EDDY MERCKX CATÁLOGO 2012

Eddy MErckx cyclEs cataloguE 201 2

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training caMp in calpE

The Quick-Step team’s training a glimpse behind the scenes gran Fondo Eddy MErckx

A chance to ride alongside a legend

Eddy MErckx cyclEs cataloguE 201 2

issue

02 > 2012

c a t a l o g u E

201 2

uMx sEriEs urban bikEs

Flaming orange and made of steel

02 > 2012

issue

02 > 2012

editorial page 03

The Quick-Step team’s training camp in Calpe

Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx

page 04

page 18

Do you want to see how professional cyclists train?

See what they eat for breakfast and what they do in their downtime!

emx-7 emx-5

5 Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx specials give you the chance to ride alongside the legend himself.

Feel what it´s like to ride in a mass start race.

emx-3 emx-1 efx-1

The Eddy Merckx Cycles Company

The creation of an Urban Legend

a frame for life

page 28

page 32

page 40

Made of steel and based on the famous flaming

We believe in the strength and reliability of our

orange “hour-record” 1972 bike, the fabulous new

frames and so offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Eddy Merckx started his company over 30 years ago. Times and materials were very different, but the passion and the attention to detail were there from the beginning.

UMX series tips its hat to fixies and single gear bikes, and shows how urban bikes can be both safe and cool.

amx-3 afx-1 umx-s

2012 bike range

geometries

page 42

page 44

3

A lot has happened since last year, and there is much to look forward to.

Our sponsorship of the Quick-Step cycling team continues and we are making very good use of our privileged relations there by getting good feedback from the team on the bikes. We’ve had positive reactions and interesting conversations, particularly during the Calpe training sessions at the beginning of the season. I do enjoy the chat and banter that goes with riding in a team, and the testing and input on the bikes received is both useful and excellent.

The Quick-Step experience is good for us and good for you too - not only does it keep us up to date with the latest demands of top cyclists, it lets us test our bikes in the most severe conditions. Our aim is to get to the end of a season without any frame failures, and we do. For you this means we offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all our frames, it’s easy to register your bike via our website - and we encourage all new owners to do so.

At Eddy Merckx Cycles, we’ve never tried to make the lightest bike, but we’ve always aimed to make the safest one.

With carbon fibre technology, the weight issue is now a non-issue - everyone makes a light bike - and in any case none of us can go below the minimum mass stipulated by the UCI. We all know that if we want to race our bikes, they have to be above that minimum weight. I have always believed that it’s more important that the cyclist rides and controls his bike, not the other way round!

There are 5 Gran Fondo “Eddy Merckx” events this year, and we are proud that two of them have been chosen as official events in the UCI World Cycling Tour. We are also very much looking forward to the final event in Eugendorf near Salzburg. It’s the 5th edition of the Eddy Merckx Classic, and it’s there we’ll present the winner of the “Ride with Eddy” campaign with his EMX-5 bike. He’ll also accompany me around the circuit in what should be quite a day.

We’ve moved! We’re now a little closer to Brussels city centre and in a much bigger space. There’s plenty of room for the stock and our workshop team. The place has got a good feel to it, and I’m confident it’s a good move. All in all, we’re well set up and happy to say that our bikes are now available in 21 countries. And talking about city centres, we’re also ready with our new range of UMX bikes - our urban collection. They’re based on the look of my old Mexico hour bike. They’re just safer and more comfortable! Just wait until you try it!

Good luck and ride with passion,

Eddy Merckx

founder

carbon series

spain

calpe

Twice a year, the Belgian Quick-Step team goes to a

training camp in Calpe (near Alicante, Spain) before the beginning of the season.

Mid December Tom Boonen and co. first landed on the Costa Blanca where they were confronted not only with the shape they were in, but also with their brand new EMX-5 and EMX-7 bikes.

Š Frieke Janssens

It was love at first sight...

training camp in Calpe

a glimpse behind the scenes

The Quick-Step team’s training camp in Calpe - carbon series

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

5

The

carbon series Sylvain Chavanel became French road race champion in 2011.

A break 25 km from the end saw the time trial champion of 2005, 2006 and 2008 finally get the road race jersey he coveted. A group of 16 took off shortly after the start, and while there was jockeying for position, it was an attack with 45 km to go that put Sylvain ahead. With 25 km, he was alone out front and at one stage © Frieke Janssens

had a lead of over a minute. He won by over half a minute from Anthony Roux and

© Frieke Janssens

Thomas Voeckler.

Smile with Eddy

Diamante Beach in Calpe heaven on earth for professional cycling teams in training.

Eddy Merckx was also present at the training camp. In Calpe, Merckx posed together with the members of the team for

When the Quick-Step Team sits down at the breakfast table at the Hotel Diamante Beach for the first time, it’s immediately

the new Eddy Merckx

clear. They are by no means the only cycling team to have come up with the idea of training in the mountains behind

Cycles marketing campaign ‘Ride with Eddy’. During

Calpe. The men from amongst others Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator, Katusha and Astana are enjoying their first breakfast

the photo shoot, Merckx

in Spain at the resort.

and the Quick-Step leaders were soon recognised by tourists spending the winter in Calpe who naturally also

Cold spaghetti with brown sugar for breakfast? Or do you prefer a slice of dry bread and a glass of buttermilk?

wanted a picture with the cycling legends.

You can admire the results

The entire Quick-Step team is down to breakfast on time. Gert Steegmans is happy to see his team mates again, after having

of the shoot on

been away from Quick-Step for two years. And his team mates are also enthusiastic about his return, “Yikes, it’s been a long

www.ridewitheddy.com.

time!”, “Everything OK Gert?”, and are looking forward to riding with him again. What’s noticeable during breakfast is that

The shoot for the marketing campaign that is.

all the riders each fill up on mountains of all kinds of breakfast cereals: Honey Pops, Smacks, Special K... Honey, all kinds of jam and food supplements are also popular breakfast foods. Tom Boonen’s favourite breakfast? A bowl of Special K covered with skimmed milk and a Meli honey cake with a cup or two of strong coffee. Eddy Merckx, who has come along on this occasion: “I prefer the sausages, scrambled eggs and fresh fruit from the buffet” (laughs).

