CyclesMakaron

EMB06



Model: Corsa Extra

Tubes: Reynolds 753 - no markings
Columbus SLX/SPX "road racing" - X marking
Columbus SLX/SPX "century" - XB markings
Columbus TSX "road racing" - TT markings
Columbus New SLX - Markings as SLX/SPX

Geometry: "road racing"
"century"
"century mod (?)

Serial numbers in the range: ~Z7400 - ~L7200

Predecessors: Pro (gold sticker)

Successors: -

Manufactured: 1986 - 2006

Versions:

- SLX
- 753
- TSX
- limited series


The most popular EMC model
Used by profi team for 10 years
Superb classic design
Used all possible parts, paints, decals etc.
That's enough
...and there are no models:
- Super Corsa
- Corsa Extra SL
- Corsa Extra 531


EMB0601


Corsa Extra SLX 86 - 95 (later on request)




EMB0602


Sticker 86/87



EMB0603


Corsa Extra TSX 88 - 94 (later on request)



EMB0604


Sticker - always the same



EMB0605


Corsa Extra 753 86 - 88 and 90 - 94 (later custom)
Not clear if it was produced simultaneously with the Grand Prix from 86 - 88



EMB0606


Sticker - definitely from 87 onwards



EMB0607


Late Corsa Extra (NEW SLX)
One of 2 New SLX kits (because there were two)
In one of them DT was with Columbus TSX - interesting



EMB0608


Sticker used since 1994



EMB0609


The latest Corsa Extra - limited or custom series
No chrome and threadless steering tube




EMB0610


Family photo:
Corsa Extra in 2 variations

CyclesMakaron

EMB07


Model: Criterium

Tubes: Columbus SLX/SPX - CX designation

Geometry: "criterium"

Serial numbers in the range: ~Z7800 - ~B500

Predecessors: Pro (geometry change)

Successors: -

Manufactured: 1986 - 1988

Versions: -


An interesting experiment, which ended rather unexpectedly.
"Aggressive" criterium geometry was created in opposition to the "softer" "road racing" geometry
After 2 years, the "aggressive enough" geometry turned out to be "road racing"
and the "softer" was the newly introduced century...
there was no more room for the Criterium in this situation - too bad
There is no distinguishing Criterium detail - except for the sticker



EMB0701


Criterium in its full glory



EMB0702


The only noticeable differences from Pro and Corsa Extra


EMB0703


Catalog page 1987
Criterium and Road Racing Geometry Comparison
Difference in ground clearance between DT and front wheel
After a quarter of an hour of careful looking at these pictures, you can see
that the TT/ST angle on the criterium is ~2 degrees greater - unless this is autosuggestion...



EMB0704


It would be difficult without this sticker...



EMB0705


Earlier production period - 86/87



EMB0706


Later version of SLX sticker - 87/88



EMB0707


This is the surest way to identify a Criterium
CX always stands for Criterium
Earlier model BB cover - 86/87


EMB0708


As above - CX clarifies the situation
Later model BB cover - 87/88
...and now compare the serial numbers of these frames -
yes sir, it is one production batch -
frames probably built on the same day in 1987 - cool


EMB0709


This is what it should look like from the top



EMB0710


Dropouts - Campagnolo only

CyclesMakaron

EMB08

Model: Strada

Tubing: Columbus Matrix - M marking
Columbus Cromor - M marking
Columbus Strada - markings WW and possibly M (90-91)

Geometry: "road racing"

Serial numbers in the range: ~A1500 - ~G2000

Predecessors: 3-Athlete

Successors: Strada OS

Manufactured: 1987 - 1996

Versions (unofficial breakdown):

- early
- mid
- standard

An "economy" model, always in "road racing" geometry


EMB0801



Very early 1987
Columbus Matrix Tubes (this is where the M-number came from)
Configuration identical to 3-Athlete except for Columbus dropouts


EMB0802


1987: tubes renamed (only) to Cromor


EMB0803


"Lugs with cut-outs" used until 1988
Gold "Strada" sticker


EMB0804


Columbus dropouts used until 1990


EMB0805


M marking and bridgeless BB cover introduced in 1988


EMB0806


New lugs introduced in 1988


EMB0807


New Cromor stickers and brake bridge introduced in 1988


EMB0808


Strada in final configuration (late)


