New low end bike. (Eddy Merckx content)
09-19-21, 01:44 PM
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New low end bike. (Eddy Merckx content)
I went to pick up a bike this morning from a local seller, and I had noticed he also had the remnants of an Eddy Merckx bike for sale. So for an extra €25 it came home with me. I don't see these very often online, so I thought I'd document this one here for posterity.
I think it is from ca 1971, judging by the decals:
It's an entry level model, branded by Kessels, and it's incomplete, but a set of MAFAC brakes ...
... and levers is always welcome, so I consider the rest a bonus. Such as the slightly scruffy Unicanitor saddle, the Cinelli bars and the Mavic stem:
I like the look of the seat cluster:
And the fork doesn't look too bad either. At first I thought the decal was a reference to Briek Schotte, the 1948 and 1950 Belgian World Champion, but on closer inspection it looks more like "fabrieks<something>", with "fabriek" meaning "factory" or "works".
Any other of these low end Merckx' out there?
I think it is from ca 1971, judging by the decals:
It's an entry level model, branded by Kessels, and it's incomplete, but a set of MAFAC brakes ...
... and levers is always welcome, so I consider the rest a bonus. Such as the slightly scruffy Unicanitor saddle, the Cinelli bars and the Mavic stem:
I like the look of the seat cluster:
And the fork doesn't look too bad either. At first I thought the decal was a reference to Briek Schotte, the 1948 and 1950 Belgian World Champion, but on closer inspection it looks more like "fabrieks<something>", with "fabriek" meaning "factory" or "works".
Any other of these low end Merckx' out there?
09-19-21, 02:03 PM
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thanks very much for sharing this find!
have never seen another like it; transfers are a new set to me
the stem & bar set can no be original - well above the pay grade of the balance
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btw -
non-fixie recently showed me that there were Miyata built Merckx cycles -
The catalogs of Japanese vintage bicycle
they even offered Hellenic models!
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thanks very much for sharing this find!
have never seen another like it; transfers are a new set to me
the stem & bar set can no be original - well above the pay grade of the balance
---
btw -
non-fixie recently showed me that there were Miyata built Merckx cycles -
The catalogs of Japanese vintage bicycle
they even offered Hellenic models!
-----
09-19-21, 02:19 PM
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The decals seem to be a copy of what Eddy was using during the 1971 TdF, the first year Kessels were building his bikes:
BTW, more proof that orange bikes are really fast.
BTW, more proof that orange bikes are really fast.
09-19-21, 04:51 PM
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Lugs are long and decent. What’s the tubing?
That would make an excellent, er...single speed.
That would make an excellent, er...single speed.
09-19-21, 06:05 PM
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That bike is awesome!
Mavic stem is gorgeous and the Mafac wares gravy on the biscuit!
Great potential frame too.
Mavic stem is gorgeous and the Mafac wares gravy on the biscuit!
Great potential frame too.
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09-19-21, 06:26 PM
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mixed gear ensemble of Freres Huret shift lever paired with Juy cable guide and Juy Prestige 637AR rear mech
Lyotard model Nr. 36 pedals
Nitor saddle
frame exhibits Italian type brake bridge
crown is Vagner model DL
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mixed gear ensemble of Freres Huret shift lever paired with Juy cable guide and Juy Prestige 637AR rear mech
Lyotard model Nr. 36 pedals
Nitor saddle
frame exhibits Italian type brake bridge
crown is Vagner model DL
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09-19-21, 06:44 PM
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non-fixie is that a tubular or clincher RW?
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09-19-21, 06:56 PM
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rear wheel is a wired-on with a RIGIDA SUPERCHROMIX steel rim
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rear wheel is a wired-on with a RIGIDA SUPERCHROMIX steel rim
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09-20-21, 01:35 PM
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That is one of the coolest "entry level" bikes I've ever seen. Tons of potential there. I would leave it as a five (four?) speed set up.
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09-20-21, 01:57 PM
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Very nice, I didn’t know Kessels made an entry level Merckx. Looks much better quality than the cheap and nasty Falcon-built “Eddy Merckx” replicas sold here in the UK. I bet that will fix up real nice, due to its rarity I’d be inclined to do preservation job rather than a full restoration. That’s $25 well spent!
09-21-21, 03:27 PM
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Originally Posted by 3speedslow
Lugs are long and decent. What’s the tubing?
That would make an excellent, er...single speed.
That would make an excellent, er...single speed.
I saw no marks that would indicate what tubing was used, and I haven't had the opportunity yet to take any measurements. Won't have for a couple of weeks either, as the non-fixie household will temporarily relocate to Italy for some cycling.
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09-21-21, 03:33 PM
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Originally Posted by velomateo
That is one of the coolest "entry level" bikes I've ever seen. Tons of potential there. I would leave it as a five (four?) speed set up.
Its only drawback, however, is its size. Too small for me, too big for the mrs.
09-22-21, 04:03 AM
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Originally Posted by non-fixie
Isn't it?
Its only drawback, however, is its size. Too small for me, too big for the mrs.
Its only drawback, however, is its size. Too small for me, too big for the mrs.
09-22-21, 02:02 PM
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Originally Posted by velomateo
Hmmm, well what size is it? Looks like a 54-55.
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08-23-22, 10:53 AM
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Originally Posted by rewdco
Hi,
I’m new on this forum. I’d like to add some pictures and the history of my 1971 Kessels bike, but I need to add at least 10 posts before I can add a picture… The countdown begins…
10…
I’m new on this forum. I’d like to add some pictures and the history of my 1971 Kessels bike, but I need to add at least 10 posts before I can add a picture… The countdown begins…
10…
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08-23-22, 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by non-fixie
It certainly does, but to be sure I'll be taking actual measurements when I get back in a couple of weeks. I'll post them here.
08-23-22, 01:27 PM
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Very cool. I have a Falcon made Eddy Merckx that is on the low-end as well.
Your frame & fork crown looks similar to some of Gitane frames I've seen
Your frame & fork crown looks similar to some of Gitane frames I've seen
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08-23-22, 01:38 PM
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Nothing makes sense. The sticker on the top tube belongs on the seat tube. Looks like chrome peeking under the fork paint. What is the headset?
08-23-22, 05:16 PM
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Originally Posted by branko_76
Very cool. I have a Falcon made Eddy Merckx that is on the low-end as well.
Your frame & fork crown looks similar to some of Gitane frames I've seen
Your frame & fork crown looks similar to some of Gitane frames I've seen
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08-23-22, 06:43 PM
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Originally Posted by 52telecaster
I have a straight guage falcon. What an excellent frameset. Cheap stuff can be good!
08-24-22, 01:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Mackers
If you're stripping the frame and thinking of selling it on, I'd definitely be interested, it is my size by the looks of it
08-24-22, 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by non-fixie
(...) when I get back in a couple of weeks.
I just forgot about this thread and my promise. Sorry about that and thanks for reminding me. 
One thing I did find out in the meantime is that Kessels' main supplier of frames - they didn't build any themselves - were Vaneenooghe. The frames they supplied to Kessels included those for Merckx, Planckaert, Pollentier and Kelly. Vaneenooghe still build steel frames, currently under their own brand name, Jaegher.