Calpe, where the Flemish feel at home

Calpe is known to most Flemish citizens as the ideal place for pensioners to spend the winter, which is understandable, considering its microclimate and more

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

7

than 2,800 hours of sunshine a year and an average annual temperature of 19°. But in addition to these ideal climatological conditions,

> An early start for the team in Calpe.

© Frieke Janssens

Calpe is extremely suitable for organising a training camp thanks to the enormous variation of the countryside and the excellent condition

After breakfast, down to the nitty-gritty Just before leaving the hotel, most of the riders see their brand-new EMX-5 or EMX-7 for the first time, shining outside in the sun. Everyone is pleasantly surprised by the cool look of the colouring and stripes of the Quick-Step

of the roads.

Future Flemish riders at the top

Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator,

team’s colours. When the first “oooohs” and “aaaaahs” have faded away, the 27 top riders cycle into the mountains

the Flemish cycling team

behind Calpe for a ride that will last almost 5 hours. And who’s riding up front? Of course: Eddy Merckx himself

that is also sponsored by

who has travelled with the team to taste the ambience and also do a photo shoot, together with the team. In the

Eddy Merckx Cycles, stayed at the same hotel and also

beginning Merckx complains a little about it being nippy, but after the first two climbs we hear Boonen say to

trained on the Costa Blanca

Merckx: “Warming up a bit Eddy?”

in Spain. For many riders of

Clearly he’s not forgotten how to ride.

the Quick-Step team it was a happy reunion with former

The 2012 team bike At the present time, the colour scheme of the

Chavanel and the Eddy Merckx Bicycle, the perfect match.

“I’m constantly working on how to sit on the bike as

2012 team bike has not been

efficiently as possible. The

finalised, but as soon as it is,

bike fitting we get here is

you´ll be the first to know.

fantastic. But apparently there wasn’t much more we

Check out the website,

could do to improve my

www.eddymerckx.com, for

seat.” (laughs)

the latest information and sign up for our regular newsletter.

The Quick-Step team’s training camp in Calpe - carbon series

colleagues.

carbon series

Because alone is still alone Twice a year, the entire Quick-Step team goes to a training camp to prepare for the new season.

They go for the first time in mid December and then again in mid January, for just under a week each time. In addition the riders naturally also train individually. For example Tom Boonen and Gert Steegmans have a personal trainer in Monaco and © Frieke Janssens

they also often train together with riders from other teams who live in Monaco.

Or is it more a case of the riders letting him ride up front out of respect for the Master?

The group is split into two for the training that follows: the climbers are given climbs and mountains; the other © Frieke Janssens

riders, including Tom Boonen, get to enjoy themselves on a more varied course.

Greedy guts!

Tom with Quick-

In the meantime the sun and temperatures have risen considerably and the riders fortify the inner self with lots of

Step until 2013

It’s been confirmed that

water, bananas, rice tarts and Meli Honey waffles. A scuffle breaks out for the last can of cola that had to be saved

Tom will stay with Quick-

until the end of the training. In the end Boonen drinks most of the can, leading to comments from his team mates:

Step for the next couple

“Hey, greedy guts!”

of years. Quick-Step has been built around Tom’s

Italian driving skills

talent and it was his first team when he turned professional in 2003. As he said after signing the

A handful of journalists from a few Belgian newspapers are given the honour of attending this Quick-Step training

contract, “I feel great

session from the official following car. And that’s not as easy as it seems on these climbing and winding mountain

here, it’s like a family.

roads. Since as many pictures as possible have to be taken, Alessandro, the Quick-Step team’s press officer, completely

The whole set-up is professional which is

ignoring all the exhortations and cautious remarks of his passengers, flies back and forth to make sure the journalists

exactly what I want.”

get the best pictures. A few of them will remember Alessandro’s driving skills for the rest of their lives. Just like the

Good for Tom and good

sharp drops he brushes past during this crazy ride.

for the team is the first few victories of the year, and as he said “reaching this agreement will be a further incentive to do

Italian Catenaccio on Spanish soil?

my best in the next few races and so give the soon as possible”.

Supper follows after a day of training and riding. In general the riders are all © Frieke Janssens

team new successes as

tucked up by around 10 pm. However one evening a sports quiz was organised, and on another a footy match between the Belgian and Italian members of the team. Belgium was resoundingly beaten 6-1.

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

9

ultimate race bike

EMX-7 “EDDY MERCKX ANNIVERSARY” BIKE What kind of a bike do you give the man who has given everything to cycling? Just another bike? Or a personalized “Eddy Merckx Anniversary” edition EMX-7 ?

Eddy recently celebrated his 65th birthday, and we wanted to give him something extra special to mark the occasion.

So we took the best we have the EMX-7, and made a limited “Anniversary” edition frame.

The bike is a tribute to the 525 victories and successes that Eddy Merckx has had over the years and each major race win has been recorded on the special Lightweight carbon fiber wheels for posterity.

The EMX-7 is as near to perfection as we’ve come so far.

A fitting tribute to the man that we believe is the greatest cyclist of all time.

