Eddy Merckx Frame Identification

[Emerxil]

Hello everyone - especially fans of Eddy Merckx bicycles. If you want I can help you identify / describe any EMC (steel) frame based on photos, descriptions or manufacturer's markings (preferably all at once).
First you should get used to some facts (it will be difficult):
- The Z series does not mean 1985.
- the E series of 94/95 does not exist
- no EMC model was called Professional (officially)
- This means that no symbol (A,B, G, F.... and mythical P) has been assigned to this model (conventionally called "Professional").
- not all frames built with Columbus SLX/SPX are X marked, not all frames marked with X are Corsa Extra model
- T is not assigned to Columbus TSX
- slope crown was introduced as early as 1981, the guides over BB cover were installed as early as 1986
- all the "professional extras" (number hanger, name on frame, cable inside the top tube) were only options available on request.
- EMC and De Rosa used the same patterns for the frame parts. There is no evidence that at least one frame sold by EMC was built by Ugo De Rosa.
That's enough. Maybe it is worth mentioning that 50-80% of frames appearing in the net (on this forum as well) have an incorrect / incomplete description. Do you want to know more?

[nighthawk]

I appreciate this wizard. Honestly.

[ultraman6970]

What in the world is the C in EMC??? Cycles?

Corsa?

[paredown]

Most people probably know this page, but it is worth putting it out there--the best (though not complete) breakdown of serial numbers:

http://www.cadre.org/Merckx/

{Missed the other thread--I see it already was mentioned, sorry}

[witcombusa]

Thank you for your information in the other thread about my MXL.
Now how about we get the real story on a Corsa Extra SLX?!
Numbers on it are S 2X B 8976. The name associated with it was Harry Hendrikx. It is 62 x 59. What are your observations here?
Thank you again for your expertise on the EMC steel frames, much appreciated.

[ultraman6970]

Between you and me, the way i do understand the 1st post is that the builders at EM grabbed the numbers and letters punch downs, and picked $hit and hammering it randomly over the BB so it looks like a serial number :)

Or EM himself just thought, ok this one will be this $hit random numbers and letters to this one right on the spot, then put them in a spreadsheet so he doesnt create more random numbers repeated?

:)

[Emerxil]

1) EMC (Eddy Merckx Cycles) has introduced a simple and logical frame marking system. Nobody would waste time and money playing random markings. The conclusions of #6 are premature :)
2) To identify EMC frames do not use cadre.org, the number of errors, misrepresentations and misinformation is really high.
3) it's not Mr Jeremy Rauch's fault, it's just a matter of a small database (the cadre register contains less than 100 descriptions, there are over 1000 in my register).
4) S2X B8976: S - code number of the employee preparing the frame before chrome plating / painting (other it: A,B,D,F,G,H,J,K,L,M*,N,P,T,V,Y,^); 2 - seat tube height (measured in cm, second digit - in this case 62cm); X - frame / tube / geometry type designation - in this case Columbus SLX/SPX, road racing geo (others are: C,CX,M*,R,TT,TT,TTB,WW,XB), not all types had "their" designation.
All these "technical" markings were placed on the left side of the BB cover.
5) B - designation of another production batch (other: E,Z,A,C,D,F,G,H,J,K,L); there was a 'letterless' series in 1980 and copies without serial number; 8976 - number of another frame in the series (in letter series 9999 frames were produced in each series, in letterless series - slightly more than 1000)
All these 'statistical' markings were placed on the right-hand side of the BB cover.
6) Beautiful Corsa Extra in the colours of the Weinmann 1990 team, produced at the beginning of...1990. I didn't find any information about Mr. Hendrikx, maybe it's the same situation as Mr. de Clus.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator

[witcombusa]

Thank you very much Emerxil ! :beer:

[Tonger]

Hi Emerxil,

This is a 58 x 58 cm MXL that I think may have been a team bike?

The bottom bracket is marked with a ‘L’ on the left and on the right there is a ‘D’ with a 7202 below it.

I’m attaching some photos below.

Many thanks!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191005/08f3cf5918095ac8554e237c9f309449.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191005/1641a9ef69fb5b6527ad30fa1f3e042a.jpg

[Emerxil]

The beautiful Mx Leader in the Lotto Caloi 93 team . It could be a team bike, but I can't confirm it. There is a frame (Bauer Motorola stealth) marked D7479, yours was built ~1 month earlier; frames built in November/December 1992 for Motorola and Telekom were marked D50xx-52xx, yours was built ~4 months later; production date: April/May 1993 (I cannot do it more precisely)

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator

[Mike V]

How have you come up with all your info? Did you work for EMC?

[Emerxil]

White Intelligence. Three years ago I knew nothing about EMC. Now I know a little bit more... Net, books, press releases, films, catalogues, wise people - sources scattered in 1000 places. It started with an old rusty scrap metal EM Pro SLX from 1985 - of course I came across cadre.org: I didn't like the table with the frame data and dating, for such a complicated marking system there was an incredible mess. I decided to sort it out, but I needed more data - I started to collect it, then somehow logically work it out. Nothing special. I didn't work in EMC, it wouldn't help me at all (unless my name was Merckx or Vranckx). You are standing on the side - you can see more :)

[rccardr]

Just to clarify:
This gentleman has really sussed out the Merckx numbering system. He's been helping us out for months over on BF. Guy's the real deal.

As an owner of a number of Merckx frames over the past decade or so, I am very grateful for his work.

[Tonger]

Thank you so very much Emerxil, I really appreciate your help!

[ultraman6970]

Ok gonna have to post the serial number of mine then.

[choke]

Great info.....thanks much.

If 'Z' isn't 1985, what is it? Can you please give me the data on my frame which does have a Z.

http://eddy.ciocctoo.com/em1.JPG

http://eddy.ciocctoo.com/em5.JPG

[ultraman6970]

Ok.. not mine but somebody I know who has this one...

S 2X --- A 8965

S =... painted by Sam? Just to make it easier to understand?

2 = 52

X = slx (this is a corsa extra)

A = batch some some month of the year...

8965 = frame number or something?

-------------

This is mine, is a corsa... internal cable routing with Number tab and the geometry is tad odd aswell.

S 3C --- C 3404

S = Sam did something to it.

3 = 53 ...

C = Corsa which is right.

C = Some batch production in some month.

3404 = Frame 3404 of batch C? C maybe a month?

Any more details will be appreciated.

[ultraman6970]

From what he says...

Yours is a Corsa extra SLX tubing 54 size.... the Z should be like the batch number and the number under it is like the frame number for that batch. I can see a P backwards... that would be interesting to know.

[QUOTE=choke;2603093]Great info.....thanks much.

If 'Z' isn't 1985, what is it? Can you please give me the data on my frame which does have a Z.

[

[Emerxil]

Rccardr - thank you.
P4X Z5140: This model is Pro SLX (the name Corsa Extra didn't exist yet), produced at the turn of 85/86, and the Lotto team was riding very similar bikes in 1986. The letter P was inverted or lying down so as not to be confused with the poorly marked letter R, which always meant Reynolds 531.
The Z series covers production from late summer 1984 to autumn 1986.
ultraman6970:
"Sam" did not paint frames, he was responsible for removing the imperfections and carefully "smoothing" the frames before painting (in the "white" catalogue there is a photo on which 4 men are shown in this particular work). Series and numbers do not have any reference to specific dates, it is simply a sequence of markings (the serial number includes a letter and digits - together). The rest of the decryption - flawless :)
Corsa Extra - 1988, Corsa - autumn 1990.

[ultraman6970]

This model is Pro SLX (the name Corsa Extra didn't exist yet), <-- that explains why some slx have the corsa extra decal and others dont. The inverted P is the clue then.

Awesome development. Sure many are just decoding their stuff badly. Good way to spot repaints aswell because probably decals are wrong in some.

The other detail, how do you know the "manufacturing season and year"? There is a rule for that?

[cua90]

I am not the original owner of either if my Merckx bikes so appreciate any info

1. Corsa Extra, with a Columbus SPX sticker, flat fork crown

“H” on the drive side
“D 2665” non-drive

2. MX Leader

Nothing I can make out on the drive side. Looks like there was a chain drop incident and some paint touch up, so can’t tell.
“G 9336” non-drive

Thanks!

[Emerxil]

Inverted P appears on any frame type (EM, Pro, Corsa, Criterium, Corsa Extra), the connection between P and SLX is incorrect.
P (inverted) appears in the range ~E7700 - ~A0600 (i.e. end of 1983-1986). P (normal:) appears in the range ~D4000 - ~H1000 (i.e. end of 1992-1998).
SLX in EMC appears unannounced, stickers, labels (already in summer 1984) - if you have an EMC frame from the range Z0001 - Z4250 with a "narrow" geo (no seatstay cap) and a Silva brake bridge "flat bottom" and "straight" Eddy Merckx inscription... you can have a pleasant surprise (funny, there are also those with "normal" elements - not much, but they are); such a construction ("normal" geo + brake bridge "cube" Gipiemme) is the norm for 1 Pro 753 series, which appeared at the same time.
Then the name "Pro SLX" appears.
Only from ~Z4000 does the X mark appear (to be weirder - not in all copies)
The name "Corsa Extra" (including the sticker) is only ~Z7500.
Stickers are a separate galaxy in EMC (maybe one day I'll describe it - hard work:)
Determining the year of production (sometimes more precisely) is a detective work... Example: team frames built in November 1992 - D50xx/D5200 and Lotto Caloi frames built in November 1993 - D96xx/D97xx. Average output ~380 frames per month: you can - roughly (the output during the year was variable) - determine when the frame from this range was created (so there is invaluable data on frames for teams). The game starts when this data is not available...
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator

[Emerxil]

H D2665: EMC practically didn't use SPX stickers, if it was built with SLX/SPX it should have X (almost always), flat fork also doesn't fit SLX/SPX.... Photos would be very helpful.
G9336: Welcome to 1998, at that time the Mx Leader may no longer have any other markings than the serial number.

[jvp]

Here's my 7-eleven, I think it's '89 or '90?
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48855396872_35104350c9_z.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48854840183_d35831ca94_z.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48855395967_ae4799396b_z.jpg

[witcombusa]

jvp, you should try using 'spaghetti tubes' on you under bottom bracket cables.
It reduces the friction quite a bit and saves the paint from the cables. It's really just housing liner but I like the name :banana:

[jvp]

Thanks! I will do that!

[merckxman]

This is D1106. I am the original owner and have a copy of the registration I sent to GITA dated May 8, 1994. In Motorola colors it has the seat stays attached to the rear of the seat tube lug, the stays are rectangular. Also both chainstays are chromed. Otherwise it is like most of the MXLs, and has an MXL decal. My recollection is that it was in the shop over Christmas 1993 but I might be a couple of months off. My thought this was some kind of transistional frame...or???

[ultraman6970]

1st thing i did when i got mine.... EM went over different BB shells over the years, sure thing IMO all of them need some of that housing liner.

jvp, you should try using 'spaghetti tubes' on you under bottom bracket cables.
It reduces the friction quite a bit and saves the paint from the cables. It's really just housing liner but I like the name :banana:

[cua90]

H D2665: EMC practically didn't use SPX stickers, if it was built with SLX/SPX it should have X (almost always), flat fork also doesn't fit SLX/SPX.... Photos would be very helpful.

