Help identify my Merckx
 

I am thinking about listing my Merckx and I need to identify the model and year. I have not been able to find the needed information to do this. The serial number doesn't work with the serial number database. The number is: drive side G8 non drive side 3446E. The 8 matches up with the 58cm frame, but the other numbers don't work. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

I used this info to learn more about my Merckx:

Bruno Haemers
Backoffice
Eddy Merckx Cycles

Birrebeekstraat 1
B-1860 Meise
Tel +32 2 269 62 72
Fax +32 2 269 93 67
bruno@eddymerckx.com
www.eddymerckx.com

That is one beautiful Merckx. I am by no means an expert. I think you can rule out being made after 87, 88. The external routing of the cable along the top tube and the flat crown fork and the script of the letters make in 86 or before. What tubing is it?

It has the same generic Columbus decal as my Colnago. I used to ride with the original owner of this bike. I would guess he built it in 1984 or 1985.

http://www.cadre.org/Merckx/O-6052-Z/

This is an 85 with the chrome forks. You have to figure that Eddy only started making bikes in 1980 so we've narrowed it down to 5 years. I also think that the first ones had the cable routing over the bottom bracket and this one is under.

Where are all of you experts?

The cable routing is actually over the BB.
What model do you think it is?

I received an Eddy Merckx bike for winning a race in the summer of 1974. hmmmmmm.....

It was orange with blue panels. I sold it to a HS buddy for $100, which was about $50 off the shop price.

I am clearly not an expert, but looks like my buddies' 1985 Professional. I think his is made of Columbus SL, and it is a whale of a bike. Why don't you slide that baby right up I-35 into the Twin Cities? It would look really good in my living room. Right up until the moment I would be killed for buying it.

Just received a note from OFG that should help you out Slushlover. Looks to be an 81-83 Professional, tops it is an 84.

That was not an Eddy Merckx made by Eddy Merckx in his own factory. That was either a Falcon (British) or Kessls (sp). Eddy did not open his shop until 1980. That would explain why it was only $150. Eddy never made low end bikes.

Anyone have a way to ID the model**********

It was just done by OFG, via gomango, two posts up.

That makes it Gospel, as far as I'm concerned. I miss OFG.

I think we all could use a dose of his intelligence and wit in these matters. I wrote him a sob story pm last night about rejoining our little band of merrymakers. I wonder if he accepts bribes. :)

Why would anyone ever leave this paradise?

Right you are. Let's not forget about the incredible perks!

Thanks everyone. I talked to the original owner and he thought he bought the frame in 1983. I used to ride with him and I bought my Colnago in 1983, so that is the date I'm going with.