Eddy MErckx cyclEs catalogue 2011

colour Limited Edition White MSRP: $21,000 (Complete Bike)

ThE BEsT MEANs oF dEFENcE is ATTAck - ultiMate race bike

9

carbon series

colour Black White

frame Carbon CL+ 620 OSR – 1K

EMC Sizes 50/52/54/56/58/60 For details, check geometry chart p. 44

fork Carbon Aerofork – 1K Tapered 1 1/8” – 1 ½”

STIFFNESS TO WEIGHT 130Nm/°/kg

MSRP:

CL+ FRG

STW (Nm/°/kg) 130

140

120

OSR

100

140

120

EMX-7

EMX-5

FRG EMX-3

EMX-1

CARBON LAMINATE + FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

CARBON LAMINATE +

OSR

CL+

FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

7000

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

EMS

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

7000

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

EMS

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

$6000 (Frameset Only)

The Quick-Step team’s training camp in Calpe - carbon series

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

13

carbon series

Advanced Composite Design regular round seat tube

1 2 3 4

GPa 620 Fiber Combination Carbon Laminate + OSR technology ABAQUS lay-up optimisation

2

airfoil shape seat tube

Aerodynamic shape design

1 2 3 4

Airfoil shaped tubing Airfoil shaped seatpost design

Cd = 0,12

Integrated Aerofork design Internal cables (smooth design)

1

Optimal Power Transfer

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

3

Asymmetric chain stay Tapered head tube 1,5 – 1 1/8 inch Oversized bottom bracket

000 OSR

CL+ + CL

optimized

carbon

structural

laminate +

CARBON LAMINATE +

2

CARBON LAMINATE +

1

MS S

stiffness fibers are used in combination with high-strength fibers to achieve unparalleled performance.

They are used in different strategic areas of the bike, as and when required. The front fork for example needs both for optimum weight reduction and improved stiffness and feel.

Carbon fiber bikes are made using sheets of carbon fiber, and these are built up in layers one on top of the other. The Carbon Laminate + process, developed by and for Eddy Merckx Cycles, assemble the sheets together in ways that maximise the strength and rigidity of the resulting frame.

The result? Optimized performance, comfort and weight.

FRG

FRG

1 FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

Advanced high modular

FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

reinforcement

SR

R

Cd = 1,2

MSRP: $6000 (Framset Only)

1

3 2 3 4

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

colour Black Red

The Quick-Step team’s training camp in Calpe - carbon series

15

2

4

3

carbon series And the jury’s scores are?

Victory in Stage 1 at the Tour of Qatar

After this varied drive with a few sharp climbs, the riders have been able to make an initial evaluation of the shape

After riding to seventh place

they’re in. Luckily everyone’s in good shape. And the talk is all positive about the Eddy Merckx bikes.

in the prologue, Tom Boonen

The driving qualities of both the EMX-5 and the EMX-7 receive great acclaim from the entire team. One of the

won the first stage in the Tour of Qatar. He was part of

differences between the EMX-5 and the EMX-7 is the fusion of the frame with the saddle, which leads to even

a breakaway of 19 riders -

more stability. So, applause from all sides. And the applause kept coming, even after the other 16 rides each lasting

alongside teammates Gert

4 to 5 hours that the riders made in the mountains.

Steegmans and Nikolas Maes. The strong wind on the course caused a split into several groups, meaning that the next group was

Perfect isn’t good enough

some 5 minutes behind.

In the decisive sprint Boonen

Two professional ‘bike fitters’ have come along from the Leuven sports university to fit the Eddy Merckx bikes per-

showed some impressive

fectly to each rider’s physique and how they distribute their strength. This investigation is carried out at least once a

speed, beating Haussler and Renshaw with a powerful

year for each rider. The pressure points of the knees, feet, back and bottom are monitored with electrodes on the

sprint.

rider’s body. Everything is visualised and registered on the computer. The seat of the rider and the height of the handle bars, the saddle, the distance between the saddle and handle bars and the length of the pedal cranks can, if neces-

Top of the

sary, be adjusted, to fit the rider’s size and physique perfectly. In this way bike and rider become one.

sprinters

END

in Wevelgem

By winning the GentWevelgem race for the second time, Tom established that he is still one of the top sprinters of his generation.

After a tough 203 km, there was a mass sprint at the end - so Mount Kemmel was not decisive this year. It was again Gert Steegmans that led the sprint out, so giving Tom and Quick-Step their second victory of the year.

Seven years after his victory in the race, and the one that shot him to prominence - this win was particularly sweet coming at the beginning of the season and after a long fight with injury.

The victory also put the team up the World Tour rankings good for the sponsors and good for the moral.

> The EMX-7 has an integrated seat post that both enhances aerodynamics and increases stiffness still further.

frame Carbon CL+ 500 OSR – 1K

EMC Sizes

emx-5 Black Red (BKR)

50/52/54/56/58/60

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

17

For more details, check geometry chart page 44

fork Carbon fork – 1K Tapered 1 1/8” – 1 ½” STIFFNESS TO WEIGHT 125Nm/°/kg

MSRP (USA): $3800 (Frameset only)

140

120

100

EMX-7 STW (Nm/°/kg) 125 EMX-5

EMX-3

EMX-1

EMX-5

EMX-3

EMX-1

140

120

100 EMX-7

140

geometries

page 52 120

The Quick-Step team’s training camp in Calpe - carbon series

emx-5 Black White (BKW)

carbon series

A chance to live & experience a group start one-day race

19 Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogus 2012

belgium u.k

austria

portugal italy

There are 5 gran fondo eddy merckx events this year: one

each in Portugal, Belgium, Italy, the UK and Austria.

But what exactly is a Gran Fondo? While these are ostensibly recreational events, they often attract a mixture of amateurs and active and retired professionals. Not officially races - though sometimes they feel like one - they are mass start events for fun! To add a bit of spice, Gold/Silver/Bronze medals are given to participants who make the tour within a certain time category, hence the race feel.The biggest Gran Fondo type events can attract literally 1000s of riders, and the Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx in Italy with more than 2000 riders must be the most spectacular of the 5 Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx events. With a mass start, these events are as close to the feel

experience. The chance to compete and compare yourself with so many other people is certainly an

Š João Carlos Manita

opportunity not to be missed, especially as there are often large crowds of spectators, refreshment stations - just like in a real tour event - and warm welcomes at the finish.

grand fondo - carbon series

of a professional cycle race as many amateurs will

made using sheets of

FRG

FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

FRG

Carbon fiber bikes are carbon fiber, and these are built up in layers

one on top of the other.