Thanks so much for your help. These are pics with my phone so not the greatest. I can try to get better shots if needed.

[Emerxil]

D4X B5753: Corsa Extra SLX 1989 (7-Eleven colours with chrome look beautifully btw.)
D1106: This is a special thing - the first version of Mx Leader, produced briefly (a few months at the beginning of 1992!), definitely for a connoisseur. The only difference from the last version of Corsa Extra Max was the top tube and the top lugs (just in case: BB cover is Max or "EM" logo?). By the way, a new time record was broken between building the frame and selling it.... to this day it was only 1.5 years :)
H D2665: Don't worry about the SPX sticker - it was used until 1988 and the frame is from 1992.... We have a choice: SL/SP, SLX/SPX, TSX, 653, 753, 531, gara/cromor (Max and Mxl certainly don't fit). There are some markings under the BB cover paint (but not readable without removing the paint). Non-invasive method: remove the front wheel and check the inside of the steering tube - if you see 5 "riflings". (arranged like a barrel) it leaves you with the first 3 options - a good Columbus. Then you twist BB (from the more convenient side) and check if the tubes entering the BB cover also have "riflings": if so - we have SLX/SPX or TSX, if not - we have SL/SP (in each case with the advantage of "heavy" tubes, that is SPX or SP within the size above 56). The only difference between SLX and TSX (verifiable) is the length of "riflings" in the bottom tube of the frame: SLX short at the ends of the tubes, TSX long over the entire length of the tube. Any effective method will be good (except for sawing... with microcamera or imprinting in Play-Doh inclusive... :) If the inside of the steering tube is smooth, Reynolds remains: 753 is out due to chrome, 531 has probably not been used anymore - 653 remains... Also not bad :)

[merckxman]

There are no other markings on the bb, only D1106. It was on the wall of the shop for quite awhile because the price was high at $1275.00 (+ tax) compared to other framesets (which were $600-$800). After looking at it for many months I decided to buy it mainly because of all the different tube shapes, it was my first good bike. Thank you for your information! I'm happy I still own it.

D1106: This is a special thing - the first version of Mx Leader, produced briefly (a few months at the beginning of 1992!), definitely for a connoisseur. The only difference from the last version of Corsa Extra Max was the top tube and the top lugs (just in case: BB cover is Max or "EM" logo?). By the way, a new time record was broken between building the frame and selling it.... to this day it was only 1.5 years :)

[cmbicycles]

This is one we kind of tossed around on Bikeforums, but here I can post pictures.
So this is the 63x61 Mxl that is painted 7eleven colors (repaint) that EMC recently said was an 89' team frame, despite knowing mxl didnt officially come out til a couple years later.
Here are pics and BB stampings.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191008/e59942756e05509988d81fd84ac64f98.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191008/b1cccf64cdcc36fc30e7f0764ccf8e9f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191008/2f9549acc418581c362ac3ae40c1645d.jpg

[Emerxil]

A beautiful 1994 Mx Leader. Confirming information in EMC for 10 years makes no sense - archives have disappeared, owner has changed twice. The current team does not have access to any extra sources. The guy from EMC saw the painting, checked it online and agreed with him from 1989 - they rather don't distinguish between frame models, steel is steel :)

[jmoore]

Oh dear. This would be my holy grail. A 63cm 7/11 MX Leader. Hit me up if you ever want to sell.

So this is the 63x61 Mxl that is painted 7eleven colors (repaint) that EMC recently said was an 89' team frame, despite knowing mxl didnt officially come out til a couple years later.
Here are pics and BB stampings.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191008/e59942756e05509988d81fd84ac64f98.jpg

[Elefantino]

2X 7286 on my Corsa Extra.

It was 126mm rear hub (now 130), so I'm guess it was not a '91 as the seller suggested. Still, amazing bike.

[Emerxil]

Excellent camouflage :) if these are "big" SSC (and I think they are) and Silva 2 brake bridge (and I think they are) then next to 2X there should be one of the letters A, P or M and above 7286 - letter Z. This model is Pro SLX 1986 (because the frame has 62cm seat tube most of the tubes are SPX/SP - except for seat tube, maybe). A set of stickers is more suitable for 1992.

[cash05458]

Apologies that I can't figure out how to load pics here...as I know they might help. I have a MXLeader...the code is D 5122..located on non drive side...it is exact same color scheme as the motorola ones...but reversed...i.e red on top, white middle blue on bottom...I believe its a 93 or so...pretty sure it was a team bike for small antwerp conti team...askl insurance or something like that? and it has a number tag on it...57 cm...drive side chainstay is chromed...love to know more about it if possible! thanks!

[Elefantino]

Excellent camouflage :) if these are "big" SSC (and I think they are) and Silva 2 brake bridge (and I think they are) then next to 2X there should be one of the letters A, P or M and above 7286 - letter Z. This model is Pro SLX 1986 (because the frame has 62cm seat tube most of the tubes are SPX/SP - except for seat tube, maybe). A set of stickers is more suitable for 1992.
I was thinking around 86 as well. Don't see the other letters but the respray has made it difficult to see down there.

The only thing that bugs me about the otherwise excellent paint is the Corsa Extra sticker was placed too far back on the top tube!

[Emerxil]

D5122 was built at the end of 1992 in a series of profi-team numbers (between Telekom and Motorola) for the 1993 season. The "Inverted" Motorola colours are definitely the ASLK-CGER team. Congratulations :)
black beauty - if you want to "undo" it to 1986: remove "golden Corsa Extra", replace Columbus SLX with "old" design (the Columbus inscription on the sticker should be at the bottom) and replace the round sticker with the EU logo on the belt with two Belgian flags; if you want to "stay in 1992" you just need to "Corsa Extra" to move forward (or remove - it will be mysteriously...); it's a beautiful bike regardless of the stickers :)

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator

[cash05458]

Thanks for that Emerxil! Very kind of you!

[weisan]

I feel like I am going to a fortune teller to read my palms....

Emerxil pal,
Thanks for volunteering your time and services, you are too kind!

I have had two Merckx, a MXL and a Corsa Extra. Both were bought local in Austin TX and both have cracks on them, but I rode them anyway.
The MXL has a crack on the head tube lug and is no longer in my stable. I tried to sell the Corsa Extra a while back but discovered a crack on the seat collar last minute so decided to pull the ad and use that as an excuse to keep it. ;) it wasn't there when I bought it so I think I must have over-tightened.

I have started two separate threads when I first acquired them.

I don't have the serial #s, sorry Emerxil. I guess I just want to share some pictures of these beautiful frames.

The British racing green MXL
https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=180576

http://alicehui.com/bike/mxl/mxl2.jpg
http://alicehui.com/bike/mxl/mxl1.jpg
http://alicehui.com/bike/mxl/mxl3.jpg
http://alicehui.com/bike/mxl/mxl4.jpg
http://alicehui.com/bike/mxl/mxl5.jpg
http://alicehui.com/bike/mxl/mxl6.jpg
http://alicehui.com/bike/mxl/mxl7.jpg
http://alicehui.com/bike/mxl/mxl8.jpg
http://alicehui.com/bike/mxl/mxl9.jpg

[weisan]

The Red Corsa Extra
https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=198692

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/c1.jpg

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/c2.jpg

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/c3.jpg

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/c4.jpg

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/c5.jpg

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/c6.jpg

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/c7.jpg

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/c8.jpg

[weisan]

http://alicehui.com/bike/mxl/mxl21.jpg
http://alicehui.com/bike/mxl/mxl22.jpg

[weisan]

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=198599

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060169_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060170_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060172_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060177_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060179_r.JPG

[merckx]

Wisepal, that red Corsa Extra got my attention. A perfect example of the moment when the bicycle arms race should have ended.

[weisan]

Merckx pal, long live the king!

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/EDDY-MERCKX.jpg

[Emerxil]

Mx Leader: the only identification element is painting - the absolute majority of frames with "coloured / contrasting" fork crowns come from 94.
Corsa Extra: Construction elements and stickers indicate a period of 88-90.

[weisan]

Corsa Extra: Construction elements and stickers indicate a period of 88-90.

You don't say...

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060219_r.jpg

[Elefantino]

That's a lot of "cash" in 1990 money!

[jet sanchez]

Mine says Corsa Extra but there is no tubing decal and it has a Leader fork.

Found it on CL, it had been doing trainer duty for many years in the basement of a friend of Walter Godefroot who was the coach for Telekom.

It seems that it is one of Olaf Ludwig's racing rigs from the 1995 season as that was the only year that this colour scheme was used.

F 1386

https://i.imgur.com/3otvKS3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5eqpZjj.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/882DSD1.jpg

[tv_vt]

^^Are any of the main tubes flared on that bike?

Here's my MXL, 61cm. With the 'darts' on either side of the name decal on the down tube, was able to date it to 1994. Not certain, but seems about right. Serial number is H on left side of BB, then D over 9163 on right side of BB.

(well, seems you can't post the same photo twice, so here's the link to mine on p86 of Steel Bike Lovers thread: https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=49386&page=86 )

[Emerxil]

If the frame number (3370) is given on this yellow document, it should be the B series (July 1990 is definitely too early for this number in the C series) - so we have the B3370: welcome to the beginning of 1989...
Colours are definitely Team Telekom 1995, but the frame number is not: F1386 is ~spring 1994. A few details are disturbing:
- The Corsa Extra after season 93 was rarely used in races (there was already a solidly built and tested Mx Leader), what's worse in season 1995 Ludwig already had a model of Titane EM (known photo from Giro) at his disposal.
- Your frame was rather repainted for the 95th season (in EMC? - there are minimal differences between the Titane Giro and your bike).
- Combining a Corsa Extra frame with an Mx Leader fork is an interesting experiment, but rather for training (on an unusual surface, for example). It is possible that it was tested on cobblestone "spring classics".
- There are 2 small details missing to be fully happy: markings on the steering tube and photo documentation from 1995 (just 1 clear picture of Olaf on this unusual frame).
If I had to judge it with the knowledge I have at the moment I could not confirm that it is Olaf Ludwig's bike intended for the racing of the 1995 season.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator

[Emerxil]

H D9163: Very elegant Mx Leader, standard model, built in the fall of 1993.

[tv_vt]

Yes, mine is really elegant. It may be a 'standard model,' but unlike most of the MXLs I've heard of, mine easily clears 28mm tires and looks like it could clear 30s. I've got Corsa 28 tires on DA c24 wheels and there is still a lot of room under the rear brake bridge and fork. :)

[wildboar]

Mx Leader: the only identification element is painting - the absolute majority of frames with "coloured / contrasting" fork crowns come from 94.
Corsa Extra: Construction elements and stickers indicate a period of 88-90.

Emerxil- Here is an old forum question for you...

On the black, pink, and green paint scheme that was called "FNG" in the catalog, what if anything did the letters "FNG" mean?

