Catalogue Merckx 2012

issue

02 > 2012

editorial page 03

The Quick-Step team’s training camp in Calpe

Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx

The Eddy Merckx Cycles Company

page 04

page 16

page 28

Do you want to see how professional cyclists train?

5 Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx specials give you

Eddy Merckx started his company over 30 years

See what they eat for breakfast and what they do in

the chance to ride alongside the legend himself.

ago. Times and materials were very different, but

their downtime!

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

the passion and the attention to detail were there from the beginning.

emx-7

emx-3

amx-3

emx-5

emx-1

afx-1

efx-3 efx-1

The creation of an Urban Legend

the brains behind frame technology

a frame for life

page 36

page 44

page 48

Made of steel and based on the famous flaming

It´s almost true to say that as much time and effort

We believe in the strength and reliability of our

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

goes into developing and designing our bikes as

frames and so offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

UMX series tips its hat to fixies and single gear

you are likely to ride them!

bikes, and shows how urban bikes can be both safe and cool.

umx-r umx-s

2012 bike range

geometries

page 50

page 52

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,

> The new aerofork on the EMX-7 is even more aerodynamic than its predecessor, and the fit into the frame is perfect. Torsional stiffness is of course the aim, but stiffness without feel and stability is worthless.

And what’s the secret? Well, the cross-cut surface is now even bigger at the point where the fork and frame meet.

Eddy Merckx

founder

carbon series Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

5

spain

calpe

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

training camp in Calpe (near

The

Alicante, Spain) before the

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

beginning of the season.

carbon series Sylvain Chavanel

Calpe, where

became French

the Flemish feel

Calpe is known to most

A break 25 km from the

Flemish citizens as the

end saw the time trial

ideal place for

champion of 2005, 2006

pensioners to spend the

and 2008 finally get the

winter, which is

road race jersey he

understandable,

coveted. A group of 16

considering its

took off shortly after the

microclimate and more

start, and while there

than 2,800 hours of

was jockeying for

sunshine a year and an

position, it was an attack

average annual

with 45 km to go that

temperature of 19°. But

put Sylvain ahead. With

in addition to these ideal

25 km, he was alone out

climatological conditions,

front and at one stage

Calpe is extremely

had a lead of over a

suitable for organising a

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

> An early start for the team in Calpe.

Smile with Eddy

training camp thanks to the enormous variation of the countryside and the excellent condition

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

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

of the roads.

Future Flemish riders at the top

outside in the sun. Everyone is pleasantly surprised by the cool look of the colouring and stripes of the Quick-Step

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

present at the training

Merckx: “Warming up a bit Eddy?”

in Spain. For many riders of

camp. In Calpe, Merckx

Clearly he’s not forgotten how to ride.

Eddy Merckx was also

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).

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

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

© Frieke Janssens

Thomas Voeckler.

© Frieke Janssens

at home

champion in 2011.

© Frieke Janssens

road race

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

7

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

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

9

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-

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.

The Quick-Step team’s training camp in Calpe - a glimpse behind the scenes

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

Step until 2013

carbon series Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

11

colour Black White (BKW)

frame Carbon CL+ 620 OSR – 1K

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

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

GROUPSET WHEELSET COMPONENTS Shimano Dura Ace compact configuration Wheelset: Eddy Merckx 38mm Full Carbon Clinchers DT Swiss Stem: FSA OS-99 CSI Handlebar: FSA K-Wing Seatpost: FSA ISP K-Wing stubby Saddle: Prologo Scratch Nack Tyres: Vittoria Open Corsa Black Campagnolo Super Record compact configuration Wheelset: Eddy Merckx 38mm Full Carbon Clincher DT Swiss Stem: FSA OS-99 CSI Handlebar: FSA K-Wing Seatpost: FSA ISP K-Wing stubby Saddle: Prologo C.One Nack Tyres: Vittoria Open Corsa Black

7000

CL+ FRG

120

100

140

120

EMX-7

EMX-5

FRG EMX-3

EMX-1

FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

STW (Nm/°/kg) 130

140

OSR

CL+

CARBON LAMINATE +

OSR

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

7000

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

EMS

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

• Also available in frame-kit

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

EMS

• both configurations available on both colours

CARBON LAMINATE +

Notes:

FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

130Nm/°/kg

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

STIFFNESS TO WEIGHT

carbon series

Advanced

Black Red (BKR) regular round seat tube

1 2 3 4

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

Cd = 1,2

Also available in frame-kit

2

1

2

3

4

2

airfoil shape seat tube

Aerodynamic shape design

1 2 3 4

Airfoil shaped tubing Airfoil shaped seatpost design Integrated Aerofork design Internal cables (smooth design)

