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-   -   Decoding of Eddy Merckx frames (https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/1171913-decoding-eddy-merckx-frames.html)

AUPedla 07-29-20 04:14 AM

I assume somebody has put the wrong frame tubing sticker on this after the refurb. BB says R, Reynolds, downtube sticker says Columbus. Nice bike though.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6e37e5cf7f.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3203708e49.jpg

CyclesMakaron 07-29-20 10:50 AM

You're obviously right...
I contacted the SVB and explained the problem (the second one is the wrong EM-logo stickers) - somebody from the SVB admitted me right (very politely) and for now that's all :)
...I'll add that the descriptions of EMC bikes in the SVB shop should be analyzed very carefully and without rush... I can't write it any more gently...

botty kayer 08-02-20 03:04 AM

Good morning Jacek,

I hope you are well. I know you have seen this frame when it was listed, and I've mentioned it in passing before, but did not confirm it was me that won it for fear of cursing it before I had it in my hands. A virus threw the world into chaos, and so I only received this yesterday after purchasing it in February. It has been a very long and nervous wait, but it arrived all safe and well.

It appears to be one of the near mythical chromed Reynolds 753 Merckx frames. I have never seen this colour scheme before but love it, does this colour scheme have an official name? I've just been calling it a green camo scheme, but would like to know if this scheme has a proper name.

I have had a good look down the fork steerer which has no spiral ribbing. And I have had a feel around the inside of the seat tube at the bottom bracket and there are no spirals there either, unlike my 85 Pro SLX Team Panasonic which has these spirals.

My Panasonic has the flat bottomed rear brake bridge, but this new frame has the arched bottom version.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6ebe46d98a.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...8cc07ba514.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7d685623cb.jpg
Here is a pic of the bottom bracket markings
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e79da5ce98.jpg
Does that make this frame from 1988? Frame measures 60cm CTT seat tube with a 58cm TT which accounts for the '6' on the BB. I assume this is about as large as frames made in 753 ever got. It is in amazingly good condition, it has only one or two chips in the paint but otherwise in amazing condition for a 30+ year old Merckx.

I also removed the fork to check if there was any labels on the steerer for you to inspect, but there was no label, or any trace of it ever having had a label that I could see. The only markings on the fork steerer are the number stampings which match those on the BB, so it seems at least this is the original fork for the frame.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...38bc495c82.jpg
I'd welcome any more thoughts or info you have, thanks.
Dan

CyclesMakaron 08-02-20 05:09 AM

One of my favorite EMC frames... massacred my optimistic assumption about not chrome plating R753 and reliability of descriptions from EMC catalogues :)
Built in 1988 (it should have Grand Prix sticker), very similar painting you can find on 2nd page of 1989 catalogue (bottom picture, first frame) - I don't know the code mark.
This model brake bridge (I call it Silva 3) was introduced in 1987 - first to higher models, then to Corsa and finally to Strada (since then it is impossible to identify EMC frames by this element).
Frame markings R653 and R753 were very economical - they did not contain the "seat tube length" digit and type/geo/tubes markings.
Undoubtedly frame+fork=authentic set
If you don't find "riflings" anywhere and the frame is really light - you have a beautiful unique EMC Grand Prix with chrome R753 tubes (which is "impossible" according to EMC catalogues) and very rare painting...
Isn't life beautiful? :)

botty kayer 08-02-20 06:27 AM

Thanks CyclesMakaron I was in love as soon as I saw the green and chrome.:love:

I don't have any scales at home but yes the frame is remarkably light considering how much chrome there is on it. EDIT: And to confirm I've jut had a grope around the other tubes connected to the bottom bracket, and there are no rifling on the down tube or the chain stays just like there is none in the seat tube, headtube & steerer

The super long wait for the frame to arrive has given me the time to purchase all the shiny silver parts to go on it, so I'll post a pic in main Merckx thread when its finished.

Thanks again, enjoy the rest of your weekend.

rccardr 08-02-20 09:11 AM

That’s stunning.

Seanaus 08-09-20 03:04 AM


Originally Posted by CyclesMakaron (Post 21607438)
You have a unique frame, it was nice to see it - thank you

Jacek, I should say thank you, for both compiling and sharing this information, it is invaluable :thumb:

This is G2350 in DRR colour which I believe is summer 1996 build, based on the information in your Merckx folder 1997 post :)
Also, what year would you put G8073 at? It's the Corsa 01 that I've been checking against my prototype version. Thanks, regards Sean.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a8e81bf017.jpg

CyclesMakaron 08-09-20 09:32 AM

G8073 - A frame built at the turn of 97/98

JoMoe 08-11-20 02:18 AM

Hey Fellows,
IŽam new to this forum and I need help to decode my EM frame. Its badly repainted and i want to know if its worth to do an professional paint job on this bike. Therefore I have to know what kind of tube set it is.

Drive side: S (top) 9X
Nondrive side: B (top) 9615

Sadly Iam not allowed to post fotos or URL

Many greetings from germany and thank you in advance

CyclesMakaron 08-11-20 09:52 AM

S9X B9615 - Corsa Extra SLX (if seat tube 49cm) or SLX/SPX (if seat tube 59cm) 1990
...I've already seen these markings... :)

JoMoe 08-12-20 01:47 AM


Originally Posted by CyclesMakaron (Post 21635152)
S9X B9615 - Corsa Extra SLX (if seat tube 49cm) or SLX/SPX (if seat tube 59cm) 1990
...I've already seen these markings... :)

Thank you so much:) great work!