[Emerxil]

tv vt: it would be nice to see it in the pictures :)
wildboar: this is the code of the painting pattern - the codes were introduced in EMC probably in 1984 when the Team Issue series was produced. They were placed on cards glued to the steering tube, they appeared in catalogues (not all of them) in 1989. The codes were introduced in "generations", at the beginning they were simple abbreviations: MOL - Molteni, FA - Faema etc.in catalogue 89 (not GITA) there are codes with the letter P at the end: AP - ADR, VOP - Domex, NP - Hitachi, QP - Stuttgart (BJP - La William is nice, unusual SE - 7-Eleven). The next generation (shown in catalogue 92) are the codes with the letter T at the beginning: TM - Motorola, TC - Weinmann 91, TG - Telekom, TB - Kelme 91 and the legendary TF - Tutti Frutti (and the unusual RF - red Ferrari) and (shown in catalogue 94) TFR and the equally legendary TAL - Rainbow. In catalogue 94, codes with the letter B appear at the beginning: BDO (dark blue), BRG (green) and BWB (as in Lotto Caloi 94), and unusual R-red and J-yellow. In the 95 catalogue there appears the VL code - team Vlaanderen 2002 and our hero FNG which is the announcement of the next generation (the 96 catalogue) of codes with the letters FN at the beginning: FNB, FNE, FNR, FNP (note: the last letter seems to describe the main color - P purple, R - red, B - blue, G -...isn't that very dark green?). In addition, in 96 there are SG and SV (new generation with S at the beginning?) and unusual WX (white) and PS (black). The last generation (which I was interested in) is shown in the catalogue 1998 - the codes start with RA: RAB (dark blue), RAJ (yellow), RAT (turquoise), RAR (red), RAW (white) and RAZ (black?).
As you can see there is no single method to decipher the code, the additional letters (i.e. those outside the series designation) are: basic colors (R-red, B- blue, J-jaune = yellow) or the team painting code designation or the team name abbreviation.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator

[merckxman]

The 1995 catalog also has a FNZ in the Strata model. FNB is definitely blue, FNG looks green, and FNZ looks like a blue-black color, the paint scheme looks identical to the FNG Corsa Extra. Eddy Merckx signed my 95 catalog.

[Emerxil]

I didn't present all the known codes - maybe one day I'll make a thread out of it on bikeforums :) I meant rather an attempt to systematize this topic. I don't know if the painting pattern was assigned "exclusively" to a specific EMC model (rather not). The "Painting scheme" can correspond to the code marking, e.g. P at the end can have all (almost) 2 and 3 colour paints from the years 88-90, T at the beginning can have all 2 and 3 colour paints from the years 91-93, etc., and so on. Then, when different decal patterns were applied to the frames, FN, VL, S and RA codes appeared to denote their different patterns (there were at least 7 such patterns until 2000). In fact, you could show the whole 1995 catalog - I think I found only 4 pages from it on the web (I warn you - I would have copied it immediately :)

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator

[RobJ]

Thanks for contributing to the forum!

I just picked this one up. Identified as a Corsa. Original paint and a team bike. Has the internal TT routing and number hanger. It also has a name on the TT, but so far I couldn't find anything related in preliminary searches. At first it looked like the Teve-Blad team paint scheme, but I understand that is more red and slightly different. I don't have the frame in hand. Thanks for any background!

https://i.imgur.com/IYg9lJol.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/pTl3Ea3l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ra2ctxMl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/v1Nwujel.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dirzRddl.jpg

[tuscanyswe]

Its not with me yet so dont have any better pics but likely enough for an EMC fan to see?

[Elefantino]

Nice to see so many Merckxes finding new homes, in both restomod and classic guises.

They are everything those of you who told us we should get a Merckx say they are!

[weisan]

Its not with me yet so dont have any better pics but likely enough for an EMC fan to see?

Looks like a Corsa Extra to me.

[Hindmost]

So I have a Merckx Professional that I purchased to replace the one I raced 30 years ago. I Eroica-ed this one a couple of years ago.

Bottom bracket is stamped drive side: N 9 and non-drive side:: Z 097.

I was puzzled about the under bottom bracket cable guides. This one has a bolt on plastic guide. My original had the cast in cable guides.

Any details that you can provide I would appreciate. Thanks.

[osbk67]

Great to see a range of Merckx frames in good shape resurfacing. I don't have the knowledge of Emerxil but did import Merckx frames in relatively small quantities for the New Zealand distributor in the 1980s and 1990s. I still have several catalogues from then. The italic font frame decals on this frame are type EM80, more or less the original type, and were replaced by type EM86 in 1986. Customers of the factory could and did continue with the EM80 style after 1986 if that was preferred, but a frame with EM86 decals will be c. 1986 or newer, or a respray. Standard specification in the early 1990s was aero K or flat N fork crown, wide or narrow S seat stays, braze-ons for gear levers, single bottle cage, front changer and external top tube cable eyelets, and single colour enamel without chrome. That said, numerous supplements were available. For the NZ market many frames had chain holder T, second bottle cage PB, photo finish (number boss) FF and wide 16mm seat stays, making this the "standard" spec. in that market at least.
FF does not indicate a "pro team" frame, only that the distributor ordered frames with that option. Name on frame was a factory option and available to anyone who wanted it and was prepared to wait.
Frame models in the late 1980s and early 90s included Strada, Corsa, Corsa Extra, Chrono and MX-Leader. Carbon Monocoque by Donnay was a short-lived "exclusive" model.
In the late 1980s the Criterium was also produced. It was listed as an SLX frame but unlike Strada, Corsa and Corsa Extra did not seem to have a top tube model name decal.
Oldest catalogue I have lists only the Professional road model and Professional track model. Probably dates to 1980 or soon after.
I doubt the catalogues are hard to find but if there's interest I'll post some photos, as tedious as that exercise is.

[Emerxil]

K5C 534 (on 99% B series): beautiful Corsa (v.2: no lugs with cut-outs, no chain bridge), stickers and a painting pattern point to 87/88 (if you change from fuchsia to blue you will receive a pattern used by the Intral team in 1988). The bad news is: internal TT, hanger number and owner's name on TT - these are all options available to everyone - for a surcharge (they don't mean the frame was built for profiteam); no team I know used the Corsa model (when the Corsa model appeared all the teams used the then highest model EMC Pro SLX / 753 and later Corsa Extra SLX / 753 - the Corsa model was never the highest model in the EMC hierarchy).
tuscanyswe: this is a modified (no chain bridge) Corsa v.1 (lugs with cut-outs) - probably 86/87.
N9 Z097: The elegant EM (Professional) 1984 (N is a surprise to me, I would expect something from the A,P,M set). In 1984, there were 3 ways to link to BB cover: "old above BB" (used since 1980), "improvised under BB" (added steel cable guides) and "plastic under BB". (screw in drain hole).

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator

[Emerxil]

Great to see a range of Merckx frames in good shape resurfacing. I don't have the knowledge of Emerxil but did import Merckx frames in relatively small quantities for the New Zealand distributor in the 1980s and 1990s. I still have several catalogues from then. The italic font frame decals on this frame are type EM80, more or less the original type, and were replaced by type EM86 in 1986. Customers of the factory could and did continue with the EM80 style after 1986 if that was preferred, but a frame with EM86 decals will be c. 1986 or newer, or a respray. Standard specification in the early 1990s was aero K or flat N fork crown, wide or narrow S seat stays, braze-ons for gear levers, single bottle cage, front changer and external top tube cable eyelets, and single colour enamel without chrome. That said, numerous supplements were available. For the NZ market many frames had chain holder T, second bottle cage PB, photo finish (number boss) FF and wide 16mm seat stays, making this the "standard" spec. in that market at least.
FF does not indicate a "pro team" frame, only that the distributor ordered frames with that option. Name on frame was a factory option and available to anyone who wanted it and was prepared to wait.
Frame models in the late 1980s and early 90s included Strada, Corsa, Corsa Extra, Chrono and MX-Leader. Carbon Monocoque by Donnay was a short-lived "exclusive" model.
In the late 1980s the Criterium was also produced. It was listed as an SLX frame but unlike Strada, Corsa and Corsa Extra did not seem to have a top tube model name decal.
Oldest catalogue I have lists only the Professional road model and Professional track model. Probably dates to 1980 or soon after.
I doubt the catalogues are hard to find but if there's interest I'll post some photos, as tedious as that exercise is.
osbk67: Thank you very much! Confirmation of some information by the man from the "EMC business" is priceless :)
- The "italic font" was the only pattern until 1984, used in EM (Professional), some Pro, late 3-Athlete, Corsa, Strada and all repainted (in EMC) frames built with SL/SP and R531.
- EM86" is probably the font used in some Pro, then in all Corsa Extra, Citerium and other top EMC models (it appeared in 1985).
- Between 1984 and 1986, 2 other font designs were used.
- The specification of the early 1990s frames can be found in the 1992 catalogue.
- absolutely invaluable information concerns the specification of frames imported to New Zealand (thank you again).
- Similarly is with the information about Carbon Monocoque produced by Donnay (if this information can be found in the catalogue - definitely ask for photos of the whole catalogue :)
- Criterium had "its" stickers from the beginning (years of production 86-88)
- The "White" catalog is more like 1981.

[merckxman]

Veering off a bit, I have a Motorola team winter cycling jacket in which MAGNIFLEX is the prominent sponsor after Motorola. I bought it in Italy and was told when they rode on Italy they used these. Anyone familiar with Magniflex? Quite a nice jacket.

[tuscanyswe]

Looks like a Corsa Extra to me.

That would be my guess as well but mine would be uneducated :)

[Hindmost]

Veering off a bit, I have a Motorola team winter cycling jacket in which MAGNIFLEX is the prominent sponsor after Motorola. I bought it in Italy and was told when they rode on Italy they used these. Anyone familiar with Magniflex? Quite a nice jacket.

Magniflex was a major Italian sponsor over the years. Back in the day a US pro rode for them and then spoke about serving indentured servitude in their mattress factory.

[tv_vt]

Yes, mine is really elegant. It may be a 'standard model,' but unlike most of the MXLs I've heard of, mine easily clears 28mm tires and looks like it could clear 30s. I've got Corsa 28 tires on DA c24 wheels and there is still a lot of room under the rear brake bridge and fork. :)

Here are some photos of tire clearance on my MXL. It's quite generous, which seems contrary to what I've typically read about these frames. Not sure why mine ended up the way it did.

[jet sanchez]

C
8528

Columbus TSX tubing

Corsa Extra

https://i.imgur.com/E0aFsAd.jpg

[Emerxil]

tv vt: just in case, I measured my Mx Leader frame - just like in your frame: 28mm will fit seamlessly (30 rather too)...
C8528: a beautiful 1991 Tutti Frutti - I wonder what markings it has (the ones on the left side of BB cover).

[osbk67]

1697986679

[Emerxil]

osbk67: Thank you very much ! This is one of the most unusual and rare models of EMC, produced in the "old" Donnay plant in Couvin under ... Italian management (probably only in 1992 - then came another "almost bankruptcy").

[velofinds]

Mine says Corsa Extra but there is no tubing decal and it has a Leader fork.

Found it on CL, it had been doing trainer duty for many years in the basement of a friend of Walter Godefroot who was the coach for Telekom.

It seems that it is one of Olaf Ludwig's racing rigs from the 1995 season as that was the only year that this colour scheme was used.

