Merckx info please.
Any idea on year and model? Thanks...
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/...ps97ee7287.jpg http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/...ps07b1b300.jpg http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/...psc0f2a0f7.jpg |
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The pantographing on stay caps and fork crown, over the bb cable routing, square fork crown, serial number starting with E all point to an early '80’s Professional. All the same characteristics as mine, which is supposed to be an '81. This link may be useful if you haven't already found it - Eddy Merckx Serial Numbers
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Originally Posted by JTTDF
(Post 17268565)
The pantographing on stay caps and fork crown, over the bb cable routing, square fork crown, serial number starting with E all point to an early '80’s Professional. All the same characteristics as mine, which is supposed to be an '81. This link may be useful if you haven't already found it - Eddy Merckx Serial Numbers
I guessing this is Columbus SL tubing. Whats your thoughts and opinions on the ride quality of your bike. |
early 80īs I would say yeah. Did you prime it to have it repainted?
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Originally Posted by 909Rat
(Post 17268580)
early 80īs I would say yeah. Did you prime it to have it repainted?
Not mine.............................yet. Potential project maybe.. |
Originally Posted by sloar
(Post 17268574)
I guessing this is Columbus SL tubing. Whats your thoughts and opinions on the ride quality of your bike.
Yes, i believe mine is SL too. SLX, by my understanding was introduced a little later. I absolutely love the bike. Of course a lot of that goes back to fit and drivetrain, but the bike feels so solid, climbs stiff, descends with complete confidence, compliant and obedient. its the one I go to first in most circumstances. This is it: https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3928/...622de97c_b.jpg |
^^just based on ride quality and enjoyment, not sentiment or other factors, if I had to sell all but one, the Merckx would be the keeper - though the GC would be tough to let go.
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Nice Merckx, thats what I'm going for. I love the decal style, and a great frame to hang nuovo record on. Just not sure if I want to pay the money for this frame, then turn around and have to paint it and buy new decals.
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Originally Posted by sloar
(Post 17268602)
Nice Merckx, thats what I'm going for. I love the decal style, and a great frame to hang nuovo record on. Just not sure if I want to pay the money for this frame, then turn around and have to paint it and buy new decals.
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I had one of the same era. That is a Professional (only model made in the early 80's) and date code indeterminate, but early 80's, 82-83 likely. Mine had a higher serial number and was a 1983 model, so yours likely earlier. I really like the geometry of these bikes, and like SL tubing. Mine also had an E on the left side, and only a size (4) on the right, no 'P'.
Should be a keeper, if the size is right, but lack of original paint kills it for collector value, IMO. |
I ended up getting this frameset. Seller accepted a pretty low offer, I think he just wanted to get rid of it. The middle top tube guide needs replace and some pits need filled and smoothed out, nothing I can't handle myself. Now I have to decide what color, I think I have red, metallic blue and yellow. Then decide if I want super record or nuovo record hanging on it. Decisions decisions.
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Well, there was a Molteni jersey in yellow, one year only, I think.
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Here's Eddy standing proudly over a lineup of early Professionals. I just noticed that it appears the bike closest and the third back have tubing decals but the red one between doesnt appear to. I'm partial to the light blue one.
http://bulgier.net/pics/bike/catalog..._merckx/09.jpg |
I do like silver. I just finished painting a Torpado bright yellow. Looks good, just not sure if it's for me.
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In addition to the inconsistent use of Columbus decals I also notice the placement of the country decals above and below is not consistent. Some have Italy drive side above and France below, others opposite. I love that - just goes to show obsessing on little things like that when doing a restoration is pointless.
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Decals are the only thing that makes me nervous doing a restoration. I can always wet sand and fix a paint goof. You only get one chance sticking the decal on.
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Originally Posted by sloar
(Post 17277086)
Decals are the only thing that makes me nervous doing a restoration. I can always wet sand and fix a paint goof. You only get one chance sticking the decal on.
I'd go silver. Imho The one EM is holding in the foto is a dream bike for me. |
Grady, I agree with the silver, I really liked the way your Croll and the Ciocc I did in silver came out.
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Originally Posted by sloar
(Post 17277371)
Grady, I agree with the silver, I really liked the way your Croll and the Ciocc I did in silver came out.
I constantly get nice comments about the bike locally. A person just asked me a couple of weeks ago if Walter Croll is building again! :) |
Originally Posted by gomango
(Post 17277478)
The quality of the finish on the Croll doesn't show in pics.
I constantly get nice comments about the bike locally. A person just asked me a couple of weeks ago if Walter Croll is building again! :) |
Originally Posted by sloar
(Post 17277494)
thanks Grady, how's the Gazelle?
Lots of building to attend to this winter. |
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