicycles Auburn Sunday June 9. The event is at the amazing Auburn Cord Duesenberg in Auburn Indiana. In addition to the bicycle display, Rich will be presenting a seminar on this project that will dive deeply into the history and legend of Eddy Merckx. If you are a Merckx fan, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The seminar is one of many that will be delivered by leading vintage lightweight bicycle experts. The seminars are on Friday and Saturday of Classic Bicycles Auburn weekend. The exact schedule of seminars will be released in the next week or so.
For more information about Classic Bicycles Auburn, Click Here
Auburn Indiana is close to Indianapolis, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Cleveland, and Chicago. Classic Bicycles Auburn is an independently organized event that promotes the enjoyment of vintage lightweight bicycles. If you have questions, please email classicbicyclesauburn@gmail.com
Thanks!
Mike Kone, lead organizer Classic Bicycles Auburn
Rich Gangl working his magic on one of the collection frames
Rich Gangl and his amazing replica of the Merckx Hour Record bike
In order to bring this project to life, he spent countless diving into the history and images of Eddy Merckx. His collection of bikes is truly unique. Part of it was shown at Classic Bicycles Auburn in 2022. The completed collection will be on display at Classic Bicycles Auburn Sunday June 9. The event is at the amazing Auburn Cord Duesenberg in Auburn Indiana. In addition to the bicycle display, Rich will be presenting a seminar on this project that will dive deeply into the history and legend of Eddy Merckx. If you are a Merckx fan, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The seminar is one of many that will be delivered by leading vintage lightweight bicycle experts. The seminars are on Friday and Saturday of Classic Bicycles Auburn weekend. The exact schedule of seminars will be released in the next week or so.
For more information about Classic Bicycles Auburn, Click Here
Auburn Indiana is close to Indianapolis, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Cleveland, and Chicago. Classic Bicycles Auburn is an independently organized event that promotes the enjoyment of vintage lightweight bicycles. If you have questions, please email classicbicyclesauburn@gmail.com
Thanks!
Mike Kone, lead organizer Classic Bicycles Auburn
Rich Gangl working his magic on one of the collection frames
Rich Gangl and his amazing replica of the Merckx Hour Record bike
04-13-24 | 06:00 AM
#1028
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 18
Likes: 13
From: Poland
Hello,
It's been almost a year now, but little by little I'm finishing it. Please take a look at how it came out. I'm just worried about the lettering on the down
tube (from cylomondo) whether the letters seem too thin to you. do you have any more advice. I'm waiting for the handlebars, white wrap and white saddle, probably a selle italia turbo.
It's been almost a year now, but little by little I'm finishing it. Please take a look at how it came out. I'm just worried about the lettering on the down
tube (from cylomondo) whether the letters seem too thin to you. do you have any more advice. I'm waiting for the handlebars, white wrap and white saddle, probably a selle italia turbo.
04-15-24 | 04:00 AM
#1029
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 136
Likes: 48
From: EU
Hello,
It's been almost a year now, but little by little I'm finishing it. Please take a look at how it came out. I'm just worried about the lettering on the down
tube (from cylomondo) whether the letters seem too thin to you. do you have any more advice. I'm waiting for the handlebars, white wrap and white saddle, probably a selle italia turbo.
It's been almost a year now, but little by little I'm finishing it. Please take a look at how it came out. I'm just worried about the lettering on the down
tube (from cylomondo) whether the letters seem too thin to you. do you have any more advice. I'm waiting for the handlebars, white wrap and white saddle, probably a selle italia turbo.
For my part, I like it. Also, the sticker placement is right where it should be overall (down tube and seat tube). At some point in the future you may wish to experiment with downtube letters again but for the time being I suggest you leave it as is.
Well done.
Regards,
Nenad
Last edited by nenad; 09-22-25 at 02:29 AM.
06-02-24 | 07:16 AM
#1030
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Please help me identify this Eddy Merckx Frame number
Can someone please help me decipher this Eddy Merckx Professional Aero frame number?