Magos 08-22-20 09:52 AM

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...45cc336978.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...e426c224b9.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...0bb864f1b4.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...45090dd917.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...91a2fb32e1.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1601eba666.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...2aa34838f8.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...1cc36de1b0.jpg
Hello, what could you tell me about this one please? Fork seems older then the rest of the bike to me. E 7401 on the right i think, 4 (size) and i think N or M on the left. Thanks a lot.

CyclesMakaron 08-22-20 10:32 AM

M4 E7401
EMC Professional 1983 (Columbus SL) - 100% original (fork ok)
A cool full option - beautiful

Holm 08-31-20 09:25 AM

So, I have made my custom 87` Merckx "mine". From this (which aint too shabby) :

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...94b2590657.jpg
This si the bike i purchased

To this: (Upgraded wheels and saddle)

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4db0f984ad.jpg

This 3TTT stem is so rad. Im in love

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...577055348d.jpg

Steel Charlie 09-02-20 08:30 PM

So here is one I've only seen pix of and appears to be a 52cm tho the 50cm is possible. Chrome dropouts. Kinda not great condition. It has the early SL sticker on the frame and the rounded top fork crown with the Columbus stickers on the fork blades.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...3e89b81417.jpg

CyclesMakaron 09-03-20 03:05 AM

Professional late or Pro (SLX or 753)... not enough data
Stickers on the fork were only used on team frames - they may not be original.
A photo of a brake bridge would be helpful

Steel Charlie 09-03-20 09:59 AM

Seller tells me it a 52cm so I'm gonna take a look at it. I'll post more after I've seen it.
thanks
Charlie

CyclesMakaron 09-03-20 11:48 AM

52 cm c-t = 50 cm c-c

Saw Crack 09-03-20 07:58 PM

Cranks look pretty close to the BB... spindle might be a bit short or cranks worn/overtightened perhaps? Worth checking.

Steel Charlie 09-04-20 03:18 PM

It did prove to be a 50cm but I got it anyway figuring I can clean it up and find someone who will give it a good home. So here's some pix for maybe making a better ID. Drops are short Campys and chromed with the right chainstay chromed. Does have SLX steer tube and still had the cork plug in the bottom of the steerer. The tape tag on the steerer is pretty much obliterated
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...842a56f6c7.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ad20a7e64b.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...645854513e.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...535c3a6a08.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...29b066b498.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7b255ec235.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4ed704bb03.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...da0ef086c2.jpg

CyclesMakaron 09-05-20 12:40 AM

Professional 1985 (Columbus SL) - 95%
There is no difference in SL and SLX fork appearance - to distinguish these frames, you need to see the tube ends visible through BB cover

nomadmax 09-05-20 02:11 AM

What about this one? (no additional photos to upload)


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d060b4e63c.jpg

CyclesMakaron 09-05-20 11:37 AM

Corsa Extra SLX 1989, team Stuttgart pattern (probably)

Steel Charlie 09-05-20 01:11 PM


Originally Posted by CyclesMakaron (Post 21678858)
Professional 1985 (Columbus SL) - 95%
There is no difference in SL and SLX fork appearance - to distinguish these frames, you need to see the tube ends visible through BB cover

Yes I understand that. The steerer tube has the "rifling" in it. I'll have to wait for the goofy bottombracket tool to get here before I can check the other tubes. Not really of any consequence to me I have to add since it is whatever it is and I'm not sure anyone actually GAF one way or another :lol: :foo:

and yes the crank axle does seem short and the cranks are not wobbled. Seems a strange BB to pair with a SR crank but I'm sure there must have been some good reason, right?

candres41 09-08-20 09:06 AM

Hello CyclesMakaron, Can you help me identify this frame? I looked through several catalogues but am having difficulty finding this particular colorway.

the bottom bracket id is as follows:
left side:
A
right side:
Z
9436

The fork is stamped with the letter D, the dropouts are Campagnolo (from what I can tell)
I have attempted to attach images to the post to help you identify the frame but the rules of the forum restrict me from doing so since this is my first post. If you have a recommendation as to how I could share the photos with you that would be great, otherwise I hope this is enough information.

daverup 09-08-20 09:15 AM

[MENTION=526336]candres41[/MENTION] gallery,
https://www.bikeforums.net/g/album/19079944

candres41 09-08-20 09:48 AM


Originally Posted by daverup (Post 21683598)
[MENTION=526336]candres41[/MENTION] gallery

Thanks daverup!

CyclesMakaron 09-09-20 12:41 AM

The frame is Corsa Extra from 1986
Modified - top tube slides are a version introduced in 1992
Painted - designs in this style were used between 1993 and 1997
A fork in this style is characteristic of the Corsa
Questions:
Do you see 'riflings' inside the tubes in BB cover?
What is on the fork crown - Eddy and Merckx lettering or EM logo ?

biggs682 10-04-20 01:21 PM

Just acquired this Eddy Merckx non original paint so no logo's told it blue in colour
Down tube is larger diameter than top and seat tube
Bottom picture is original owner riding it
Trying to work out model i presume the G prefix on right is for 1998
Any help please
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a47f3e3ef.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...259bf48424.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...23a85f7cbb.jpg

CyclesMakaron 10-05-20 12:23 AM

EMC Strada OS - built in early 1997...
One of the previous owners showed this frame in 2014 on retrobike...


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