© Alain Buyck

CARBON LAMINATE +

CL+

carbon laminate +

FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

CL+

CARBON LAMINATE +

carbon series

The Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx events this year 8 May 2011 Évora / Portugal – 157 km

www.gfeddymerckxportugal.com

The Carbon Laminate +

With over amateur 250 participants, the Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx in Portugal was a success. “It was the first race of its

process, developed by

kind in Portugal, bringing together the core of keen amateur cyclists in the country”, says Joao Serralheiro, the organiser

and for Eddy Merckx Cycles, assemble the

and importer of Eddy Merckx Cycles in Portugal.

sheets together in ways that maximise the strength and rigidity of

12 June 2011 Brentino Belluno, Veneto / Italy – 155.5 km

www.granfondoeddymerckx.com

the resulting frame.

Brentino Belluno is a small town in the Province of Verona in the Italian region of Veneto, about 110 km west of Venice.

The result? Optimized

Limited to 2200 riders, the Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx Italy will for the first time be accredited “International GF Amateur”

performance, comfort

status, and as such will be the 5th and final stage of the circuit. The route this year contains 3204 metres of climbing.

and weight.

18 June 2011 Huy / Belgium – 175 km

www.granfondoeddymerckx.be

The Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx Belgium follows a classic route through the beautiful Ardennes scenery. For large parts of the event, it follows the route the professionals ride during the Liège-Bastogne-Liège and La Flêche Wallonne. The Gran Fondo starts in Huy and ends with the famous “Le Mur de Huy” (wall of Huy), a 1.3km 10% climb with a maximum ascent of 19%.

31 July 2011 Chard, Somerset / U.K. – 100 miles

www.granfondoeddymerckx.co.uk

The Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx will be the first Euro style Gran Fondo event to be held in the UK. A limited field of 1000 riders will be allowed to ride the course through the beautiful county of Somerset. As in all Gran Fondo events, there is a Cable protector

Eddy’s thought of

long list of rider extras and support services including refreshments and food along the way, free gifts, pasta party, full event village and goodie bags.

everything. Special Eddy Merckx branded frame protectors prevent cable

5 September 2011 Salzburgerland / Austria – 155 km

www.eddy-merckx-classic.com

rub and potential damage

This final event of the calendar is where the prize winner of the RidewithEddy.com competition receives his/her prize

if ever the cables touch

and then meets its maker! The ride around the picturesque Salzburg lakes is an unforgettable climax to the season, and

the frame when turning

just as in each of the events, Eddy Merckx himself will be there and ride in the event, though this time with “our” winner by

for example.

his side. A very professional set-up awaits the riders of this event and some stunning cycling too.

Preparation is key We interviewed one particular gentleman who plans to compete in (and

and the competition, but most of all I wanted to see how far I could go.”

complete) two Gran Fondo events this year, the one in Italy and the other

“Now I cycle to work every day - that’s 23 km in the morning and the

in Belgium. Only on his bike for about a year now, he is

same back in the evening, though sometimes I’ll go out

new to cycling. He has however always been a competitive

of my way to make it longer - just to get extra time in

sportsman, and was previously a keen amateur footballer.

As he explains, “training in those days was 3 times a week and a match at the weekend.” This gave him in that time as he says, “short power muscles”! He’s seen the change though since he took up cycling, and even after just a year in the saddle he can feel the difference - and see it too. “I’ve never been very heavy but am now 5 kg lighter than I was - in fact I’m down to 62 kg for a height of 1m75 - and that’s with me eating all I want. And another thing my muscles have definitely become longer and stronger.”

“the variation in climbs is good preparation for the race days ahead.”

“When I first started training, I took the time to read what

the saddle. On Mondays, I take it easy, it’s my wind down from the long ride on Sunday. The rest of the week, I vary it as I can, so that by Wednesday again I’m

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogus 2012

21

pushing myself hard.”

“There are at least 2 other guys training for the Gran Fondo events in my cycling club. It means that I’ve got some good company for those extra kilometres I do after the Sunday morning ride with the rest of the club. We try to get down to the Belgian Ardennes as often as possible - there’s so much more variety there, and the variation in climbs is good preparation for the race days ahead.”

kind of preparation was best for cycling. I’m 35 now, and before I started I had a medical check to see if everything was in good working

One piece of good advice? “Don’t forget to take the food offered at the

order! It was and still is, and so I started riding more regularly. It quickly be-

feeding stations, failure to do so can easily lead to a total collapse in

came clear why I was so attracted to the sport - I missed the physical challenge

form later in the event!”

internal cables of the EMX-3

A cool new feature that is both practical and beautiful is when the cables are neatly and cleanly passed through an internal cable routing, as on this EMX-3 frame.

sleeker, smoother and sexier, meaning that the aerodynamics are better and there is less chance of wear and tear.

grand fondo - carbon series

The outer frame finish is

carbon series rocks, and other objects on the road should be indicated to those behind you. These signals should be fed back through the pack so that those at the back know what to expect.

06

Signal and say when your turning, moving out, slowing or stopping - so that other cyclists and cars will know your intentions. If your group uses hand signals, get the group to explain it after you’ve been out a couple of times. It’ll help you become a better member of the group.

© Alain Buyck

07

Change positions correctly. A common mistake from beginners to a group is to stop pedalling just before pulling off the front. Keep a steady rhythm on the pedals until you have moved off, from the

RidewithEddy.com

front. And after pulling off, soft pedal and let the The competition to Ride with Eddy (www.ridewitheddy.com) involves answering a few bike related questions - all of them linked to either Eddy Merckx Cycles or one of the other sponsors in the competition. If you get all 3 of the answers right, you can choose what prize you

The Fundamental

group pull through - but keep moving or else

Rules of Group Riding

you’ll create a gap - and that’s not good either.

It’s always more fun to ride in a group than going out

compensate for the slower cadence and stand up

requires some attention and adherence to some basic

smoothly keeping a steady pressure on the pedals.

rules. Follow them and you’ll be safe, but more importantly

This will keep you from moving backward relative

the others in your group will be safe too.

to the rider behind you. Apply the opposite technique when changing to a sitting position.