F 1386

https://i.imgur.com/3otvKS3.jpg

This is the best color scheme.

[velofinds]

D 3972.

https://i.imgur.com/0Sz8Fhqh.jpg

[colker]

D 3972.

https://i.imgur.com/0Sz8Fhqh.jpg

Boss.

[colker]

C
8528

Columbus TSX tubing

Corsa Extra

https://i.imgur.com/E0aFsAd.jpg

This is the best color scheme! Ooooohhh..

[Emerxil]

D3972: 1992, version without SSC, on the same race team Telekom in 1993 - elegant bike

[osbk67]

1697986861

From my faded memory the factory price list carried a more extensive range of options.

[Emerxil]

Thank you so much! Just one page, and how much interesting information. All the time are produced frames with R753, but R531 is already out of the offer, there is still Cromor, Thron is only in the Trekking model, but not yet in Corsa. The Century model is out of offer; for me a big surprise are cables eyelets Ergo/STI - it means that the catalogue is rather for the years 93/94. If you publish such sensations in small doses I will finally have a heart attack :)

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator

[osbk67]

1697986905

Will attempt to post all pages from this catalogue. I’d have thought it was readily available online but Emerxil at least seems interested...

[osbk67]

1697986906

[osbk67]

1697986907

[osbk67]

1697986908

[osbk67]

1697986909

[osbk67]

1697986910

[osbk67]

1697986911

These are the Merckx catalogues I still have. Sing out if there’s interest in the other two...

[m_sasso]

Yes! Please!

[Nomadmax]

Yes, please do post what you have.

[Emerxil]

It's not available online, hence my unhealthy interest in this miracle :) Again - thank you very much!

[merckxman]

1995 catalog is 4 pages, the cover doesn't have anything of interest. Eddy Merckx signed this one by the MX Leader frameset.

[osbk67]

1697986930

[osbk67]

1697986931

[osbk67]

1697986932

Special mention for the 1985 Hitachi Team orange/yellow/white colour scheme, my own favourite. Sadly dragged across the Worlds finish line in Ronse by Claude Criquielion (RIP Claudy) after a finishing sprint racing incident with Steve Bauer allowed Maurizio Fondriest to ride across the line first. On his own stunning metallic green Legnano. Itself one of the iconic colours.

[osbk67]

1697986937

[Emerxil]

merckxman: thank you for publishing the photos of the 1995 catalogue and confirming what it looked like (if I had this catalogue with an EM signature - I would frame it and hang it on the wall - really).
osbk67: you did another exceptional thing - you just published pictures from the absolutely exceptional (double) EM catalogue - 1988 (I've never seen this version before, there are pictures of the previous version with the same cover - 1987). There were shown as many as 4 frames in 1988 team painting - ADR, Lotto, Kelme and Hitachi. Hitachi frame is unique - there is a sticker Reynolds 653 on it (the version was produced already in 1988, but in the team it appeared in the season of 1989). Thank you.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator

[Jef58]

This was a very enjoyable thread. I had a Strada in the late 1990's that I bought used. It was a size too big and I didn't quite understand bike fit and geometry at the time, but it rode great. After being on carbon bikes since then, I'm back on modern steel. Eventhough the modern stuff is nice, I would love to have a Merckx of that era again. The bikes were well designed and looked "proper" regardless of the size.

[BassoBry]

Hello and thanks in advance. I sourced this frame earlier this year from a seller in Poland. They had it labeled as a Strada O.S. cyclocross frame. It's got custom geo (57x59) and chromed shell/chainstays/seatstays. It appears to have never been built up or painted. BB shell has a "P" on one side and "F 2801" on the other. Attached are some pics!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49159852681_3959489d28_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hU66uV)
[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/134762374@N08/]Bryan Heller (https://flic.kr/p/2hU66uV), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49160465612_595e035a8b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49160084037_7696857a5e.jpg

[Hindmost]

Interesting frame. No original fork?

[BassoBry]

Interesting frame. No original fork?

Correct, purchased as frame only. Fork is not original.

[Emerxil]

It looks like Eddy Merckx Trekking modified (factory made!) to cyclocross, 1994, Columbus Thron.

[weisan]

1697986937

"The CORSA EXTRA is the flagship of the Eddy Merckx line, a thoroughbred European racer. It is constructed with Columbus SLX tubing and hand-braced, using all investment cast conjunctions; investment cast fork crown and bottom bracket shell. It is then outfitted with Campagnolo's Croce D'aune. The geometry of the Corsa Extra makes it the ultimate road racing machine, s superb blend of comfort and performance. It is the perfect bike for racers and those who just enjoy the exhilarating ride of a true racing bike."


http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060169_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060170_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060172_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060177_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060179_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060180_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060183_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060185_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060188_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060190_r.JPG

[weisan]

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060191_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060194_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060197_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060201_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060203_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060205_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060207_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060215_r.JPG

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/P1060219_r.jpg

http://alicehui.com/bike/CorsaExtra/EDDY-MERCKX.jpg

[Emerxil]

It looks like Eddy Merckx Trekking modified (factory made!) to cyclocross, 1994, Columbus Thron.
Strong correction!
This is certainly not a Trekking frame (even modified), it is a cyclocross built from scratch. I bought the Arcobaleno frame from the same seller.

[LouDeeter]

This is the listing I have in the Used Bike Buyers Guide for Merckx. Looking at all these posts, I need to make some corrections. Data was taken from magazine bike guides, brochures, and advertisements over the years.


MERCKX: Belgium. Gita Sporting Goods, 12600 Steel Creek Road, Charlotte NC 28273. 704-588-7555. 800-729-4482. National Cycle and Supply Company in Norfolk, VA was early distributor. Named for five time Tour de France winner, Eddy Merckx. Name distributed by Falcon beginning in Feb 73 and running to about 1975, although that date isn’t confirmed. Japanese made models made by Miyata. European models made by Kessels, although Kessels also licensed to Falcon If it is pre-73, probably made by Kessels. Eddy set up his own shop in 1980 near Meise, Brussels. Initial design was by DeRosa. Investment cast lugs and BB shell. Campagnolo dropouts. Sloping fork crown, although some have flat fork crown. EM engraved in seat stay caps:
Models:
Jr Racer 74
Supporter 74
Club Special 74
Special 74
Giro d’Italia 74
Competition 74
Super Competition 74
Road 80-84 SL
SL Pro 85 SL
Triathlete 86 SL
Professional 86-88 SLX
Grand Prix 86-90 753
Criterium 87 SLX
Nuovo Pro 88 SL
Corsa 89-94 SL
Corsa Extra 85-93 SLX
Team 7/11 90 TSX
10th Anniversary 90 TSX
Century 91-94 TSX
Team Motorola 91-92 TSX
SL 92 SL
SLX 91-92 SLX
Molteni Corsa 92-95 SL
Max 92-93 Max
MX Leader 93-97 Columbus Nivacrom
Titanal 93-95 Titanium
Neuron 95 Columbus Neuron OS
Arcobaleno 95 Columbus Neuron
Titanium AX. 95-97 Titanium
Titanium Team 95 Titanium
Titanium EX Pro 96-97 Titanium
Strada 96-97 Brain OS
Corsa 0.1 96 Dedaccai Zero/One
OV Pro 96 Neuron OS

[BassoBry]

Strong correction!
This is certainly not a Trekking frame (even modified), it is a cyclocross built from scratch. I bought the Arcobaleno frame from the same seller.

Wow, so cool! So do you think it was a team bike?

[Emerxil]

Wow, so cool! So do you think it was a team bike?

I don't think so - this guy sells frames from the 2008 EMC liquidation inventory, without forks, paint, often even without serial numbers. In short - these are unsold "rejects"... but some are very cool (your frame - definitely:)

[Emerxil]

I have no idea what corrections you mean, but it is worth explaining a few details from your entry first: several companies have built bicycles with "Eddy Merckx" stickers (Starnord, Schauff, Allegro, Miyata, Velosport, Falcon, Kessels) - they have nothing to do with EMC frames built in Meise since 1980 (it wasn't a shop, it was a factory). The construction details have changed with time (as have the patterns of painting and stickers) - the ones you gave have nothing to do with a particular model. The correct names and dates of production of bicycles/frames in EMC look completely different than you presented.... Ready? Let's go:
Eddy Merckx (Professional - unofficially) 80-86; Columbus SL/SP or Reynolds 531
EM Pro 84-86; Columbus SLX/SPX or Reynolds 753
EM 3-Athlete 84-86; Reynolds 501
EM Corsa 85-94; SL/SP or 531; 94-95: Columbus Thron; 95-? Deda 01
EM Criterium 86-88; SLX/SPX
EM Corsa Extra 86-?; SLX/SPX or 753, TSX, SLX New
EM Strada 87-?; Columbus Matrix/Cromor, then Columbus Strada (Gara/Cromor), from 95 Brain OS
EM Century 88-93; Reynolds 653, then TSX.
EM Grand Prix 88-90; 753
EM Corsa Extra MAX: 90-92
EM Mx Leader: 92-?
EM Arcobaleno (and OV Pro): 95-?
EM Titanal was not built of titanium...93-94
EM Titanium wasn't built in Meise...
EM Titane - yes:94-?
Carbon Monocoque, Trekking, CX, Pista, Chrono etc....
10th Anni is just a painting pattern, like 20th Anni and 7-Eleven, Motorola and dozens of others...
Writing down data from catalogues is hard work deserving of respect - unfortunately, not much results from that (even if we remember that all the photos present frames existing at least one season earlier and that not all models are shown in catalogues). By the way, do you have access to Gita 96 Merckx catalogue? I am fascinated by this bizarre OV Pro...

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

[LouDeeter]

Thanks.

[wildboar]

Emerxil, I'm curious to know if this is the biggest Merckx frame ever:

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showpost.php?p=2631507&postcount=1961

https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/d/boston-big-tall-merckx-6-6/7030736474.html

[Emerxil]

It's possible, it's authentic in any case :)

[paredown]

This is the listing I have in the Used Bike Buyers Guide for Merckx. Looking at all these posts, I need to make some corrections. Data was taken from magazine bike guides, brochures, and advertisements over the years.