On the rights side there is the number 0
On the left side of the frame there is:
E
6607
I'm new to this forum and cannot post a picture unfortunately.
Many thanks!
Werner
On the rights side there is the number 0
On the left side of the frame there is:
E
6607
I'm new to this forum and cannot post a picture unfortunately.
Many thanks!
Werner
"...someone finally has to do it..."
Manufacturer's marks are placed on the bottom of the BB cover.
- left side: code of EM Cycles employee responsible for preparing the frame before chroming / painting - always one capital letter:
A - prototypes --- ~ B3000
B - 1 ser ~900 --- ~ E6500 + ~ B2500 --- ?
D - ~ A4000 --- ~ F6000
F - ~ E0200 --- ~ E7500 + ~ A9000 --- ~ B5000
G - prototypes --- ~ E6100
H - ~ B1300 --- ~ G5500
J - ~ A7500 --- ~ A9000
K - ~ F 1300
L - ~ Z 5000 --- ~ D 9999
M - ~ E4700 --- ~ A1100
N - ~ C3300 --- ~ C8100
P - ~ E7700 --- ~ A0600 + ~ D5800 --- ~ G5200
S - ~ A8000 --- ~ H
T - ~ A0600 --- ~ A6700
Y - ~ A1500 --- ~ A6700
(there is a designation . (dot) - may belong to this group: prototypes --- ~ E1800)
- left side: code of tube/frame model - one or two capital letter(s):
C - Corsa: ~ Z4600 --- ~ D9000
CX - Criterium: ~ Z7900 --- ~ A9999
M - Strada: ~ A1500 --- ~ B 9999
R - Reynolds 531
TT - Columbus TSX
WW - Strada: ~ D --- ?
X - Columbus SLX
( Columbus SL, Max, EM MX-L, EM Arcobaleno, Reynolds 501, 753, 653 - no markings )
( sometimes after the marks TT and X a letter B appears - meaning unknown --- british thread?)
- left side: height of the seat tube in cm - the last digit i.e:
2 = 52cm or 62cm
5 = 55cm
8 = 48cm or 58cm
- right side:the series marked with a capital letter - in order: E,Z,A,B,C,D,F,G,H,? ( 9999 frames in each - certainly not all frames of the F, G and H series have been painted and sold)
(the first series did not have a letter designation, it probably produced 999 frames - it is not clear whether frames without serial numbers - prototypes - were included in this series)
(there are team markings: KE - Kelme, CS - Capri Sonne, ED - Europ Decor, W - Winning --- used in seasons 1982-1983 without serial numbers ( every team had a separate frame numbering );
from 1984, team designations appeared next to serial numbers i.e. Kelme ( KE ) and Panasonic ( P )- at least until the 1986 season).
The above description is not precise or flawless, but is now - probably - the closest to the truth. Applies only to steel markings of frames manufactured by Eddy Merckx Cycles - the best company in the world
Any information, correction and question will be accepted carefully, any necessary changes will be implemented immediately. Thank you, best regards - Jacek
Manufacturer's marks are placed on the bottom of the BB cover.
- left side: code of EM Cycles employee responsible for preparing the frame before chroming / painting - always one capital letter:
A - prototypes --- ~ B3000
B - 1 ser ~900 --- ~ E6500 + ~ B2500 --- ?
D - ~ A4000 --- ~ F6000
F - ~ E0200 --- ~ E7500 + ~ A9000 --- ~ B5000
G - prototypes --- ~ E6100
H - ~ B1300 --- ~ G5500
J - ~ A7500 --- ~ A9000
K - ~ F 1300
L - ~ Z 5000 --- ~ D 9999
M - ~ E4700 --- ~ A1100
N - ~ C3300 --- ~ C8100
P - ~ E7700 --- ~ A0600 + ~ D5800 --- ~ G5200
S - ~ A8000 --- ~ H
T - ~ A0600 --- ~ A6700
Y - ~ A1500 --- ~ A6700
(there is a designation . (dot) - may belong to this group: prototypes --- ~ E1800)
- left side: code of tube/frame model - one or two capital letter(s):
C - Corsa: ~ Z4600 --- ~ D9000
CX - Criterium: ~ Z7900 --- ~ A9999
M - Strada: ~ A1500 --- ~ B 9999
R - Reynolds 531
TT - Columbus TSX
WW - Strada: ~ D --- ?