Cd = 0,12

4 1

Optimal Power Transfer

000 OSR

CL+ + CL

optimized

carbon

structural

laminate +

3

3

SR

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

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

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

3

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

CARBON LAMINATE +

2

CARBON LAMINATE +

1

MS S

R

colour

Composite Design

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

13

carbon series And the jury’s scores are? © TDWSport.com

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

frame

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

Carbon CL+ 500 OSR – 1K

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

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

in Stage 1 at the

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

Tour of Qatar

After riding to seventh place

emx-5 Black Red (BKR)

chart page 52

fork

won the first stage in the a breakaway of 19 riders -

Carbon fork – 1K

Perfect isn’t good enough

Tapered 1 1/8” – 1 ½”

alongside teammates Gert Steegmans and Nikolas

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

Maes. The strong wind on

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

the course caused a split

50/52/54/56/58/60 For more details, check geometry

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

in the prologue, Tom Boonen Tour of Qatar. He was part of

EMC Sizes

groupset Wheelset Shimano Dura Ace compact configuration

into several groups, meaning

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

that the next group was

on the rider’s body. Everything is visualised and registered on the computer. The seat of the rider and the height

Stem: FSA OS-99 CSI

some 5 minutes behind.

of the handle bars, the saddle, the distance between the saddle and handle bars and the length of the pedal cranks

Handlebar: FSA K-Force Light

In the decisive sprint Boonen showed some impressive

Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 3

NANO

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

speed, beating Haussler and

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

15

Seatpost: FSA K-Force Light Saddle: Prologo Zero Nack

END

Renshaw with a powerful

Tyres: Vittoria Diamante Pro

sprint.

Shimano Ultegra Glossy Grey compact configuration Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 5 Stem: FSA OS-99 CSI

Top of the

Handlebar: FSA K-Force compact

sprinters

Seatpost: FSA K-Force Light

in Wevelgem

Saddle: Prologo Scratch Pro Nack

By winning the Gent-

Tyres: Vittoria Rubino Pro

Wevelgem race for the second time, Tom established

STIFFNESS TO

emx-5 Black White (BKW)

sprinters of his generation.

After a tough 203 km, there was a mass sprint at the end

WEIGHT 125Nm/°/kg Notes:

- so Mount Kemmel was not

• both configurations available on both colours

decisive this year. It was again Gert Steegmans that

• Also available in frame-kit

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

140

coming at the beginning of the season and after a long

120

fight with injury.

100

The victory also put the team up the World Tour rankings -

EMX-7 STW (Nm/°/kg) 125 EMX-5

EMX-3

EMX-1

EMX-5

EMX-3

EMX-1

140

good for the sponsors and good for the moral.

120

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

100 EMX-7

140

geometries

page 52 120

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

that he is still one of the top

carbon series 17 Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogus 2012

belgium u.k

austria

portugal i ta ly

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

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

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

carbon series

CARBON LAMINATE +

carbon laminate +

made using sheets of

FRG

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

new to cycling. He has however always been a competitive 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

FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

FRG

Carbon fiber bikes are

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

carbon fiber, and these are built up in layers

one on top of the other.

The Carbon Laminate + process, developed by

8 May 2011 Évora / Portugal – 157 km

www.gfeddymerckxportugal.com

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

Cycles, assemble the

and importer of Eddy Merckx Cycles in Portugal.

sheets together in ways strength and rigidity of

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

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”

and weight.

though since he took up cycling, and even after just a year

preparation

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

for the

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

race days

some good company for those extra kilometres I do after

ahead.”

to get down to the Belgian Ardennes as often as possible

the Sunday morning ride with the rest of the club. We try - there’s so much more variety there, and the variation in

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

performance, comfort

in climbs

he says, “short power muscles”! He’s seen the change

have definitely become longer and stronger.”

The Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx events this year

“the variation is good

in the saddle he can feel the difference - and see it too. “I’ve

and for Eddy Merckx

that maximise the

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

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

© Alain Buyck

CL+

FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

CL+

CARBON LAMINATE +

Preparation is key

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogus 2012

19

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

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 order! It was

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

and still is, and so I started riding more regularly. It quickly became clear

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

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

form later in the event!”

www.granfondoeddymerckx.com

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

internal cables of the EMX-3

18 June 2011 Huy / Belgium – 175 km

www.granfondoeddymerckx.be

A cool new feature that

The Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx Belgium follows a classic route through the beautiful Ardennes scenery. For large parts of the

is both practical and

event, it follows the route the professionals ride during the Liège-Bastogne-Liège and La Flêche Wallonne. The Gran Fondo

beautiful is when the

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%.

cables are neatly and cleanly passed through

www.granfondoeddymerckx.co.uk

an internal cable routing,

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

as on this EMX-3 frame.

riders will be allowed to ride the course through the beautiful county of Somerset. As in all Gran Fondo events, there is a

The outer frame finish is

Cable protector

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

sleeker, smoother and

Eddy’s thought of

event village and goodie bags.

sexier, meaning that the

everything. Special Eddy Merckx branded frame

aerodynamics are better

protectors prevent cable

5 September 2011 Salzburgerland / Austria – 155 km

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 for example.

www.eddy-merckx-classic.com

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

and there is less chance of wear and tear.

grand fondo - carbon series

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

carbon series cated 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.