MERCKX: Belgium. Gita Sporting Goods, 12600 Steel Creek Road, Charlotte NC 28273. 704-588-7555. 800-729-4482. National Cycle and Supply Company in Norfolk, VA was early distributor. Named for five time Tour de France winner, Eddy Merckx. Name distributed by Falcon beginning in Feb 73 and running to about 1975, although that date isn’t confirmed. Japanese made models made by Miyata. European models made by Kessels, although Kessels also licensed to Falcon If it is pre-73, probably made by Kessels. Eddy set up his own shop in 1980 near Meise, Brussels. Initial design was by DeRosa. Investment cast lugs and BB shell. Campagnolo dropouts. Sloping fork crown, although some have flat fork crown. EM engraved in seat stay caps:
Models:
Jr Racer 74
Supporter 74
Club Special 74
Special 74
Giro d’Italia 74
Competition 74
Super Competition 74
Road 80-84 SL
SL Pro 85 SL
Triathlete 86 SL
Professional 86-88 SLX
Grand Prix 86-90 753
Criterium 87 SLX
Nuovo Pro 88 SL
Corsa 89-94 SL
Corsa Extra 85-93 SLX
Team 7/11 90 TSX
10th Anniversary 90 TSX
Century 91-94 TSX
Team Motorola 91-92 TSX
SL 92 SL
SLX 91-92 SLX
Molteni Corsa 92-95 SL
Max 92-93 Max
MX Leader 93-97 Columbus Nivacrom
Titanal 93-95 Titanium
Neuron 95 Columbus Neuron OS
Arcobaleno 95 Columbus Neuron
Titanium AX. 95-97 Titanium
Titanium Team 95 Titanium
Titanium EX Pro 96-97 Titanium
Strada 96-97 Brain OS
Corsa 0.1 96 Dedaccai Zero/One
OV Pro 96 Neuron OS

On the early bikes that were licensed, AFAIK Kessels and Falcon were making frames at the same time, and the licensing was by market area--Falcon got UK/US, Kessels got Europe. AFAIK, there was no cross traffic--each maker produced their own. In theory they were "Eddy approved" and I have marketing literature from Falcon that claims that Eddy threw a leg over a Falcon licensed bike (and there are unsubstantiated stories that he may have raced on one at some point). Their literature says:

"The Falcon Team has won numerous awards, including a whole run of nation championships, while the world's greatest cyclist - Eddy Merckx - who lends his name to one of Falcon's three trade-marks, has just taken delivery of a new Model 76, which he ordered for his own use to ensure that Falcon's production meets his own high standards..."

Both makers made a full range of "Eddy Merckx" from pretty basic to top end--the Falcon top end bike was almost the same as their own San Remo team replica--all 531DB and full Campagnolo. The top end Kessels was also a well made bike, but because of the marketing agreement you will rarely see them in the US.

We spent quite a bit of time arguing about the Falcon genealogy on a thread on RBR--photos lost though:

https://forums.roadbikereview.com/retro-classic/falcon-genealogy-family-tree-62987.html

[tuscanyswe]

Got this one a bit reluctantly in a bundle deal together with stuff i did want pretty bad.


What exactly am i looking at?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49224218191_a5381e95ff_b.jpghttps://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49224443157_6f6a7752d5_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49224218636_49c773946e_b.jpg

[ultraman6970]

Whats the serial number??? to me could be a corsa or a corsa extra or even a professional but w/o looking at the serial number is hard to know.

The frame is a repaint tho... and a really good one, the decals for the tubing are not what IMO should be in the frame, thats why I think is a repaint.

The other detail. i have one in the same color which is not even my size and was repainted in europe, even the chromes looks like were re done in the one i have still in the box (belongs to a friend btw).

[tuscanyswe]

Yeah the decal looks bit modern perhaps but i would not have thought a repaint as the previous owner did not seem like that guy and had had it since new but was retired since long riding wise so its been standing around or something like that. That was the story his son the seller told me anyways.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49224663876_8f7ae10ff2_b.jpg

[Hindmost]

You're looking at a pretty nice bike. Professional?

Are the letters on the Eddy Merckx downtube decals edged in silver? That would be period correct.

The E Merckx signature, Bike Ribbon, and shop (?) decal look out of place.

[tuscanyswe]

You're looking at a pretty nice bike. Professional?

Are the letters on the Eddy Merckx downtube decals edged in silver? That would be period correct.

The E Merckx signature, Bike Ribbon, and shop (?) decal lookout place.

Yes n yes. Silver outline and shop decal

[ultraman6970]

P = Professional?

[tuscanyswe]

P = Professional?

I dunno thats why im asking :banana:

Its def a possibilty.

[ultraman6970]

had an X could be a corsa extra... C= corsa... p = professional..

Look, if thats the original paint then you found a super nice frame that somebody here would love to have since nobody here likes to have POS condition stuff.

Thats like a 62cm... ideal for a eroica bike.

[tuscanyswe]

had an X could be a corsa extra... C= corsa... p = professional..

Look, if thats the original paint then you found a super nice frame that somebody here would love to have since nobody here likes to have POS condition stuff.

Thats like a 62cm... ideal for a eroica bike.

Yeah thats along the lines of my reasoning when i bought it together with the campy 50th group i really wanted (was mounted on a demo bike but then put back in the box). Could not buy one without the other this time around well at least not the group without the frame i know i tried but i had to cave i really couldent part with him without the group in my hand :banana:

[Emerxil]

P2C Z9061; P - EMC employee code (P never meant Professional), 2 - frame size, in this case 62cm seat tube, C - Corsa model, Z9061 - serial number, frame was built in 1986. This is the first version of Corsa, still lugs with cut-outs but without chain bridge, Columbus SP/SL tubing

[ultraman6970]

There you have it :D

That frame is too big for you i imagine???

Do you have a frame as nice as that EM to hang the group?? 57?

[tuscanyswe]

P2C Z9061; P - EMC employee code (P never meant Professional), 2 - frame size, in this case 62cm seat tube, C - Corsa model, Z9061 - serial number, frame was built in 1986. This is the first version of Corsa, still lugs with cut-outs but without chain bridge, Columbus SP/SL tubing

Thank you, great info!

There you have it :D

That frame is too big for you i imagine???

Do you have a frame as nice as that EM to hang the group?? 57?

hmm its slightly to high stand over if anything but its more that ive had a lot of merckx allrdy so not really in to try and build this one.

Nope dont have a suitable frame for the 50th as of now but things have a way of popping up :banana:

[smead]

1997 Corsa 01? Paint/chrome near perfect, was told it was NOS sans for one build w/ a few hundred miles.

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?p=2636667#post2636667

[Emerxil]

EM Corsa 01 1995, Team Vlaanderen painting pattern - beautiful, well maintained... frame considered by many as the best steel EMC - some are lucky :)

[slambers3]

Any idea on this frame? Belonged to a friend of mine (he rode it A LOT) 7-11 colors but I’m certain it’s a repaint.
Legible details are 1C (?) A 8939

[Emerxil]

If this marking (1C A8939) is read correctly it is Corsa 1988 Columbus SL (if 1=51cm seat tube) or SP/SL (if 1=61cm seat tube). Frame repainted.

[slambers3]

Yeah it’s a 61. Based on features of the frame and pictures from catalogues, I figured it was a Corsa from that era. Thank you for confirmation.

[Pol_kine]

Hi, for my new project, i have a MXL frame, red lotto 94's color (only Eddy merckx sticker) and hanger number.
On bb, we can read L (of course) and F 0944. If someone know more about this frame's series.thanks

[Emerxil]

F0944 built at the turn of 93/94. The Lotto in season 94 was red/white/black. "L (of course)" - Why ? :)

[tv_vt]

Just got this one. Merckx Corsa 01, think it's a team bike. Best I can tell, serial number is H 9707. Freuler geometry, black paint.

Link to a couple of photos: https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=246171

[Pol_kine]

F0944 built at the turn of 93/94. The Lotto in season 94 was red/white/black. "L (of course)" - Why ? :)
L Like Leader, isn't it? I Ask you, because for my next project, i think about a respray caloi for replica lotto.

[Emerxil]

H9707: beautiful frame :) built in 2000, painting pattern used in 2000/2001; I don't have any evidence that any professional team has ever used a Corsa model (the last time a professional uses a steel EM frame was in 1998 and it was not a Corsa model).
L F0944: unfortunately it doesn't work that way - on MX Leader frame you can find H,P,L markings or ...no markings, on the other hand L markings can be found on the frame of every EMC model produced after 1986 - L is a code mark of the EMC worker responsible for final preparation of the frame before chrome plating / painting. The painting pattern of Lotto Caloi 1994 is very impressive - good luck :)

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

[Mike V]

I have a MX Leader with H on drive side and G 5904 on non drive side.

[Emerxil]

early 1997

[rohan]

I would love for you to tell me more about my Merckx. My understanding is that it is a 1986-87 Corsa Extra in Team ADR colors, but I could never find a catalog to confirm.

Left side of bottom bracket shell:
4X
J

Right side:
A
8057

I'll have to post some pictures in the spring when it's not snowing!

[Emerxil]

Corsa Extra SLX (if 4=54cm seat tube) or SLX/SPX (if 4=64cm). A8057 - built in early 1988; ADR is my favourite "team camo" in EMC :)

[rohan]

Thank you so much! Yes, it's a 54.

Do you know when they switched to internal routing for the Corsa Extra? This one doesn't have it, but I have seen others that do.

Corsa Extra SLX (if 4=54cm seat tube) or SLX/SPX (if 4=64cm). A8057 - built in early 1988; ADR is my favourite "team camo" in EMC :)

[Emerxil]

Internal cable routing was introduced as an option in 1984 in Professional and Pro models, later it was available in other models. In Corsa Extra you can find both ways of cable routing - even in team frames.

[Emerxil]

Mine says Corsa Extra but there is no tubing decal and it has a Leader fork.

Found it on CL, it had been doing trainer duty for many years in the basement of a friend of Walter Godefroot who was the coach for Telekom.

It seems that it is one of Olaf Ludwig's racing rigs from the 1995 season as that was the only year that this colour scheme was used.

F 1386

https://i.imgur.com/3otvKS3.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/5eqpZjj.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/882DSD1.jpg

The situation has changed unexpectedly... :) By accident, while looking for information about titanium EMC I found such a photo:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/joehendrix/3087113016
...and then I searched for a photo from TdF94 - the whole Telekom team had bikes in painting pattern 95, they were introduced as early as in summer 1994. As you can see, Zabel bicycle is also a "compounder", but "the other way around", that is Mx Leader frame + Corsa Extra fork. Since they did it this way they could do it in a different way, and your frame number fits perfectly into the "spring series" produced before TdF. Chances that it's authentic increased to 99% :)

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

[velomateo]

The best of the Telekom liveries.

What a great bike.

[Didge]

Folks,

I just brought this Merckx frame:

Left side

L
8 TTB

Right side

D
5583

It is painted in the telekom team colours. Its a 58cm frame

I am thinking its a Columbus TSX frame produced in 1992.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Tim in Australia

[Emerxil]

D5583 - Century (TSX) built ~January 1993

[Didge]

D5583 - Century (TSX) built ~January 1993

Thanks for that.

I was told the frame was a Corsa Extra when I brought it. Its painted in Telekon team colours and has a Corsa Extra sticker on the cross bar. It seems that it has a lot of original paint on the frame to me but I am a novice at this.

Is it being a Century a bad thing compared to a Corsa Extra? Were Centuries painted in team colours as this one is?

Again your knowledge is very much appreciated.

Tim

[tv_vt]

Emerxil, or anyone else,

With all the hype of the Merckx MXL frames back in the day, what are its actual palmares? What races were won on this tank of a frame (quoting others, not my impression...)? Did it actually take First place in any big races, or was it just a respectable also-ran, and maybe a bit of an oddity for its stoutness back then?

There are certainly other Merckx frames with something to boast of: the SC, in particular, with wins both in Paris-Roubaix and on top of Mt Ventoux (how many bikes can claim that combo?) and Flanders (I think), plus the Colnago c40s, Pinarello Tour bikes of Indurain, Wiggins, Froome, Thomas, and Bernal, etc.