X - Columbus SLX
( Columbus SL, Max, EM MX-L, EM Arcobaleno, Reynolds 501, 753, 653 - no markings )
( sometimes after the marks TT and X a letter B appears - meaning unknown --- british thread?)
- left side: height of the seat tube in cm - the last digit i.e:
2 = 52cm or 62cm
5 = 55cm
8 = 48cm or 58cm
- right side:the series marked with a capital letter - in order: E,Z,A,B,C,D,F,G,H,? ( 9999 frames in each - certainly not all frames of the F, G and H series have been painted and sold)
(the first series did not have a letter designation, it probably produced 999 frames - it is not clear whether frames without serial numbers - prototypes - were included in this series)
(there are team markings: KE - Kelme, CS - Capri Sonne, ED - Europ Decor, W - Winning --- used in seasons 1982-1983 without serial numbers ( every team had a separate frame numbering );
from 1984, team designations appeared next to serial numbers i.e. Kelme ( KE ) and Panasonic ( P )- at least until the 1986 season).
The above description is not precise or flawless, but is now - probably - the closest to the truth. Applies only to steel markings of frames manufactured by Eddy Merckx Cycles - the best company in the world
Any information, correction and question will be accepted carefully, any necessary changes will be implemented immediately. Thank you, best regards - Jacek
06-12-24 | 10:07 AM
#1031
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,881
Likes: 3,916
From: Pac NW
Bikes: several Eddy Merz (ride like Eddy, braze like Jim!)
Howdy
and thank you for doing God’s work!!
this popped up in my neighborhood. I know it’s a size 60 - too tall for me.
left side:
A = employee
0 = size 60
right side Z 7863
faema colors and truly untouched. Story goes, dad rode it once, first time w toe clips, fell over and immediately hung it in the garage.
I guess 1981 due to the fork crown eddy/merckx vs EMC
and thank you for doing God’s work!!
this popped up in my neighborhood. I know it’s a size 60 - too tall for me.
left side:
A = employee
0 = size 60
right side Z 7863
faema colors and truly untouched. Story goes, dad rode it once, first time w toe clips, fell over and immediately hung it in the garage.
I guess 1981 due to the fork crown eddy/merckx vs EMC
__________________
"Leave the gun. Take the Colnagos."
"Leave the gun. Take the Colnagos."
07-09-24 | 06:47 PM
#1033
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,881
Likes: 3,916
From: Pac NW
Bikes: several Eddy Merz (ride like Eddy, braze like Jim!)
I’m looking at this one. Faema colors. Fork crown has that Eddy on the DS, and Merckx on the other
__________________
"Leave the gun. Take the Colnagos."
"Leave the gun. Take the Colnagos."
08-25-24 | 10:19 AM
#1034
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
08-25-24 | 12:20 PM
#1035
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I have an EM Corsa Extra frame number A1912 in this same orange/yellow/silver paint scheme ("Team Hitachi" colors). It is made with Columbus SLX tubing. Some quick research on Team Hitachi shows that it was in existence from 1984 to 1988. It started with Raliegh bikes but switched to EM in 1985 or 1986. The team disbanded in 1988.
I have some recollection that this color scheme was used by a European national team after that. Belgium? Any information on the history of this color scheme, which is beautiful to look at.
I have some recollection that this color scheme was used by a European national team after that. Belgium? Any information on the history of this color scheme, which is beautiful to look at.
08-25-24 | 09:08 PM
#1036
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 193
Likes: 163
From: Australia
The team, under various naming sponsors existed from the mid 70s, riding Splendor . Mid 80s was the first time Hitachi appeared as a team sponsor, with Splendor bikes, for 85 and 86. 1987 they changed to Rossin bikes. Hitachi then rode Merckx in 1988 (Columbus tubes) and 1989 (Reynolds tubes).
