Early 1980s Eddy Merckx
1985 Eddy Merckx
This Eddy Merckx is a terrific example of European racing bikes in the early 1980s.
The specs are completely predictable for their time: Columbus SL cromoly frame tubing, Campagnolo Super Record component group, Cinelli bars, stem, saddle and Ambrosio tubular (sew-up) wheels. The close ratio freewheel told other riders that this bike belonged to a racer, not a tourist.
The Belgian marqee name (Eddy was, and still is, the most successful bike racer of all time) announced that the owner had an appreciation for old world cycling heritage.
Beautiful brakes and Merckx badge
Campy Record crankset
Campy Super Record 1979-1985 era
In its era, this bike was much lighter and better handling than American or Japanese alternatives. It rode in a smooth and responsive manner that you could only get from a European brand. Bikes like this came from builders who had spent decades racing on narrow, twisty, and often cobbled old world roads.
Merckx seat lug detail
This particular bike, originally owned by Bill Jacoby, was for sale from the museum collection. Our sale ad created a minor stir in the bike world when the writer BikeSnobNYC took us to task over it. We had suggested that “anyone buying this bike for a “fixie conversion” would be shot”. The Snob rightly pointed out that the buyer could turn this bike into a flat-handlebar-single-speed-recumbent-grocery-hauler if they so choose. Absolutely. Kind of like a classic Corvette converted to four wheel drive and being used to tow snowmobiles, but he was absolutely right.