[Emerxil]

TTB = TSX tubes, century geo; this designation appears only on Century model. If it were a Corsa Extra TSX, it would have a "road racing" geo and would be marked with a TT code. The painting of your frame can be authentic - all "team" patterns can be found on both models. Century and Corsa Extra are top models at EMC.

[Didge]

TTB = TSX tubes, century geo; this designation appears only on Century model. If it were a Corsa Extra TSX, it would have a "road racing" geo and would be marked with a TT code. The painting of your frame can be authentic - all "team" patterns can be found on both models. Century and Corsa Extra are top models at EMC.

Thanks again. It seems that I have a quality bike whether it be a Century or a Corsa Extra. The frame geometry sounds like it will suit me better. I have not seen the bike yet. Its being shipped to me. Cant wait to get it and take it for a ride.

[Emerxil]

Tour de Romandie 1992, Andrew Hampsten, the guy who is said to have never used Mx Leader... probably won against himself :)
http://twitter.com/Miroir2Cyclisme/status/1124922468525838336/photo/1

[DCilliams]

I miss my Merckx Corsa Extra. My favorite paint scheme. Only sold it because it was too small. My dream build nonetheless.

[Emerxil]

Beautiful, but it's not much to identify :) EMC 1987-1991 in Lotto 88 pattern (and it was supposed to be 89, but the contract "fell" at the last minute)

[DCilliams]

Beautiful, but it's not much to identify :) EMC 1987-1991 in Lotto 88 pattern (and it was supposed to be 89, but the contract "fell" at the last minute)

Ah, so it's Lotto not Teve Bvlad?

[oldpotatoe]

Emerxil, or anyone else,

With all the hype of the Merckx MXL frames back in the day, what are its actual palmares? What races were won on this tank of a frame (quoting others, not my impression...)? Did it actually take First place in any big races, or was it just a respectable also-ran, and maybe a bit of an oddity for its stoutness back then?

There are certainly other Merckx frames with something to boast of: the SC, in particular, with wins both in Paris-Roubaix and on top of Mt Ventoux (how many bikes can claim that combo?) and Flanders (I think), plus the Colnago c40s, Pinarello Tour bikes of Indurain, Wiggins, Froome, Thomas, and Bernal, etc.

Didn't Sean Yates ride a MXLeader? Didn't LA use one when he won the World's in 1993/Oslo?

[Emerxil]

Lotto 88 (and would-be 89) - 100 % (fuchsia), Teve Blad (and Kelme) used red white frames in this pattern in 1986 and 1987
I'm afraid both cases (from the Motorola team) are definitely about titanium frames...

[cueoner]

Emerxil, thanks for sharing your knowledge! Can you share any information on this frame that I purchased from Austria? Thank you.

https://i.ibb.co/McS5m5Z/s-l1600-59.jpg (https://ibb.co/6HwJkJr)
https://i.ibb.co/8MLWp0V/s-l1600-70.jpg (https://ibb.co/tBT7t45)

[merckx]

Armstrong rode a Litespeed around the Oslo circuit.

[wildboar]

Tour de Romandie 1992, Andrew Hampsten, the guy who is said to have never used Mx Leader... probably won against himself :)
http://twitter.com/Miroir2Cyclisme/status/1124922468525838336/photo/1

This post just made my day. Thank you, Emerxil!

[Emerxil]

D0X C4735 - Corsa Extra SLX, road racing geo, built in early 1991; perhaps repainted in EMC, someone was certainly "improving" the stickers ("12 stars EU" appeared in 1992)
Armstrong in Oslo certainly used a titanium frame and it certainly had "Columbus Hyperion" stickers - there is a lot of evidence that not all titanium Eddy Merckx was built in Tennessee (Litespeed)

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/1199376-eddy-merckx-titanium-puzzle-1993-1999-a.html

[merckxman]

Many years ago I saw an EM Motorola in Ti that was supposedly made by DeRosa. Doriano would know.

D0X C4735 - Corsa Extra SLX, road racing geo, built in early 1991; perhaps repainted in EMC, someone was certainly "improving" the stickers ("12 stars EU" appeared in 1992)
Armstrong in Oslo certainly used a titanium frame and it certainly had "Columbus Hyperion" stickers - there is a lot of evidence that not all titanium Eddy Merckx was built in Tennessee (Litespeed)

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/1199376-eddy-merckx-titanium-puzzle-1993-1999-a.html

[cueoner]

D0X C4735 - Corsa Extra SLX, road racing geo, built in early 1991; perhaps repainted in EMC, someone was certainly "improving" the stickers ("12 stars EU" appeared in 1992)

Thank you Emerxil! I appreciate the info.

[Emerxil]

Possibly, but De Rosa in "his" titanium frames (De Rosa Titanio) used a different technique of joining tubes and elements. I have not seen such a technique in any EMC/Litespeed frame. Nor have I seen any documents, interviews, articles that would confirm the construction of De Rosa's titanium EMC frames. I have not seen any titanium EMC frame that can certainly be attributed to De Rosa (this reminds me of the theory of early 'signature' EMC frames built by De Rosa, which I have not found any evidence of at this time)

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

[Stephen59]

I would appreciate some help identifying this 59 cm c-c frame. Looking inside the seat-tube and steerer tube I can see rifling. On the bottom of the bottom bracket there is what appears to be an H on the left, and D 1455 on the right. I'm considering building it up with 1990s Campagnolo components.

Many thanks.

[Emerxil]

H D1455 was built in spring 1992...
At that time, EMC's offerings were..:
Corsa Extra Max - it's not that, not those tubes;
Mx Leader - it's not that, not those tubes;
Corsa Extra SLX, TSX, 753 - since there are no "riflings" it's not SLX or TSX;
Century TSX - As above;
Corsa SL, 531 - it's not SL either
Strada... not this structure and frame elements...
The Corsa Extra 753 and Corsa 531 are still on the battlefield...
Corsa 531 should have "its" technical markings: next to H you would see C (Corsa model designation) and R (Reynolds 531 tube designation) and the number 9 (... something like H9CR) - it's rather difficult to overlook...
The winner in this situation must be Corsa Extra 753 - terrible bad luck :) ...everything fits this model: construction, frame elements, markings...
The frame was repainted in EMC in the pattern of painting A used in the years 2001-2003.
For the steering tube of the fork with a bit of luck a piece of paper with interesting information has been preserved and the frame number should be stamped...

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

[Stephen59]

H D1455 was built in spring 1992...
At that time, EMC's offerings were..:
Corsa Extra Max - it's not that, not those tubes;
Mx Leader - it's not that, not those tubes;
Corsa Extra SLX, TSX, 753 - since there are no "riflings" it's not SLX or TSX;
Century TSX - As above;
Corsa SL, 531 - it's not SL either
Strada... not this structure and frame elements...
The Corsa Extra 753 and Corsa 531 are still on the battlefield...
Corsa 531 should have "its" technical markings: next to H you would see C (Corsa model designation) and R (Reynolds 531 tube designation) and the number 9 (... something like H9CR) - it's rather difficult to overlook...
The winner in this situation must be Corsa Extra 753 - terrible bad luck :) ...everything fits this model: construction, frame elements, markings...
The frame was repainted in EMC in the pattern of painting A used in the years 2001-2003.
For the steering tube of the fork with a bit of luck a piece of paper with interesting information has been preserved and the frame number should be stamped...

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Many thanks for taking the time to do this. Just one thing it does have riflings in the bottom of the steerer tube and seat-tube. So I guess SLX or TSX are back in the running?

I will take the fork off today to see if there's anything written on it.

[Stephen59]

Okay I've taken off the fork and there is a label withsome info on it, please see the photos.

[Emerxil]

The SLX and TSX had all the tubes visible through the BB cover with "riflings"...
The SL/SP and Cromor had "riflings" only in the steering tube...
Reynolds had no "riflings"...
...but SLX was marked 'technical' X or XB and TSX was marked TT or TTB, Strada (Cromor/Strada tubes) was marked M or WW, Corsa was marked C (in the 531 version additionally R)...
...was 753 (no designation) or some professional mix of tubes for the team (hence no designation of specific tubes)...
...show the photo with the manufacturer's markings on BB cover... and if you can get the inside of the steering tube and the inside of the BB cover...
A card:
D1455 - invaluable confirmation of correct completion of the frame + fork
AFR - painting code: A - scheme 01-03, FR - colours used (R=Red)
2p. chroom - frame chrome plating scheme (not including lugs)
later - frame repainted
55 - painted... unique markings - instead of stamped marks?
...by the way, you can see the original frame color...

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

[Stephen59]

Once again thank you for the time you are taking with this query. I can see rifling at the bottom of the steerer tube and seat-tube, I will see if I can see rifling in the down-tube.

[Stephen59]

The SLX and TSX had all the tubes visible through the BB cover with "riflings"...
The SL/SP and Cromor had "riflings" only in the steering tube...
Reynolds had no "riflings"...
...but SLX was marked 'technical' X or XB and TSX was marked TT or TTB, Strada (Cromor/Strada tubes) was marked M or WW, Corsa was marked C (in the 531 version additionally R)...
...was 753 (no designation) or some professional mix of tubes for the team (hence no designation of specific tubes)...
...show the photo with the manufacturer's markings on BB cover... and if you can get the inside of the steering tube and the inside of the BB cover...
A card:
D1455 - invaluable confirmation of correct completion of the frame + fork
AFR - painting code: A - scheme 01-03, FR - colours used (R=Red)
2p. chroom - frame chrome plating scheme (not including lugs)
later - frame repainted
55 - painted... unique markings - instead of stamped marks?
...by the way, you can see the original frame color...

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Here's the bottom-bracket, the H is not very distinctive at all, but I'm pretty sure it is an H.

[Stephen59]

Okay I've inspected all of the tubes I can see and here are the results:

Seat-tube - rifling
Down-tube - rifling
Chainstays - rifling

[Emerxil]

H is a code mark of an EMC employee, not related to the frame model, tube type and geometry...
Our "hero" is Corsa Extra SLX or TSX - no X, XB, TT or TTB markings were rare at that time... But it happened - the most likely choice is the Corsa Extra SLX road racing geometry... (there were most of them at that time, and to "forget" there were only X, not 2-3 letters)
Is there anything else below H?

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

[Stephen59]

H is a code mark of an EMC employee, not related to the frame model, tube type and geometry...
Our "hero" is Corsa Extra SLX or TSX - no X, XB, TT or TTB markings were rare at that time... But it happened - the most likely choice is the Corsa Extra SLX road racing geometry... (there were most of them at that time, and to "forget" there were only X, not 2-3 letters)
Is there anything else below H?

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Thank you again for your time. I have had a good look and can't see anything below the H, however obviously the paint might be covering something. So on to rebuilding this frame, any thoughts/ideas, Campagnolo 7 or 8 speed, pre ergo?

[Mtbric]

Doing another Merckx build to period \ racing correct specs. Telekom colors.
Serial: 5TT C3287. 55cm Corsa Extra TSX. 1991?
Already acquiring 1992 race parts like the Turbomatic, 3ttt Evol stem, C Record, etc.

[Emerxil]

End of 1990

[Mtbric]

Thanks !!