Edit: just wanted to add, A1912 seems very early for a Hitachi colour scheme. There may be a chance it's a factory respray. When you have more posts, I'm sure we'd like to see pictures of it. Also, bonus question, what is stamped on the bb shell opposite the serial number? Thanks.
Edit: just wanted to add, A1912 seems very early for a Hitachi colour scheme. There may be a chance it's a factory respray. When you have more posts, I'm sure we'd like to see pictures of it. Also, bonus question, what is stamped on the bb shell opposite the serial number? Thanks.
Last edited by Seanaus; 08-26-24 at 01:16 PM.
08-25-24 | 11:07 PM
#1037
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 995
Likes: 2,439
I have an EM Corsa Extra frame number A1912 in this same orange/yellow/silver paint scheme ("Team Hitachi" colors). It is made with Columbus SLX tubing. Some quick research on Team Hitachi shows that it was in existence from 1984 to 1988. It started with Raliegh bikes but switched to EM in 1985 or 1986. The team disbanded in 1988.
I have some recollection that this color scheme was used by a European national team after that. Belgium? Any information on the history of this color scheme, which is beautiful to look at.
I have some recollection that this color scheme was used by a European national team after that. Belgium? Any information on the history of this color scheme, which is beautiful to look at.
__________________
Nothing quite says wall hanger like drillium toe straps
Nothing quite says wall hanger like drillium toe straps
09-20-24 | 02:52 PM
#1040
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 have been trying to get in contact with CyclesMakaron for quite a while. Now it seems like he is looking at this thread from time to time and therefore I will try to get his attention here.
Hi CyclesMakaron - I hope you are well.
Here is the build thread of the frame I bought from you earlier:
1981 Eddy Merckx Aero build thread
Hi CyclesMakaron - I hope you are well.
Here is the build thread of the frame I bought from you earlier:
1981 Eddy Merckx Aero build thread
09-21-24 | 10:37 PM
#1042
Full Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 277
Likes: 257
From: Southern Cal
Bikes: An ever changing list of keepers, long term visitors and short term visitors
Found an interesting sticker on the steering tube of my 89 Merckx.
I had not taken the fork off the bike previously, so this is my first look at it.
any ideas? It says chrome, the fork is painted but chrome under the paint.
Bike is a 56cm, 57 on sticker may be the size?
I had not taken the fork off the bike previously, so this is my first look at it.
any ideas? It says chrome, the fork is painted but chrome under the paint.
Bike is a 56cm, 57 on sticker may be the size?
09-23-24 | 05:42 PM
#1044
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 77
Likes: 38
From: missouri
Bikes: Waterford W-13, Ritchey road logic; Ritchey SwissCross; Pinarello Paris ; Surly Karate Monkey monstergravel hauler 1983 Mike Mullet, mid 80s Alpina, late 70s schwinn world sport tourer
Good day gentlemen: just bought a beauty EM, 7-11 paint, columbus tubes, corsa: BB shell reads
Left:
D
7 C
Right
C
1520
thanks in advance!!
Left:
D
7 C
Right
C
1520
thanks in advance!!
09-26-24 | 05:41 AM
#1049
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,382
Likes: 1,269
From: Hotel CA / DFW
Bikes: 80s Colnago Super/NMx, 50th Daccordi, Pinarello's, Guerciotti's, Masi NS, 90s DB/GT Mtn Bikes, 90s Colnago Master, 96 Serotta Colorado TG, 95/05 Colnago C40/C50, 06 LS TI, 08 Lemond Filmore FG SS, 12 Cervelo R3, 20/15 Surly Stragler & Steamroller
I have been trying to get in contact with CyclesMakaron for quite a while. Now it seems like he is looking at this thread from time to time and therefore I will try to get his attention here.
Hi CyclesMakaron - I hope you are well.
Here is the build thread of the frame I bought from you earlier:
1981 Eddy Merckx Aero build thread
Hi CyclesMakaron - I hope you are well.
Here is the build thread of the frame I bought from you earlier:
1981 Eddy Merckx Aero build thread