01 02

03

Make sure your bike is in good working order - espe-

Riders to the rear will accelerate faster downhill

cially your brakes and your lights - especially if you

as slipstreaming becomes more effective, espe-

are out in the twilight.

cially at higher speeds. If you are following, back greater slipstream effect.

Drive smoothly and calmly. It’s not a race! Don’t change direction suddenly - cars may be coming in the other direction or other cyclists may be pass-

at the Eddy Merckx

ing.

Classic in Salzburgerland,

Each participation is

Descending. If you are leading, keep pedalling!

off a couple of bike lengths to compensate for the

prize of a ride with Eddy,

in September.

Always wear a helmet. No excuses for anybody.

09

receive, and this from

of prizes or the grand

Climbing. If you need to stand, shift up a gear to

alone. However, riding with someone or riding in a group

would most like to

either the 20,000 € worth

08

10

Ride easy and stay relaxed. It’s not only easier, it’s safer too. Too much tension can cause small bump movements to move the front wheels immediately

04

also a contribution to the children’s

Stay the right distance from the bike in front – half

and this may cause an accident. If you are relaxed, it’s

a bike length is about right. In this way you can enjoy

much easier to absorb the bump without losing con-

the significant benefit of the slipstream created by

trol.

the bike ahead of you. Don’t let gaps open up, and

Cardiology Unit at the

don’t overlap wheels with the bike in front.

UZ hospital in Leuven.

There are many blogs and sites that discuss this issue on the web, and a whole host of good advice is offered. This infor-

05

Point out potential danger. For example potholes,

mation has been edited from interviews, experience and a

carbon series

frame Carbon CL+ 300 – 3K

EMC Sizes 42/45/48/51/54 For more details, check geometry

emx-3 White Black Red

chart

fork Carbon fork – 3K Tapered 1 1/8” – 1 1/4”

groupset Wheelset

emx-3 Ultergra Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 5 Stem: FSA SL-K Handlebar: FSA Wing Pro Seatpost: FSA SL-K Saddle: Prologo Nago Evo Ti

Stiffness to Weight 115 Nm/°/kg

MSRP: $3950 (Complete BIke)

emx-3 Special Orange

140

120

100

EMX-7

EMX-5

EMX-3

EMX-1

140

120

100

EMX-5 STW (N m/°/kg) 115 EMX-7

EMX-3

EMX-1

EMX-3

EMX-1

140

120

100 EMX-7

EMX-5

140

Also available in frame-kit 120

100

geometries

page 53

emx-3 Black Carbon

the emx-3 has been designed with both performance and comfort in mind. More comfort, better fit and feel equates to better results on the bike.

carbon series

frame Carbon CL+ 240 – UDM

emx-1 Black White Carbon (BWC) EMC Sizes 42/45/48/51/54 For more details, check geometry chart page 44

fork Carbon fork – UDM Tapered 1 1/8” – 1 1/4”

groupset Wheelset Shimano 105 compact Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 7 Stem: FSA Team Issue Handlebar: FSA Wing Compact Seatpost: FSA Team Issue Saddle: Prologo Kappa STN

Stiffness to Weight 105 Nm/°/kg

MSRP: $2700 (Complete BIke)

140

120

100

emx-1 White Red (WRD) EMX-7

EMX-5

EMX-3

EMX-1

EMX-7

EMX-5

EMX-3

EMX-1

EMX-7

EMX-5

EMX-3

EMX-1

EMX-7

EMX-5

EMX-3

EMX-1

140

120

100

140

120

100

140

120

100

140

120

100

STW (Nm/°/EFX-3 kg) 105 EMX-7

EMX-5

EMX-7

EMX-5

EMX-1

140

120

100 EMX-3

EFX-1

Also available in frame-kit

geometries

page 53

We stopped one and asked her a few questions so we could better understand why. Katrien is a huge fan of cycling, and is currently training for 2 Gran Fondo races this year, having raced the Dolomite Martoni in 2010. 50 this year, she and her husband Christian both ride Eddy Merckx Cycles, an EFX-1 for her and an EMX-7 for him! Katrien tells us what it’s like: “the cycling world has changed for ladies for the better in the last few years, and all in all we feel there’s more attention being paid to our needs. There are bikes like the EFX series from Eddy Merckx that are just made for our build and shorter, more compact shape - and they feel just right.

There’s also lots of new style ladies clothing. The results are clear and I see more and more ladies riding and competing at the top levels.” She goes on, “I cycle for fitness and fun of course, but it’s more than that - for me it’s an occasion to push myself and see just how far I can go, and whether I’m better this week than last.”

more and more ladies riding at the gran fondos.

OSR

FRG FRG

female race geometry

FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

More and more ladies are riding in Gran Fondo events.

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

A lady in love with cycling

27

Eddy Merckx Cycles is above all a manufacturer of racing bikes, and Eddy is the champion of racing bike geometry. It was normal therefore that the company should design a real racing bike for women. It means that the angle of the seat tube is kept as close to a proper racing angle as possible, and so the top tube is made shorter, and the front head tube is made larger. It’s more adapted to women’s body morphologies and much more comfortable to ride.

frame Carbon CL+ 240 – UDM

eFX-1 Sizes 40/43/46

efx-1 Carbon White (CWH)

For more details, check geometry chart page 44

fork Carbon fork – UDM Tapered 1 1/8” – 1 1/4”

groupset Wheelset Shimano 105 compact Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 7 Stem: FSA Team Issue Handlebar: FSA Wing Compact Seatpost: FSA Team Issue Saddle: Prologo Kappa Dea STN

Stiffness 105 Nm/°/kg

MSRP: $2700 (Complete BIke)

geometries

page 53

carbon series

to Weight

Chronicle

Legend

eddy louis joseph merckx won

525 cycle races in the years he was racing and that included the Tour de France five

zellik

belgium

times, the Giro d’Italia five times, the Vuelta once, all the great classic one day races except two and the World Championship four times. Now, years later, eddy merckx needs no encouragement to talk enthusiastically about his past: «When I ended my cycling career in 1978, I didn’t really know what to do with my life. All I’d really done was ride, ride, ride my bike. But there was one thing I did know: I always wanted to do something I was as passionate and enthusiastic about as I had been about my cycling career. I had to be able to keep living life to the full just like I had always done.»

chronicle of a legend

Š rights reserved

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogus 2012

29

team, and it was there that Eddy met Ugo De Rosa, one of the sponsors. It was he who offered advice and encouragement when Eddy had the idea of creating his own bicycle brand.