[cua90]

Thank you again for your time. I have had a good look and can't see anything below the H, however obviously the paint might be covering something. So on to rebuilding this frame, any thoughts/ideas, Campagnolo 7 or 8 speed, pre ergo?

As shown earlier in the thread here is my 92 Corsa Extra, similar to what you have:

[saf-t]

A little thread drift, but appropriate- today is Eddy's 75th birthday!

[Emerxil]

It's definitely not "little drift" - is the most important information in this thread :)

[SergeF]

Dear Emerxil,

In the late 80's my father bought this Eddy Merckx secondhand. In that time it was painted purple-green. Unfortunately it's repainted and the serialnumber is difficult to read. I think it's 9X - 3343.

Can you help me with year/type of this bike.

1698002308

1698002309

Thanks

[Emerxil]

Nice puzzle :)
"Big" seat stay caps ended their career at EMC in 1987.
Brake bridge Silva 2 appeared in 1986 (Silva 3 even later)
The years 86-87 are designations from ~Z6000 to ~A7000
Your frame matches the serial designation A3343 or ~spring 1987
At that time, only 2 models containing the X designation were produced:
- Corsa Extra SLX (designation X)
- Criterium (designation CX)
All visible frame elements fit both models

95% - Corsa Extra SLX
5% - Criterium

...and remove the paint from this area, read the markings and then spray it with black spray and that's it :)
...especially that this frame was, as it seems, previously painted in Team Stuttgart colours, which in spring 1987 "didn't exist" yet. - which could mean it's been repainted twice...

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

[reded]

I have an Eddy Merckx from the early ‘80’s. Serial # on BB is A9 L4389.

(C-C) Seat tube is 59cm, top tube 58cm and head tube 16.5cm

Only a few photos as size limit is challenging1698002700

1698002701

1698002702

1698002703

[lemania]

Jacek,
Thanks You for all recent forensic work,
I have been able to ID most of information on frame but still need assistance.

[Emerxil]

A9 E(not L)4389 - beautiful Professional (Columbus SL) from 1982; this 9 is the length of the seat tube measured c-c = 59cm (c-t 61cm)
N C4272 - well...
...this looks like a frame built in the fall of 1990 for the 1991 Motorola team:
- the name of the team on the card (instead of the serial number)
- no 'serial technical marking'. (no TT or X), even though TSX or SLX was definitely used (see seat tube photo)
- No information about the geometry (standard in serial units), but ST length is given to the millimetre...
- all construction elements, painting pattern and stickers match the 1991 season
... do you have a second such frame, unnecessary and cheap ? :)

[merckxman]

Dag's name on top tube, maybe it is this bike?

N C4272 - well...
...this looks like a frame built in the fall of 1990 for the 1991 Motorola team:
- the name of the team on the card (instead of the serial number)
- no 'serial technical marking'. (no TT or X), even though TSX or SLX was definitely used (see seat tube photo)
- No information about the geometry (standard in serial units), but ST length is given to the millimetre...
- all construction elements, painting pattern and stickers match the 1991 season
... do you have a second such frame, unnecessary and cheap ? :)

[ultraman6970]

TMT = Teenage Mutant Turtle ? :P

[Emerxil]

T= Painting pattern, MT= Motorola...so you were close...

[lemania]

Jacek,
Thank you for service to EMC owners,I now have more information on this bike in one thread than in the 9 years of on/off research that was mostly misinformation..
PS: sorry this is my only Merckx cycle.

Seat Tube (55.5cm center to center)
Top Tube (58.5 center to center)

Motorola riders that used this size frame?

Steering tube, seat tube and chain stays and have reinforcement. Still checking downtube with camera.

[Emerxil]

This is a frame built for Dag Otto Lauritzen
And this is an interesting link to other Motorola/Lauritzen frames 91/92
https://forums.roadbikereview.com/retro-classic/dag-otto-lauritzen-eddy-merckx-49867.html

[Kai]

Hey Emerxi,

I was wondering if you could give me some information on my Eddy Merckx.

Serial number is: A 8826 E

I think its a Corsa Extra but doesn't have the sticker. It also has kind of Teardrop shaped tubes on the seat tube and down tube.

Here are some Photos.

Thanks in advance,

Kai

[Fivethumbs]

If anyone has a Stuttgart Merckx please post a photo of your steerer tube sticker. This is from my Stuttgart Corsa Extra. I cannot determine what the letters are that make up the paint code. Perhaps if someone else posts theirs we can figure it out.

[merckxman]

I believe this is a Professional Aerodynamic, made with Columbus aero tubeset, early 80s. Mr. E. will know.

Hey Emerxi,

I was wondering if you could give me some information on my Eddy Merckx.

Serial number is: A 8826 E

I think its a Corsa Extra but doesn't have the sticker. It also has kind of Teardrop shaped tubes on the seat tube and down tube.

Here are some Photos.

Thanks in advance,

Kai

[Emerxil]

A E8826 - Eddy Merckx Aero Columbus SL built in early 1984, later repainted in EMC in Panasonic team colours.
This is not Corsa Extra (it will appear 2.5 years later), this is not an SLX (it will appear half a year later, besides you can see the rest of the Columbus SL sticker), this is not Aerodynamics (because it is not De Rosa), this is not the Columbus Aero (because at EMC they had a big press for flattening tubes and they liked to use it very much)
A beautiful bike, about 40 times rarer than Corsa Extra...

[merckxman]

Good details, thank you.
this is not the Columbus Aero (because at EMC they had a big press for flattening tubes and and they liked to use it very much)
A beautiful bike, about 40 times rarer than Corsa Extra...

[Kai]

Thanks so much Emerxil and merckxman. It is great to find out so much about my bike!

[ckamp]

Hello @Emerxil perhaps someone can assist with this frame? :)

St: 62.5
Tt: 59.5
Ht: 20.5

[Emerxil]

A X Z622? - Eddy Merckx Pro SLX (built with SPX/SLX tubes) from early 1986 in the colours of the Panasonic team

[ckamp]

A X Z622? - Eddy Merckx Pro SLX (built with SPX/SLX tubes) from early 1986 in the colours of the Panasonic team

Thanks.

Yes there is a "X A 0 6220 Z" on the BB. I dont see any initials as the team bikes sometimes had them. Number hanger must have been requested I guess.

I found several with and without the corsa extra logo in the exact internal cable routing/number hanger config. Some of the team bikes in the same config also have no corsa logo (as long as the internal routing is there)

Example: https://www.velosaloon.com/products/eddy-merckx-corsa-extra-team-panasonic-frame-56-cm-c-t-54-5-cm-c-c-columbus-slx

With corsa sticker:
https://goo.gl/images/Hy6pf8

Any comments to why there would be corsa sticker or not? (unless removed?)

[Emerxil]

The "Golden stickers" with the names of EMC models appeared in 1986 from the serial number ~Z7700 (this is why the frames in the 1986 catalogue do not have any "golden stickers" yet, and the frames in the 1987 catalogue have them); the only exception was the 3-Athlete model, which was first given these stickers in 1984.
At that time the Criterium model appeared, the Pro model turned into the Corsa Extra with this magic trick, and finally the Corsa model was marked (produced since 1985).
Professional (who never was - officially) never got any gold sticker, and ~2 months later he went down in history...
Frame details (most of them available on request) have nothing to do with it...

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

[jerre]

Hi,

I’ve got this Merckx and suppose it’s an MX Leader from about 1995?
The frame has no stickers though and I haven’t seen this colour anywhere else on the internet…

This is the serial number on the bb:
left: H right: F7149

Any thoughts about it? Thanks!

[Emerxil]

1995 - OK
The frame was repainted - not by EMC...

[pobrien]

Hi Emerxil,

I have a Strada with Columbus Cromor tubing. The frame is a lovely green with a slash of white at the crankset area and red above that and then all green.

The stamping under the crankset is 8M adn 2876.

I bought the frame from a gentleman in the Netherlands a few years ago and it is a great bike.

The bike is quite pedestrian compared to some of the others you have looked at for fellow forumunites but I like it!

Anything you could tell me would be appreciated.

Regards,

Patrick

[Hindmost]

An Eddy Merckx can only become pedestrian when you run out of spares or patches. Picture?

[Emerxil]

M is the designation of the Strada model from 1986 to 1991
If you find it in 2876:
A - this is an early Strada from early 1987
B - end 1988
C - end 1990
...photos are definitely welcome :)

[Jef58]

Hi Emerxil,

I have a Strada with Columbus Cromor tubing. The frame is a lovely green with a slash of white at the crankset area and red above that and then all green.

The stamping under the crankset is 8M adn 2876.

I bought the frame from a gentleman in the Netherlands a few years ago and it is a great bike.

The bike is quite pedestrian compared to some of the others you have looked at for fellow forumunites but I like it!

Anything you could tell me would be appreciated.

Regards,

Patrick

I had a Strada as well, with Gara tubes. A great riding bike. I really doubt if I could tell the difference if it had higher end tubing. Once you dip into a great riding bike, your tastes changes and you get a little more picky on how you want your bikes to ride.

[pobrien]

Hi Emerxil and Jef58,

I appreciate the information. Thank you very much.

I tried to attach a photo but could not shrink it in size enough. Am technically challenged! The bike has been kept well by the previous owner.

The bike is beautiful and rides really well.

Regards,

Patrick

[Gsinill]

I have a lead on what the seller claims to be a pre-production EM frame made by Ugo.
Serial# on the BB shell reads 6 343 and the weird part is a decal on the chainstay cap rather than the early engraved signature.
Legit?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/d434d7ce7f3634c5f2a6a25fe0427f5c.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/92c81339bd53ff2508f9928d16b8b655.jpg

[Emerxil]

There is not a single confirmed frame sold as 'Eddy Merckx' and certainly built by De Rosa ...
This is a frame from 1980 (more photos!) built in Meise; "empty" seatstay caps are rare, but they are genuine EMC... This is the first time I have seen such stickers - thank you :)

[Gsinill]

There is not a single confirmed frame sold as 'Eddy Merckx' and certainly built by De Rosa ...

This is a frame from 1980 (more photos!) built in Meise; "empty" seatstay caps are rare, but they are genuine EMC... This is the first time I have seen such stickers - thank you :)



Thank you! Seller Is in Belgium and claims he found it Close to Meise in a castle.

More pictures:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/a3fbf8bef71ae4555708928b235d3317.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/53d18ca7ede7e6892b34f118d12abadc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/544c32cb883f49efecbfb043ce1d66a7.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/58afc8d85f2613454798273cff2a1315.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/512d0370d9373ff353f05f3b73c5291e.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/84d55e63d78bc292a34c7e71f3e9cad2.jpg

[Hindmost]

Very nice frame. How would you explain what appears to be paint wear adjacent to the downtube shifters?

[Gsinill]

Very nice frame. How would you explain what appears to be paint wear adjacent to the downtube shifters?

He said the frame has wear and tear and he wanted to maintain it as patina.
Supposedly he spent 250 Euro to have it preserved:

"The frames has wear and tear. Actually only rust and paint missing. Stickers are overal in very good condition. The restauration is a repaint with original pain of the toptube, little patches on other spots and a complete new clear coat on the whole frame. So the rust stays as patina and the frame is like new."