EMB0809


Strada sticker and dedicated cable routing on TT


EMB0810


EDDY MERCKX long dropout - late production 95-96

CyclesMakaron

EMB09



Model: Grand Prix

Tubes: Reynolds 753 - no markings

Geometry: "road racing"

Serial numbers in the range: ~A9000 - ~C4000

Predecessors: Corsa Extra 753 (details)

Successors: Corsa Extra 753 (details)

Manufactured: 1988 - 1990

Versions: -


A model created suddenly in 1988 for the American market as a supplement to the offer of the (alleged) super hit Century 653.
Prized (and expensive) tubing, proven geometry and a few features:
- "narrow" seatstays: (EMG10)
- slope fork crown (EMFC03)
- chrome on drop/fork outs only

After the Century 653 model fiasco, kept in production until 1990.
The Grand Prix name is used incorrectly for 753 frames built before 1988 and after 1990.
This is the last release from the "road racing" geometry.



EMB0901


Grand Prix in all its glory



EMB0902


4 identifying elements
The fifth is low weight



EMB0903


The frame gives the impression of not being very impressive....



EMB0904


...and the Grand Prix was the flagship model at the time (in US)



EMB0905


Combine seatstays with top lug



EMB0906


Chrome plated fork/dropouts - Campagnolo only



EMB0907


The Grand Prix production years (88-90) saw an incredible amount of BB cover designs
Here is one of them



EMB0908


Here is another BB cover pattern
753 did not have any "own" lettering



EMB0909


Page from 1989 catalog



EMB0910


Catalog page 1990
No design changes were made

CyclesMakaron

EMB10



Model: Century

Tubes: Reynolds 653 - no markings
Columbus TSX - markings TTB

Geometry: "century"

Serial numbers in the range: ~A9000 - ~F3000

Predecessors: Corsa Extra (TSX tubes)

Successors: Arcobaleno, Corsa Extra Max (Geometry)

Manufactured: 1988 - 1994

Versions:

- 653 (1988 - 1990) ~A9000 - ~C3000
- TSX (1989 - 1994) ~B6000 - ~F3000


A completely new model created (primarily for the US market) in 1988;
revolutionary geometry (perhaps identical introduced by De Rosa under a different name)
and new tubes (not at all "ordered" by EMC, used for at least 2 years by other manufacturers)
Offer definitely for the American market; for mysterious reasons the production of Century 653 was terminated after only 1 year
and neatly replaced by the Century TSX model (cleverly promoted by the 10th Anniversary paint job)
"More comfortable" geometry and cheaper tubing placed the Century in a hierarchy below the Grand Prix and Corsa Extra - for one year;
The use of the more expensive TSX and "modern" (as it turned out) geometry established the Century's position at the level of the Corsa Extra.
A model used (well, advertised) by Team Hitachi during the 1989 season.
Unlike the Grand Prix it used (on the 653 version):
- flat fork crown (EMFC04)
- chrome chainstays
The first model with "century" geometry, the Reynolds 653 is much rarer than the Reynolds 753

The TSX version used the same solutions and frame parts as the Corsa Extra



EMB1001


Century 653 black



EMB1002


Century 653 blue



EMB1003


Century 653 Hitachi painting
Marked the most important elements for quick identification
This model did not have any "letter" markings on BB cover



EMB1004


Your Century 653 should have these items



EMB1005


And these too



EMB1006


Group photo from 1989 catalog



EMB1007


Century TSX
This model is marked TTB on BB cover


EMB1008


Flat fork crown
(for the European market the slope fork crown was installed - sometimes)



EMB1009


"Classic" seatstay cap used on the vast majority of TSX



EMB1010


1990 Catalogue page
Elegantly presented information about the Century TSX
Correction 1: "spirals" correctly shown on drawing, but incorrectly described in caption
Correction 2: TT above size 54 was not longer than in "road racing" geometry (and this is what the drawing suggests)

CyclesMakaron

EMB11


Model: Corsa Extra Max

Tubes: Columbus Max - no markings

Geometry: "century"