“I did not feel ready at that time to start producing bicycles myself“, Merckx explains,. “But with my contacts I was able to learn how it was done. I travelled to Milan regularly to learn all I could. I remember that they didn’t weld the frames but soldered them. I then sent the Belgian welders that I wanted to work with to Milan to familiarise them with this technique.”

© Tonny Strouken

The Eddy Merckx Cycles Company

Eddy had for years been riding in the Italian based Molteni

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogus 2012

31

28 March 1980. The day of the official opening of eddy merckx’s

new company: ‘eddy merckx cycles’.

The day had finally come The workshops were established at Birrebeekstraat in Meise, in the town where Merckx himself now lives. Merckx continues the story, "we started with seven employees: two welders, two bench fitters and Martine Acou, who - 30 years later - still works for the company, and is now an executive of the company. My former lieutenants Jos Huysmans and Ward Janssens were also with us from the beginning, as was © Stephan Vanfleteren

Robert Lelangue, who had been my director at Molteni. All three of them were responsible for sales. De Rosa, who had after all taught me the trade, remained my technical adviser until 1981. And me? For the first time in my life I got to be the boss" (laughs out loud).

Success story

Constant evolution

When the first completely finished bike left the factory in Meise in

When titanium was on the up and started to replace steel, Merckx

1980, no one expected Eddy Merckx Cycles to be such a success story.

decided to send his head welder Johan to the United States to learn how

Merckx: "Between 1980 and 2008 we sold about 5000 bikes a year."

to weld titanium. Merckx: "When I went to trade fairs, I always took

Of course that success didn’t just come by itself. "We never stopped

people from the factory with me. In that way they could see the latest

investing in new technologies and always kept our eyes open for the

developments, the latest materials, etc. with their own eyes. I remember

latest developments," says Merckx. "It's always been the case that

that in the beginning of our carbon production days, we cooperated with

I liked new products, product design and geometry. My aim was to

an Italian company."

have our entire production in Meise so that we could keep a good eye after a while so that we could paint the bikes in-house as well." In the heyday of production at the factory, the company employed 42 people and the entire production, from the first spoke to the final assembly, took place in the factory in Meise.

chronicle of a legend

on quality control. That was the reason why we added spray cabins

urban series

The creation of an

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

33

The inspiration for this new range of Eddy Merckx Cycles is nothing

less than the bike that broke the one-hour record in Mexico City in 1972.

A sleek, simple and strong track bike and made of steel - it is designed to

on streets and roads whatever their condition. It’s also painted in that inimitable orange colour that reminds us all of Eddy in Mexico.

The creation of an Urban Legend - urban series

be ridden in the city, and to be used

umx-S Orange

frame Columbus steel CROMOR tubing

Sizes 50/53/56/59 (Urban geometry)

fork Columbus SL 1�

groupset Wheelset UMX-S groupset Wheelset: UMX-White wielset Stem: UMX-White Handlebar: UMX-White bullhorn Seatpost: UMX-White Saddle: UMX-White Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro White

MSRP: $1250 (Complete Bike)

2012 EDDY MERCKX GEOMETRY CHARTS

ETRY 54 cm 54 51 392 541 55.7 3 145 73.1 72 6.9 41 99.5 59.5 36.5 43 15.7 80.9 64.3 74

UMX-S GEOMETRY 56 cm 55.8 52.8 396 556 56.9 3 160 72.7 72.4 6.9 41 100 59.9 36.5 43 16.6 82.4 61.8 77

58 cm 57.9 54.9 401 571 58.2 3 174 72.4 72.7 6.9 41.2 100.9 60.6 36.5 43 17.5 83.9 59.9 80

60 cm 59.7 56.7 405 586 56.5 3 191 72 73.1 6.7 41.2 101.4 61.1 36.5 43 18.4 85.7 57.4 83

56 cm 55.8 52.8 396 556

58 cm 57.9 54.9 401 571

60 cm 59.7 56.7 405 586

ETRY 54 cm 54 51 392 541

Size Seat Tube Effective Seat Tube c-t-c Reach Stack TT Effective A TT c-t-c TT Drop HT length B ST angle C HT angle D Setback BB drop E CS length F Wheelbase G Front-Center H Fork length I Fork offset J Setback Standover Trail

50 cm 50.5 52.5 361 501 50 51 -2 110 75 73 13.1 5.9 39.5 92.8 54.1 36.5 43 13.1 77.9 58

53 cm 51.5 54 385 507 53 54 -2.5 115 74.5 73.5 13.8 5.9 39.5 94.9 56.1 36.5 43 13.8 78.5 55

56 cm 53.5 56.5 407 530 56 57 -3 136 74.2 74.4 14.6 5.9 39.5 97 58.2 36.5 43 14.6 80.8 49.5

59 cm 54.7 58.2 427 539 59 60 -3.5 145 73.5 74.5 15.5 5.9 39.5 99.1 60.4 36.5 43 15.5 81.7 48.8

frame technology

the brains behind frame technology

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

37

as many hours goes into developing and designing an Eddy Merckx bike as you are likely to ride it!

