Eddy Merckx Corsa L'Eroica Race Machine

[Classicvelo]

Greetings.
Here are some photos of a purpose built L'Eroica race bike. While L'Eroica is definitely not a race, there are always a group of strong guys going as fast as they can on the front. I rode this Eddy Merckx Corsa with different parts and wheels in 2021. This build is the evolution of that setup to make the most efficient L'Eroica legal bike. This frame is great for very long rides! Not too stiff, but still climbs well.

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It's mostly C-Record with Racing T derailleurs.
Big barrel last generation C-Record retro friction shifters
A TA Triplizer gives 28/40/48 front gearing
Phil Wood bb
Velo Orange Gran Cru cartridge bearing headset
7 speed Dura Ace freewheel 13-24
Custom wheels built be Peter Chisholm
130mm rear spacing

The handlebar tape is better on this one!

[mhespenheide]

Kudos. That looks great.

[AngryScientist]

Perfecto! My kind of rig. The triple retains the classic gearset look, but with usable real world ratios. Nice work.

I'm hooked and ready to go back!

[lorenbike]

This is a cool ride too. You’re making me rethink a triple. How do you like this version of the flite saddle?

[Classicvelo]

Originally Posted by lorenbike

This is a cool ride too. You’re making me rethink a triple. How do you like this version of the flite saddle?

I have a couple of these saddles, and they vary greatly. I have one that's super comfortable. I haven't ridden any long rides on this one (I used a B-17 when I did L'Eroica on this frame). It's a good shape, but maybe a bit stiff.

[Classicvelo]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

Perfecto! My kind of rig. The triple retains the classic gearset look, but with usable real world ratios. Nice work.

I'm hooked and ready to go back!

Beautiful roads, for sure. My favorite cycling event. )

[Classicvelo]

Originally Posted by mhespenheide

Kudos. That looks great.

Thanks! )

[Alistair]

How do you find the old-school bar and hood shape compared to a modern bend and hood? Have you (or anybody else) tried a newer bar shape with the vintage levers?

I'm just a bit too young to have ridden the older style and just looking at it makes my wrists hurt.

[Fat Cat]

Originally Posted by Alistair

How do you find the old-school bar and hood shape compared to a modern bend and hood? Have you (or anybody else) tried a newer bar shape with the vintage levers?

I'm just a bit too young to have ridden the older style and just looking at it makes my wrists hurt.

It's easy enough to just tilt the bars a bit and move the levers up. SOP BITD

[Classicvelo]

Originally Posted by Alistair

How do you find the old-school bar and hood shape compared to a modern bend and hood? Have you (or anybody else) tried a newer bar shape with the vintage levers?

I'm just a bit too young to have ridden the older style and just looking at it makes my wrists hurt.

I'm so used to it, that I don't notice it at all. Remember that many guys rode thousands of miles on equipment like this. Tours de France and everything else. )