Serial numbers in the range: ~C1900 - ~D1200

Predecessors: Corsa Extra (name and prestige), Century (geometry)

Successors: Mx Leader (modified)

Manufactured: 1990 - 1992

Versions (unofficial):

- early (11)
- mid (12 and 21)
- late (22)


EMC's first oversized/ovalised frame, the highest, best, most expensive model - used by team profi.
Until now I thought there were 3 versions of this model, but... it was too easy
1 Frame: early version (seatstays attached to the side of the rear lug) (EMFA08) - production ended due to (supposedly) impermanence of this joint
2 Frame: late version (seatstays attached at the rear to the seat lug) (EMFA09) - this was OK, the idea was "passed on" to the successor, the Mx Leader
1 Fork: early version (Max "no crown") (EMFC05)
2 Fork: late version (like Mx Leader) (EMFC06)
...any frame version could be combined with any fork version...
This means there are 4 versions: early + early (which is 11) is the oldest, late + late (which is 22) is the youngest
The others are 12 and 21 (system borrowed from IJN A6M fighter - more or less)
Model used by profi team, confused with Mx Leader - a pity, because it is much rarer...



EMB1101


Early Corsa Extra Max (11)



EMB1102


Mid Corsa Extra Max (12)



EMB1103


Rear lug and seatstays versions (11) and (12)



EMB1104


Mid Corsa Extra Max (21)



EMB1105


Late Corsa Extra Max (22)


EMB1106


Rear lug and seatstays versions (21) and (22)



EMB1107


Fork of the versions (11) and (21)



EMB1108


Fork of the versions (12) and (22)
and Mx Leader by the way
The front muffs were identical
on all versions


EMB1109


BB cover was identical on all versions
Also found on early versions of the Mx Leader



EMB1110



Powerful chainstays (identical on Mx Leader)
Short EDDY MERCKX dropouts

CyclesMakaron

EMB12



Model: Mx Leader

Tubes: Columbus Mxl - no markings

Geometry: "century"

Serial numbers between ~D100 - ~L2000

Predecessors: Corsa Extra Max

Successors: -

Manufactured: 1992 - 2004

Versions (unofficial):

- early (1)
- mid (2) and (3)
- standard (4)
- late (5)



EMC's flagship model, Eddy's favourite frame of which he was (and indeed was) very proud
A continuation of the Corsa Extra Max, but brilliantly modified.
Versions:
- version (1): like Max (22) but replacing TT with lighter, "inverted" mounted one and lighter upper lugs (EMFT16)(so far I thought that new tube came from Minimax kit - I compared sizes and it's rather impossible, it looks like Columbus built this tube specially and uniquely for Mxl kit)
- Version (2): change connection seatstays/lug "back" to "side", change seat stays from Max to SLX (EMFA10)
- Version (3): changing BB cover from Max to lighter Mx Leader (EMFB16)
- Version (4): Standard - change connecting seat stays from side to "standard" with EM-logo seatstay cap (EMFA05)
- version (5): Threadless steering tube, no chrome plating

Model used by team profi, produced regularly until 2001 - after that on request and in limited series.


EMB1201


Beautiful early (1) Mx Leader
Thin TT front end



EMB1202


Close-up of CE Max identical to (21) and (22)
attachment method for seatstays



EMB1203


Change in attachment of seatstays (2)



EMB1204


In versions (1) and (2) the BB cover is retained
from Corsa Extra Max model



EMB1205


Version (3): attachment of seatstays as (2)
Thick TT rear end distinguishes the Mx Leader from the Corsa Extra Max



EMB1206


New lighter BB cover (3)


EMB1207


Standard Mx Leader (4) - in this configuration produced 1993 - 2001



EMB1208


Final (4) variant of seatstays attachment to lug


EMB1209


"Flattening" of the tubes at the BB cover
Columbus Mxl sticker



EMB1210


Mx Leader late version (5)
No chrome plating, threadless steering tube

CyclesMakaron

EMB13


Model: Corsa Thron and Corsa 01

Tubes: Columbus Thron - no markings
Dedacciai 01 - no markings (almost, sometimes you get a C)