The conception of a new Eddy Merckx bike involves a subtle mix of Formula 1 level technology, artisan craftsmanship and lots of experience and understanding. We wanted to understand the process better, and examine just how much work, time and effort is involved in the development process to produce the perfect bike, with the least compromises possible in terms of comfort and efficiency.

ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT The first stage is a continuous one. It involves ongoing research into new materials, and how The advances in this domain have been remarkable over the last decade, and still there is plenty of scope for new concepts, as new technology and manufacturing techniques are developed. Eddy Merckx Cycles leads the way in the optimum use of carbon fibres, and the results are there for everyone to see. It comes from a real appreciation of the material characteristics and an in-depth understanding of how they can be put to the best use. CL+ technology and OSR are just two example of how the research engineers have been able to make the difference.

It shouldn’t be underestimated, but a lot of work also goes into appreciating the latest trends in design - and not just in terms of look and style, but colours too. Another reason why the bikes always look so good.

the brains behind frame technology - frame technology

they can best be used, exploited and maximised.

frame technology

> A fraction of a degree and a few mm makes a world of difference.

concept engineering and design

0

detailed design

prototyping

production engineering

market launch

+6 > +8 months

+10 > +14 months

+18 > +20 months

+20 > +24 months

CONCEPT ENGINEERING AND DESIGN

DETAILED DESIGN

First sketches are produced at this stage, and despite what anyone says there’s

Eddy Merckx look and style is integrated into the design. After the first

always some sort of a trade-off. It’s a mixture of looks, price and performance.

sketches and long fruitful discussions with Eddy, the engineers start to

With the last two being measurable and quantifiable. This stage often starts

nail down the final frame geometry - and this for the different frame sizes. As

almost 18 months to 2 years ahead of the actual bike getting to the dealers, so

some of you may remember, Eddy was always fiddling about with his

while there’s scope for change, there’s also a deadline and a launch date. A lot

bikes - he was even known to fiddle about during a race, often changing

of the work is done here, and production options and decisions are mapped

the height of his saddle. With his 50 years of experience at the heart of the

out. A host of different elements come into the mix here: geometry, frame

bike world, there is no-one better at detailing just what it takes to make a

sizes, loads, stresses, manufacturing, parts, orders, stock etc.

better bike. He can see things that others can´t, in fact you could say that

Now there is a clear idea of what the bike will look like, and the established

Eddy is the best test pilot there is. It is his tweaks and adjustments on the final angles and lengths of the seat posts, wheelbase and trail that amongst the most important of measurements - make all the difference.

materials

Before moving into actual frame prototypes, the detailed bike design is fully tested and structurally analysed by technical research engineers at the University of Gent. They work with the 3-D computer models of the bikes, measuring production

design

and pushing the limits using different materials and composites.

PROTOTYPING After everyone is happy and satisfied with the theory of the bike, the rub-

The prototyping stage takes several months to complete, because there are

ber starts hitting the road! Yes, it’s time for the prototypes. A first frame

several stages of testing and retesting - each time involving the modification

is produced, but this is just for the look and feel - it’s not strong enough

of designs and the manufacturing of a new set of frames. As many as 15 or

to be ridden on. A second frame is produced - actually at the size of the

more prototypes are made and tested before a final bike design is decided

leading design engineer!

upon. Finally, the bikes are ready to go into production.

END

He just happens to be a bike fan. It is he who gets to be the first guinea

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

39

pig, sorting out issues that he sees and feels, as well as making sure it’s safe to ride - because the next frame is for Eddy.

It’s his instinct that can tell whether the combination of ride comfort and racing performance is right. Naturally there’s discussion and a difference in opinion, but ultimately decisions are made. Another series of frames is produced, this time for the Quick-Step Cycling team members - it’s interesting and useful to have their feedback too.

This is the stage where many of the small changes are made - particularly relating to comfort for the rider. It’s a chance to check actual performance against virtual performance. The frames are evaluated, measured and the > Craftsmanship and a passion for details

the brains behind frame technology - frame technology

designs are modified if necessary.

frame technology

A dealer gives his opinion

We asked Mr. Godeau, owner of a dealership that’s been working with Eddy Merckx Cycles for more than 30 years what his experience with the Limited Lifetime Warranty has been like, and he was happy to give his comments.

“Truthfully, we haven’t had any claims as yet and I’m not surprised.

Eddy has always made quality - and safe - bikes, and the latest carbon fibre range is no exception. I know however that if we did have an issue, there wouldn’t be any problems or hesitations from the company. Eddy has always been extremely correct in that respect.” When asked what customers actually think about the LLW, he says “it is indeed a little extra reassurance that some of the clients need - yet another rational reason to choose an Eddy Merckx bike.”

and built to withstand years of riding, without incident or accident.

We test them in the toughest of conditions, and with the hardest of taskmasters - namely the professional cycling team at Quick-Step. Fortunately the team bikes passed the test with flying colours, and it confirms what we know that the best demonstration of strength is that there are zero Quick-Step team bike failures due to frame failure at the end of a hard season on the road.

We offer you the same guarantee Eddy Merckx Cycles have so much belief in the quality of their frames that each new carbon model bought at a recognized Eddy Merckx dealer comes with a ‘Limited Lifetime Warranty’.

1. To benefit from the ‘Limited Lifetime Warranty’, you must register your recently purchased Eddy Merckx Cycles bicycle via the website www.eddymerckx.com - within one month of the date of purchase.

You will receive a registration-verification via e-mail.

2. Every Eddy Merckx Cycles frame has its own unique ID number. That number is the basis of the bicycle passport. You can find your number underneath the bottom bracket of your bicycle. The ID number is made up of 3 letters and 5 numbers.

3. The ‘Limited Lifetime Warranty’ is only available to a bicycle’s first owner, and so please note that this guarantee is therefore NOT applicable to second-hand bikes. Note too, that the Limited Lifetime Warranty does not apply to bikes used in competitions.

4. The ‘Limited Lifetime Warranty’ is not the only benefit of registering your bike. By signing up, you open a door to the Eddy Merckx Cycles Community, making you one of the first to receive information about new models, VIP tickets to competitions and events, special dealer promotions, etc.