[colker]

Thank you! Seller Is in Belgium and claims he found it Close to Meise in a castle.

More pictures:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/a3fbf8bef71ae4555708928b235d3317.jpg[IMG]

Pure class.

[Emerxil]

If you can show the markings on the steering tube

[Gsinill]

If you can show the markings on the steering tube


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200830/67870be96921987a3b5a0fb59f1fb1fe.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200830/b8c2bd0fff4ad64557d7c0ee893e6ebc.jpg

[Emerxil]

There should be a serial number

[Gsinill]

There should be a serial number

Nope, seller says just the "4".

[merckxman]

That's an upside down, as pictured, Columbus logo.

[Emerxil]

In the early series, a serial number was stamped on the steering tube (later information sheets were placed there)
Frame size designation on BB cover - 6,
size designation on the fork - 4...
I have already seen the differences in factory sets, but it has never been more than 1

[Monsieur Toast]

Anyone else see that upside down Columbus logo and think of the Big Lebowski?

I'll be seeing myself out now ...

[Hindmost]

I was fascinated by the amount of pitting in the crown race.

[rohan]

This is a not a frame identification question, but does anyone have or have any tips for touch-up paint for a 1988 Eddy Merckx Team ADR Corsa Extra? I am looking for the blue specifically.

Feel free to send me a note if you have any advice.

[Gsinill]

I was fascinated by the amount of pitting in the crown race.

Which seems to be in line with the rest of the frame which apparently is well used.

[merckxman]

About a year after purchasing my 1993/94 Motorola MXL I got a scratch I wanted to touch up. Contacted GITA which said "Sorry, not available." I reached out to a friend in Belgium who was extremely tenacious in attempting to get the touch-up paint. Eventually, many months later this arrived. Still have it in case I need it.

[McCycle]

Hi there,

Just purchased this (image attached) from a garden sale for dirt cheap. Couldn't help myself as it looked great. It's been half restored by the previous owner with new wheels, pedals etc and a resprayed frame. I'm guessing it may have just been built up from the frame alone.

What I wasn't sure is whether the frame is actually an Eddy Merckz? The stickers are new so no official evidence there. On the bottom bracket all I can make out is 'W 1 A'. There are then two different numbers on either side of the rear dropout. These are 289536 and G1079 on the left and right side respectively.

Would be grateful if anyone could shed any light on the frame?

Also any advise on the kind of derailleur to get would also be great :)

Cheers!

[ultraman6970]

U have to use a an adapter, like the ones you find in those old 70s low end collegiate bikes.

IMO dude just put the decals in there, but the chrome lugs... maybe an english EM repainted.

[Hindmost]

...but the chrome lugs... maybe an english EM repainted...

Yes, it's possibly a Falcon issued EM. Those were simply a branding activity and doesn't mean a high quality frame.

[Emerxil]

This frame was not built in the EMC in Meise
Check the BB thread size:
- if it is 35 x 1 = French or Swiss
- if it is 36 x 24 = Italian
- if BSC = rest of Europe or Japan

[paredown]

Hi there,

Just purchased this (image attached) from a garden sale for dirt cheap. Couldn't help myself as it looked great. It's been half restored by the previous owner with new wheels, pedals etc and a resprayed frame. I'm guessing it may have just been built up from the frame alone.

What I wasn't sure is whether the frame is actually an Eddy Merckz? The stickers are new so no official evidence there. On the bottom bracket all I can make out is 'W 1 A'. There are then two different numbers on either side of the rear dropout. These are 289536 and G1079 on the left and right side respectively.

Would be grateful if anyone could shed any light on the frame?

Also any advise on the kind of derailleur to get would also be great :)

Cheers!
Need a shot of the head badge and front fork crown.

There were three manufacturers who made "Eddy Merckx" frames under license, before Eddy started his own factory with deRosa's help.

Falcon (English); Kessels (Belgium) --and the third escapes me for now.

While they are mostly dismissed as inferior bikes, they were produced by both Falcon and Kessels in a range from the pretty awful to the pretty decent--Falcon's top line "Merckx" was the same spec as their top line Falcon San Remo--all 531DB tubing and Campagnolo equipped. By report, the best of the Kessels ones were even better--a good workmanlike frame as good as any other top factory frame from the time...

This is one of the licensed bikes, but some closeups would help to identify it...

[osbk67]

This is one of the licensed bikes, but some closeups would help to identify it...

What current information possibly indicates this is a licensed bike?

[paredown]

What current information possibly indicates this is a licensed bike?

Not a product of the Merckx factory, IMO. The factory bikes start being built in 1980--and there were never bikes made in that factory with stamped rear dropouts or chrome lugs AFAIK. Also the curve on the fork blades looks English, seat stay attachment doesn't look like the factory style, there is the absence of braze-ons, no derailleur tab, no bottle braze-ons (suggesting pre-1980s)--I could go on, but that's a short list...

I think it is likely a repaint of one of the Falcon Merckxs as has already been suggested, but I would like to see a close up of the fork especially... The Kessels crown is quite distinctive.

[osbk67]

I agree 100% that the frame is not a product of the Merckx factory. Zero chance.

I also think there's no current evidence here that it's a licensed product either.

I'll be surprised if the serial number or anything else proves otherwise.

[Emerxil]

- Jeunet and Starnord ( France ) - Schauff ( Germany ) - Allegro ( Switzerland ) - Miyata ( Japan ) - Velosport ( Italy ) - Falcon ( Great Britain ) - Kessels ( Belgium )
...a little more than three...

[paredown]

- Jeunet and Starnord ( France ) - Schauff ( Germany ) - Allegro ( Switzerland ) - Miyata ( Japan ) - Velosport ( Italy ) - Falcon ( Great Britain ) - Kessels ( Belgium )
...a little more than three...
Thanks for the correction--Schauff was the third I couldn't think of. The only ones I have seen personally are the Falcon and Kessels. The others you list I did not know about.

[McCycle]

Hi All,

Many thanks for your input. I've attached some more pictures for your pleasure. I notice that the fork crown just has decals as opposed to any engraving, and based on your feeedback, my best guess is that the frame could be a Falcon or Kessels EM (if EM at all). It also would seem the lack of derailleur hanger would indicate a low end frame.

Cheers!

[Stj]

I have a MX Leader that I’m currently working to get in working condition. Serial is D 8864. It’s been painted over but I think it’s a Motorola team issue.

Based on what I’ve been able to find online, I think it’s a 1993 but would love any other info anyone has.

Not a ton of tall riders on the 93 team so I think it narrows down the rider to Axel or possibly Hincape ( if it’s 93 that is).

Any additional info would be greatly appreciated.

I’m currently working on getting it painted and set up to ride modern groupset and will share pictures once I have the build completed.

[Emerxil]

Frame built in autumn 1993... that is for the 1994 season - if it is a team bike, look for a profi from this season
Check the markings on the steering tube - maybe they survived

[firingsquad]

Some crazy information in here

[Stj]

Thank you very much for the info. The fork tag unfortunately is not legible.

The frame is quite large, roughly 60x60 so I think that narrows it down to rider as I think the 94 Motorola team had 4 tallish cyclists (Hincapie, Merckx, Yates and I think Anderson). I have seen Yates frames before that were 60x60 and I believe I saw a Hincapie frame that was also 60x60 so might be theirs.

Anyway looking forward to building it up, I test rode it and loved the ride. Its heavy but Im faster on it than my lighter Litespeed Vortex which is titanium. These are really great bikes.

[RonW87]

The Axel Merckx frame I've seen on here had a crazy slack seat tube angle.

[Stj]

That's a great point, this bike seems to have a 72.5 degree seat tube angle. Do you happen to recall what Axel was using?

[RonW87]

https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=254804&highlight=axel+merckx

[Stj]

Thank you for sending that. That looks like 70 degrees roughly which to me seems pretty radical but he was a tall dude.

[ncsu]

Hello Cycling Friends.

I recently accidentally purchased a 7-11 EM frame, and I'm working to restore it. The BB code is L-7X--B-3375. My research is that is is a 1989 7-11 team frame (correct me if I'm wrong).

Anyway, to where I need help. A friend of mine gave me a 1" threaded headset. The threads of the headset-bearing-cup fits the threads of the fork. However, I can't get the upper and lower -bearing-cups to fit into the frame. It is like they are 1/16" too big. Also, I can't get the fork-crown-race to sit at the bottom of the steerer tube. Again, it is like the flange on the bottom of the steerer tube is slightly too big for the fork-crown-race. The headset is branded as "OFMEGA", which I have never heard of.

Any advice?

Joshua

[ncsu]

.

[ultraman6970]

NCSU... all the EM frames I know use ISO specification... you have something else in there.

Ofmega is an italian manufacturer, think they went out of business long time ago. Their headsets should be ISO but who knows at this point.

GEt a good caliper and measure that really well, btw... a caliper in metric. One in inches will make eveything way too complicated.

[Emerxil]

B3375 L7X - Corsa Extra SLX/SPX 1989, full "technical" designation does not indicate that it is "team bike"

[ncsu]

NCSU... all the EM frames I know use ISO specification... you have something else in there.

Ofmega is an italian manufacturer, think they went out of business long time ago. Their headsets should be ISO but who knows at this point.

GEt a good caliper and measure that really well, btw... a caliper in metric. One in inches will make eveything way too complicated.

Ultraman6970,

No, apparently I've never installed a headset before. All I needed was a bearing pusher to seat the headtube cups. I have installed the headset. Just took a little mechanical advantage and grease.

However.....
.... my steerer tube is too short. I'm assuming the headset I'm using is too tall. Does anyone have a suggestion on a low-profile threaded headset?

Joshua

[ncsu]

B3375 L7X - Corsa Extra SLX/SPX 1989, full "technical" designation does not indicate that it is "team bike"

Thanks Emerxil.

I'm assuming it is a team edition as it is painted such, and appears to be original paint.

[Mike V]

Shimano 600, Dura Ace, Chris King two nut. All low stack.

Ultraman6970,

No, apparently I've never installed a headset before. All I needed was a bearing pusher to seat the headtube cups. I have installed the headset. Just took a little mechanical advantage and grease.

However.....
.... my steerer tube is too short. I'm assuming the headset I'm using is too tall. Does anyone have a suggestion on a low-profile threaded headset?

Joshua

[Fivethumbs]

Two low stack headsets I use are the Tange Passage and Tange Levin. The Passage is the lowest I've found.

[tctyres]

However.....
.... my steerer tube is too short. I'm assuming the headset I'm using is too tall. Does anyone have a suggestion on a low-profile threaded headset?


Take the headset off that you have on there, including the cups.

Put the fork all the way into the headtube. Measure the part that sticks out at the top. That measurement is the amount of stack you have available, and it will tell you what the maximum stack on your headset should be.

Alternatively, if you don't want to take off the headset cups, measure the steerer tube from the crown (bottom of crown race) to the top of the steerer tube threads. Then, measure the head tube from end to end. Subtracting the numbers gives you the stack height.

The first method eliminates parallax or other errors, so is better. The second method will get the job done, too.

Once you have the measurement, you can get the headset you need. I have a very low stack black Shimano 105 headset here if that interests you.