Geometry: "century"

Serial numbers in the range ~F3000 - ~F5000 (Thron)
~F5200 - ~J2500 (Deda 01)

Predecessors: Corsa

Successors: -

Manufactured: 1994 - 2001

Versions (unofficial):

- Thron
- early 01
- standard 01

Continuation of the "oversized" level
Thron and standard Deda 01 are oversized tubes, but not ovalised
It wasn't until the Deda 01 Custom was ovalised that a sensational frame was created
which in a few years "jumped over" the Corsa Extra and replaced the Arcobaleno
A very appreciated and popular frame - the last steel EMC hit


EMB1301


Corsa Thron
Model difficult to identify, very rare
Produced only in 1994
Distinctive chrome plating later inherited by Corsa 01
Extra thick chainstays and unusual BB cover design


EMB1302


Corsa Thron
"narrow" seatstays - also used on Corsa 01


EMB1303


Corsa 01
Set of "curved" lugs and BB cover


EMB1304


BB cover


EMB1305


Rear lugs


EMB1306


Front lug



EMB1307


Corsa 01
Set of front lugs and BB cover


EMB1308


BB cover



EMB1309


Rear lugs


EMB1310


Front lug


Identical looking sets were used in Strada OS
How it relates to chronology and different thickness of tubes
in these 2 models - I do not know yet

CyclesMakaron

EMB14


Model: Arcobaleno (OV-Pro)

Tubes: Columbus Neuron - no markings

Geometry: "century"

Serial numbers between ~F4800 - ~H9000

Predecessors: Century

Successors: -

Manufactured: 1994 - 2000

Versions (unofficial):

- early
- mid
- standard

EMC's most underrated steel frame
Appeared too late and with a bad name
The successor of the Century which without a doubt "jumped over" the Corsa Extra in the hierarchy



EMB1401


Earliest version of Arcobaleno - vertical dropouts, early Neuron sticker
"narrow" seatstays, slope fork crown
Oversized and ovalised - but internally !

EMB1402


Sticker


EMB1403


Vertical dropouts


EMB1404


Return to "classic" dropouts


EMB1405


Back to "classic" seatstays, but the fork is EL-OS


EMB1406


New sticker - this probably means "double ovalised tubes" - internally and externally


EMB1407


Mx Leader fork also happened


EMB1408


Standard version, appeared in 1995
Lugless at front, bolt at rear


EMB1409


You will only see something like this on Arcobaleno


EMB1410


Seat post locking system
A rare and precious thing

CyclesMakaron

EMB15


Model: Strada OS

Tubes: Columbus Brain - no markings

Geometry: "century"

Serial numbers in the range ~F4800 - ~H9000

Predecessors: Strada

Successors: -

Manufactured: 1994 - 2001

Versions: -


The last in a series of steel economy frames
Lighter than the Corsa Extra SLX - this is what progress looks like
Oversized but not Ovalised (I have my doubts)


EMB1501


Strada OS in its full glory
Noteworthy chrome plating - in the last generation of EMC steel
This was a distinctive feature of the model


EMB1502


Strada OS lettering pattern



EMB1503


One of the two Strada OS
lugs pattern - front


EMB1504


Rear lug for complete set



EMB1505


Second lugs pattern - front


EMB1506


Rear lugs complete


EMB1507


Very versatile piece since 1987


EMB1508


Very universal dropouts from 1995 onwards


EMB1509


Early version


EMB1510


Late version

I have not found any correlation between the versions of lugs, tubes and stickers -
which does not mean that there is not, research is ongoing


End of Part 06

CyclesMakaron

Part 07 - tEaMerCkx - EMT or bicycles for profi

In chronological order (more or less)
Economical descriptions
Team names abbreviated


EMT01


1980 - Marc IWC vrd

Professional?
early logo design
stripes with Mexico" sticker
BB cover design not used on series EMCs at the time

Who built this frame and where?
Don't know


EMT02


1980 - Corneille Daems, age 16, Belgian Champion

Professional
early sticker designs and "long" lugs, seatstay cap with "signature"