Important - The warranty is only available for bicycles purchased from officially recognized dealers, and for the Limited Lifetime Warranty to remain valid, the frame must be inspected at least once a year by an official Eddy Merckx Cycles dealer.

- When claiming against the Limited Lifetime Warranty, you must present the original receipt of purchase. We recommend you keep a copy of your receipt inside the back cover of your passport.

a frame for life - frame technology

Eddy Merckx bikes are designed

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

a frame for life

optimized structural reinforcement Advanced high modular stiffness fibers are used in combination with high-strength fibers to achieve unparalleled performance. They are used in bike, as and when required.

OSR

The front fork for example

needs both for optimum weight reduction and improved stiffness and feel.

FRGCL CLOSR +OSR + Carbon fiber bikes are made

these are built up in layers one

The Carbon Laminate + process,

FRG

developed by and for Eddy Merckx Cycles, assemble the sheets

FRG

together in ways that maximise the strength and rigidity of the resulting frame. The result?

Optimized performance, comfort and weight.

CL CL+ +

FRG FRG

CARBON LAMINATE + CARBON LAMINATE +

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

elite carbon

female race geometry

using sheets of carbon fiber, and on top of the other.

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

FRG

carbon laminate +

OSR

different strategic areas of the

OSR

FEMALE RACE RACE GEOMETRY FEMALE GEOMETRY

7000

CL+ 7000 7000

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

EMS EMS OSR7000

EMS EMS CL+

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

pro carbon

FRG

CARBON LAMINATE +

7000

OSR

CARBON LAMINATE +

FRG

7000

CL+

FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

OSR

EMS

EMS

7000

FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

CL+

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

7000

CARBON LAMINATE +

FRG

EMS

FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

OSR

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

CL+

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

7000

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

EMS

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

EMS

emx-5

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

emx-7

Eddy Merckx Cycles is above all a manufacturer of racing bikes, and Eddy is the champion of racing bike geometry. It was normal therefore that the company should design a real racing bike for women. It means that the angle of the seat tube is kept as close to a proper racing angle as possible, and so the top tube is made shorter, and the front head tube is made larger. It’s more adapted to women’s body morphologies and much more comfortable to ride.

OSR

EMS

CL+

7000

efx-3 FRG

OSR

CL+

efx-1 FRG

EMS 7000 EMS 7000

CL+ CL+

EMS 7000 EMS 7000

CL+ CL+

OSR OSR

FRG FRG

OSR OSR

FRG FRG

performance carbon

performance carbon

umx-s

columbus steel

bike range

7000

carbon

EMS

emx-1

steel

emx-3

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

43

geometries emx-7 pro geometry size sl size reach stack

a

b

c

d

e

f

50

450

383

511

533

114

73,8

71,3

71

52

466

387

526

545

129

73,4

71,7

54

482

392

541

557

145

73,1

56

498

396

556

569

160

58

514

401

571

582

60

530

405

586

595

g

h

i

j

l

trail

isp

408 979

581

365

43

139

68,7

680

71

408 985

587

365

43

149

66,2

710

72

69

410 995

595

365

43

157

64,3

740

72,7

72,4

69

410 1000

600

365

43

167

61,8

770

174

72,4

72,7

69

412 1009

606

365

43

175

59,9

800

191

72

73,1

67

412 1014

611

365

43

185

57,4

830

emx-5 pro geometry size

sl size

reach

stack

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

i

j

l

50

475

383

511

533

114

73,8

71,3

71

408

979

581

365

43

139

68,7

52

491

387

526

545

129

73,4

71,7

71

408

985

587

365

43

149

66,2

54

507

392

541

557

145

73,1

72

69

410

995

595

365

43

157

64,3

56

523

396

556

569

160

72,7

72,4

69

410

1000

600

365

43

167

61,8

58

539

401

571

582

174

72,4

72,7

69

412

1009

606

365

43

175

59,9

60

555

405

586

595

191

72

73,1

67

412

1014

611

365

43

185

57,4

pro geometry emx-7 . emx-5

l

a

REACH

b

i

6

E

SIZ

74

d

c e

f

stack

Ă˜

j h

g

trail

emx-3 . emx-1 performance geometry size

reach

stack

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

i

j

42

368

45

classic size ( k ) trail

526

519

129

74.2

71.5

71

414

973

570

365

43

507

67.4

373

547

534

149

73.7

71.9

71

414

982

578

365

43

530

64.9

48

378

568

550

173

73.2

72.3

69

414

991

586

365

43

554

62.4

51

383

589

567

193

72.7

72.7

69

414

998

594

365

43

577

59.9

54

388

610

583

216

72.2

73.1

67

414

1006 602

365

43

600

57.4

j

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

45

efx-1 performance geometry reach

stack

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

i

40

353

43 46

classic size ( k ) trail

523

498

130

75.0

70.4

73

408

967

570

365

48

502

69.0

360

546

514

155

74.5

70.8

71

410

980

581

365

48

527

66.5

366

569

531

178

74.0

71.2

71

410

990

591

365

48

553

64.0

performance geometry emx-3 . emx-1 . efx-1

a

REACH

b

Ă˜

i

E SIZ

6

74

d

c e f

stack

k

j h

g

technical specifications

size

editor Eddy Merckx Cycles Frans Schachtstraat 29, 1731 Zellik, Belgium www.eddymerckx.com

bike shots

Eric Cherpion, www.shimera.be

retouching

Hyacinthe Arthurs, www.shimera.be

art direction

[SIGN*] www.designbysign.com

writer

Gavin Watt, www.wow.be

U.S. Distributor: Gita Sporting Goods Ltd. 12500 Dteele Creek Road Charlotte, NC 28273 Phone: 800 366 4482 Fax: 704 588 4322

All products presented subject to change without prior notice.

Email: info@gitabike.com

All rights reserved. Unauthorised copying of this brochure prohibited.

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