EMT03


1981 - Expert

Professional
early decal designs and "long" lugs


EMT04


1981 - IMEX IWC or Patrick Sercu

Professional
new features include:

EM logo on seatstay cap
new "short" lugs


EMT05


1982 - Kelme

Professional
No surprises, maybe new design of logo stickers


EMT06


1982 - Capri Sonne

Professional
Definitely a new design of logo stickers



EMT07


1982 - Capri Sonne

Aero
Merckx slides on TT
FD mounting
"Stripes with Mexico" finally visible
(used since the beginning of production)



EMT08


1983 - Europ Decor

Professional
FD mounting
Number hanger early pattern
sticker on DT "with background"



EMT09


1983 - Winning - Merckx - Campagnolo

Professional (it's red, really)
Slope fork crown



EMT10

1983 - same as above


Professional
No changes: cables above BB cover

CyclesMakaron

EMT11


1984 - Europ Decor

Professional
Change of paint
Sticker with rider's name
Flat fork crown
Change: cables under BB cover



EMT12


1984 - as above

Professional
Set of current decals




EMT13


1984 - Kelme

Professional
Change of paint scheme




EMT14


1985 - Kelme

Professional
Change of paint scheme




EMT15


1985 - Kelme

Aero



EMT16


1985 - Tonissteiner

Professional
Paint pattern: FAEMA-like



EMT17


1985 - as above

Professional
Sticker details



EMT18


1985 - TeVe Blad

Professional
Goodbye to early font (almost) and "Mexico" on "stripes"



EMT19


1985 - as above

Professional
Early number hanger




EMT20

1985 - Lotto


Pro (debut? TdF 1985)
Columbus SLX stickers (early pattern)
BB cover without chain bridge

CyclesMakaron

EMT21


1986 - Lotto

Pro
WITHOUT paint changes
Panasonic in the foreground


EMT22


1986 - Kelme

Pro
Change of paint scheme
A turbulent transition period:
3 different font designs - jersey, frame, bridge
early brake bridge design



EMT23


1986 - TeVe Blad

Pro
Change of paint scheme
Fonts unified



EMT24


1987 - TeVe Blad

Corsa Extra
created from Pro by adding gold sticker



EMT25



1987 - Panasonic

Corsa Extra
"narrow geo"
flat fork crown
newer break bridge design



EMT26


1987 - Lotto

Corsa Extra
Change of paint scheme
classic geo
slope fork crown
early SLX sticker
early big seat stay cap



EMT27


1988 - Lotto (paint change)
1988 - ADR

Corsa Extra
Early SLX
newer brake bridge design



EMT28


1988 - Hitachi

Corsa Extra
Late SLX sticker
late narrow seatstay cap



EMT29


1988 - Intral

Corsa Extra



EMT30



1988 - Kelme

Corsa Extra
Change of paint scheme
Early SLX decal

CyclesMakaron

EMT31


1989 - Kelme

Corsa Extra
Late stickers SLX



EMT32


1989 - Domex Weinmann

Corsa Extra
External cable routing on TT




EMT33


1989 - Hitachi

Century 653 (officially)
Flat fork crown
narrow seatstay geo




EMT34


1989 - La William

Corsa Extra



EMT35


1989 - Stuttgart

Corsa Extra

EMT36


1989 - 7-Eleven

Corsa Extra
Flat fork crown
early model number hanger
Chrome!




EMT37


1990 - 7-Eleven

Corsa Extra
without FD mounting
late model number hanger
Without chrome




EMT38


1990 - Kelme

Corsa Extra
Change of paint scheme



EMT39


1990 - Westwood

Corsa Extra
similar to ADR (lighter shade of blue?)




EMT40


1990 - Weinmann

Corsa Extra
Change of paint scheme

CyclesMakaron

EMT41


1991 - Motorola

Corsa Extra TSX
Slides on TT
Paint scheme used 1991 - 1994


EMT42


1991 - Weinmann

Corsa Extra
Change of paint scheme



EMT43


1991 - Kelme

Corsa Extra
Change of paint scheme (pattern used 1991-1993)




EMT44


1992 - Telekom

Corsa Extra
Paint pattern used 1991 - 1994



EMT45


1992 - Motorola

Mx Leader early version
Farewell with "Belgium handmade" striped sticker



EMT46


1993 - ASLK-CGER

Mx Leader mid version
Greeting with "round star sticker"
1993 - 1994 paint scheme



EMT47


1993 - Lotto Caloi

Mx Leader as above




EMT48


1993 - Telekom

Mx Leader late version





EMT49


1993 - Willy Naessens

?

CyclesMakaron

EMT50


1994 - Motorola

Corsa Extra



EMT51


1994 - Vlaanderen

Mx Leader



EMT52


1994 - Telekom

Mx Leader



EMT53


1994 - Cafe la Brasilena

Corsa Extra



EMT54


1994 - ASLK-CGER

Mx Leader




EMT55


1994 - Lotto Caloi

Mx Leader




EMT56


1994 - Telekom

Corsa Extra frame + Mx Leader fork
Painted in spring 1994



EMT57


1995 - Motorola Caloi

Corsa Extra



EMT58


1995 - GAN

Mx Leader
Paintscheme used between 1995 and 1997



EMT59


1995 - RDM

Mx Leader

CyclesMakaron

EMT60


1996 - Motorola Caloi

Corsa Extra
Paintscheme used between 1995 and 1996



EMT61


1996 - Vlaanderen

Mx Leader



EMT62


1996 - GAN

Arcobaleno



EMT63


1996 - Collstrop

Mx Leader




EMT64


1997 - Gan

Arcobaleno
fork EL-OS




EMT65


1997 - IPSO

Corsa Extra?



EMT66


1997 - ASLK-CGER

Mx Leader



EMT67


1998 - GAN

Arcobaleno
Change of paint scheme for 1998 season


EMT68


1998 - DEN TIP

Mx Leader




End of Part 07

CyclesMakaron

Part 08 - cataloguEMerCkx - EMX




There was probably a rule (exception: 1981)
that catalogs were created in August/September of the year preceding the season
so, for example, photos from 1985 catalog show late summer 1984

I do not discuss entire catalogs, but only interesting photos
Chronological arrangement (EMX81, EMX85, EMX86, etc)
Descriptions of photos (EMX8101, EMX8102, EMX8103, etc)







EMX81

Catalog published probably in 1981
As seen at the turn of 1980/1981



EMX8101


Bicycle/frame build sheets
Information - priceless
Some photos of these cards I will show in Part 09



EMX8102


People at work
Equipment of Italian company Marchetti&Lange
8 frames under construction



EMX8103


Four "EMC people" - if the photo was not posed
we would be dealing with Mr A,B,F,G.
They are busy with cleaning, honing etc, that is preparing the frames for chroming/painting
Nice stack of forks



EMX8104


Functional mounting rack (for 4 bikes)
You can see 4 build sheets
Beautifully painted (not EMC) frames in the background
In the foreground a beautiful Professional -
Early construction and decals



EMX8105


Assembly rack #2
Dream rack with Campagnolo hardware - Super Record only
A continuation of the colored frames - bonus hanging on the rack: this looks like a brown color, definitely a special order



EMX8106


A beautiful presentation of an early frame: "long" lug, "signature", early stickers
Bonus: the card attached to the brake bridge - I wonder what it says; it's not likely this card went on the steering tube



EMX8107


Classic early EMC Professional
Red one doesn't have a Columbus sticker - Reynolds?


EMX8108


A beautiful photo showing all features of
of one of the possible configurations of early EMC Professional




EMX8109


The most famous photo from this catalog
The caption is misleading (there was no Professional model - we already know that)
The early stickers are carefully shown,
signed parts etc.
And now a surprise: on this frame you will not find a single "long" lug - and this was the most popular model in early EMC
The rear lug is a very rare "short" lug
The front lower lug is a newly introduced novelty used regularly between 1981 and 1988
This is the only frame on which I have seen this combination of lugs




EMX8110


Folder from 1981, released a few months after the 1981 catalog
EMC Professional standard - with a set of modern lugs
Campagnolo Super record group

CyclesMakaron

EMX85

The catalog appeared in connection with the "takeover" of EMC representation on American soil
by GITA and the expansion of the Eddy Merckx bike range!



EMX8501


A beautiful Professional in the colors and specifications of the Boule d'Or team for the 1984 season
...or Lotto for early 1985
Early model number hanger, FD mounting and cables under BB cover
Campagnolo Super Record group


EMX8502


Two versions available - names were introduced "unofficially" probably by GITA
GITA salesmen realized that the product should have its own name



EMX8503


TEAM ISSUE
paintings: Molteni, Faema, Fiat
details (older configuration):
- cables over BB cover
- flat fork crown
- no chrome
It is very logical - they were supposed to be similar to 60/70s frames



EMX8504


PROFESSIONAL
paintwork: one colour
details (newer configuration):
- cables under BB cover (but kept chain bridge model)
- slope fork crown
- chromed parts



EMX8505


First officially named and shown in catalog
EMC model: 3-Athlete (gold sticker!)
The cheapest, most economical and accessible model.
Same geometry and build quality as the Professional
"Economical" materials and painting (no chrome plating)
Several details used exclusively on this model.
Campagnolo Victory group (yes, in the summer of 1984)


EMX8506


Frame building - no change

CyclesMakaron

EMX86

The 1986 catalog is a marketing step backwards:
all identifying features of the models disappear (no gold stickers of course)
Somehow I have to manage by myself


EMX8601


Pro SLX half frame (debut!)
Campagnolo Super Record



EMX8602


Other half Pro SLX
Columbus SLX sticker and new EDDY MERCKX font
Frame in Team Lotto 1985 (TdF) configuration



EMX8603


Pro SLX Panasonic - full version:
- number hanger
- cable inside TT
- 2nd bottle mounting
- chrome plating
Campagnolo C-Record Group


EMX8604


Pro SLX Kelme - basic version
Campagnolo C-Record Group


EMX8605


This is a surprise:
- it has a Columbus sticker, but it's not a Corsa (because that name doesn't exist yet)
- it has Campagnolo dropouts, but it is not a Professional
- it has lugs with cut-outs, but it is not a 3-Athlete

This is a noCorsa (very unofficial name - I can't think of any better)
Model produced from 1984 to 1986
The equivalent of 3-Athlete, but built with Columbus tubes
and that's what the C stands for; it wasn't until 1986 that it began to stand for Corsa
Campagnolo Victory Group

CyclesMakaron

EMX87

Finally, a professional catalog!
Models described and signed (almost right)
Photos of curiosities from the factory


EMX8701


Debut of the Corsa Extra SLX
Team Lotto 1987 colors and specifications
Campagnolo C-Record group


EMX8702


Criterium debut
Panasonic colors
You can see the "tight" geometry
Campagnolo C-Record Group



EMX8703


Corsa debut?
As for the introduction of the model name - yes
But there's a late Professional in the picture!
Corsa already existed,
why the original frame was not used ? I don't know.
Campagnolo Chorus group (yes, in summer 1986)



EMX8704


Strada debut?
Only the name
In the photo is probably the noCorsa
You'll have to wait a few months for the Strada.
It doesn't even have its sticker yet....
Campagnolo Victory S3 group (also summer 1986)


EMX8705


4 frames
3 brake bridge models
2 ways to set seatstays
3 types of tubes
2 ways to run cables on TT
2 Eddy Merckx fonts
3 frame models
3 chrome plating patterns
3 paint patterns
and gold stickers on the wrong side of the TT (from left):
- Corsa Extra SLX, Rich, Kelme 86
- Corsa SL, Panasonic 86
- Corsa Extra SLX, brake bridge 86/87
- Corsa Extra 753, brake bridge and paint pattern 85


EMX8706


2 additional frames
1 additional font
1 additional chrome pattern
and gold decals on the right side (from left):
- Corsa SL, Faema; early version 86/87
- Corsa Extra 86/87
- Pista (not Corsa)
- Criterium 86/87


EMX8707


Frames and forks on the mystery machine.
Preparation before painting.


EMX8708


A genius at work - really; the paint jobs at EMC are great
By the way: these are the first photos showing the paint shop at EMC


EMX8709


The "new" area for the lucky ones to pick up



EMX8710


"Old after service" area - also for the lucky ones

CyclesMakaron

EMX88

Catalog idea as in 1987 - even the cover is identical



EMX8801


Corsa Extra SLX
"narrow" seatstays
Early SLX sticker
beautiful ADR paint job
Campagnolo Croce d'Aune Group



EMX8802


This is a Corsa Extra signed as Criterium - funny
new thin seatstays
new SLX sticker design
Campagnolo Group C-Record



EMX8803


A real early Corsa
"Old" Columbus sticker pattern
Early Eddy Merckx font reserved for lower models
Early thick seatstays
Campagnolo Chorus group



EMX8804


Strada Cromor
Successor to the 3-Athlete
Exceptional dropouts: Columbus
Campagnolo Athena (yes, summer 1987)



EMX8805


3 times Corsa Extra - one amazing paint job
1 time... Century 653? Too early. Corsa Extra 753? Possibly.
A clever Century 653 announcement using 1 sticker and any Corsa Extra frame?
Probably...
All frames have identical brake bridge
New SLX stickers
Old Reynolds sticker



EMX8806


4 times Corsa Extra
Kelme frame (1st from left) has tight seatstays and old SLX sticker
The rest are normal



EMX8807


Another shot of EMC's most famous workstation

CyclesMakaron

EMX89

This is EMC's steel peak
Largest production, largest workforce, new models
Lots of sponsored teams
Americans and Germans (big markets)


Folder version 1 (early)

EMX8901



EMX8902


Original frame names
Original team names


Folder Version 2 (Mid)

EMX8903


EMX8904


Original frame names
Original paint codes


Flyer version 3, censored (late)

EMX8905


Completed (La William and Stuttgart) and forged (TeVe Blad)
team names
Removed Reynolds 753 sticker from Corsa Extra frame
due to launch of Grand Prix model (753)
and obscured 2 photos shown in earlier versions:



EMX8906


Frame described as Aero - really a 1985 Chrono
judging by brake bridge and handlebar mountings



EMX8907


Strada from 1987

CyclesMakaron

US market catalog (beautiful)

For the US market they used "quick identification elements"
(at least it seems that was the plan).
These included paint schemes and design elements (most important)
A "parallel hierarchy" was introduced for Columbus and Reynolds



EMX8908


A beautiful flock (I've highlighted the paint scheme... controversial) of Corsa Extra which is the best Columbus tube model
Features:
- classic seat stay cap
- slope fork crown
- chrome chainstays



EMX8909


Corsa - lower Columbus model
Features:
- classic seatstay cap
- flat fork crown
- chrome plated right chainstay
- Gipiemme brake bridge
(by the way: new Columbus SL decal design)



EMX8910


Corsa close-up (old Columbus sticker)



EMX8911


Grand Prix or the highest Reynolds model (753)
Features:
- narrow seatstays
- slope fork crown
- no chrome chainstays



EMX8912


Century 653 or lower Reynolds model (653)
Features:
- narrow seatstays
- flat fork crown
- chrome plated chainstays


EMX8913


Century 653 with old 653 sticker and without Century sticker


EMX8914


Corsa Extra 7-Eleven Limited Edition
Flat fork crown



EMX8915


Corsa Extra also 7-Eleven



EMX8916


Corsa Extra team Domex Weinmann

Hierarchy 1989:
- Grand Prix
- Corsa Extra
- Century
- Corsa
- Strada

CyclesMakaron

EMX90

Another beautiful catalog on US market
A violent goodbye to Century 653
New paint jobs




EMX9001


Grand Prix - a simple continuation of the previous year



EMX9002


Century - old model, new Columbus TSX tubes
Classic seat stay cap



EMX9003


Corsa Extra - simple continuation of previous year



EMX9004


Corsa - finally new brake bridge design and new EDDY MERCKX sticker and lettering
gratis: small mistake in "tube sticker" photo



EMX9005


Anniversary model - beautiful Century TSX paint job



EMX9006


as above - Campagnolo group



EMX9007


Corsa Extra 7-Eleven - Shimano group



EMX9008


Corsa Faema group



EMX9009


Corsa Extra Domex Weinmann - Edco Group