07

Change positions correctly. A common mistake

© Alain Buyck

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 front. And after pulling off, soft pedal and let the

RidewithEddy.com

group pull through - but keep moving or else you’ll 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 Rules of Group Riding 08

compensate for the slower cadence and stand up

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

smoothly keeping a steady pressure on the pedals.

requires some attention and adherence to some basic rules.

This will keep you from moving backward relative

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

to the rider behind you. Apply the opposite technique

others in your group will be safe too.

when changing to a sitting position.

01 02

03

as slipstreaming becomes more effective, espe-

cially your brakes and your lights - especially if you

cially at higher speeds. If you are following, back

are out in the twilight.

off a couple of bike lengths to compensate for the

Drive smoothly and calmly. It’s not a race! Don’t the other direction or other cyclists may be passing.

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 and this

04

Each participation is

Stay the right distance from the bike in front – half

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

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

easier to absorb the bump without losing control.

the significant benefit of the slipstream created by the

also a contribution to the children’s Cardiology Unit at the UZ hospital in Leuven.

Descending. If you are leading, keep pedalling!

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

change direction suddenly - cars may be coming in

at the Eddy Merckx

in September.

09

greater slipstream effect.

prize of a ride with Eddy,

Classic in Salzburgerland,

Always wear a helmet. No excuses for anybody.

Riders to the rear will accelerate faster downhill

receive, and this from

of prizes or the grand

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

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

would most like to

either the 20,000 € worth

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

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

There are many blogs and sites that discuss this issue on the

don’t overlap wheels with the bike in front.

web, and a whole host of good advice is offered. This information has been edited from interviews, experience and a

05

Point out potential danger. For example potholes,

few web sources, including a long and interesting story on

rocks, and other objects on the road should be indi-

the subject published by Mike Munk @ Bamacyclist.com.

carbon series

frame

frame

Carbon CL+ 300 – 3K

Carbon CL+ 300 – 3K

EMC Sizes

EMC Sizes

40/43/46

emx-3 White Carbon (WCA)

42/45/48/51/54

For more details, check

For more details, check geometry

efx-3 White Carbon (WCA)

chart page 53

geometry chart page 53

fork

fork

Carbon fork – 3K

Carbon fork – 3K

Tapered 1 1/8” – 1 1/4”

Tapered 1 1/8” – 1 1/4”

groupset

groupset

Wheelset

Wheelset

Shimano Ultegra Glossy Grey

Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 5 Stem: FSA SL-K Black Handlebar: FSA Wing Pro Compact

EMS

Seatpost: FSA SL-K Black Saddle: Prologo Nago Evo Ti

7000

Outer tires: Vittoria Rubino Pro Shimano Ultegra Glossy Grey compact configuration

Also available in frame-kit

Saddle: Prologo Nago Evo Ti Tyres: Vittoria Rubino Pro

emx-3 Black Orange (BKO)

A lady in love with cycling

More and more ladies are riding in Gran Fondo events.

emx-3 Black Orange (BKO)

We stopped one and asked her a few questions so we could better understand why. Katrien is a huge fan of cycling, and

Stem: FSA SL-K Black

is currently training for 2 Gran Fondo races this year, having

Handlebar: FSA Wing Pro Compact

raced the Dolomite Martoni in 2010. 50 this year, she and her

Seatpost: FSA SL-K Black

husband Christian both ride Eddy Merckx Cycles, an EFX-1 for

Saddle: Prologo Nago Evo Ti

her and an EMX-7 for him! Katrien tells us what it’s like:

Tyres: Vittoria Open Corsa Black

“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

Stiffness

being paid to our needs. There are bikes like the EFX series

to Weight

from Eddy Merckx that are just made for our build and

140 Nm/°/kg 115

shorter, more compact shape - and they feel just right.

There’s also lots of new style ladies clothing. The results are

120

clear and I see more and more ladies riding and competing EMX-3

EMX-1

at the top levels.” She goes on, “I cycle for fitness and fun

140

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

120

100

better this week than last.”

EMX-5 STW (N m/°/kg) 115 EMX-7

EMX-3

EMX-1

140

more and more ladies riding at the gran fondos.

120

100 EMX-7

EMX-5

EMX-3

EMX-1

140

Also available in frame-kit 120

100

Compact Seatpost: FSA SL-K Black

CL+

Saddle: Prologo Nago Evo Dea Ti

Tyres: Vittoria Rubino Pro

geometries

page 53

OSR

115 Nm/°/kg

FRG FRG

female race geometry

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.

grand fondo - carbon series

page 53

Seatpost: FSA SL-K Black

EMX-5

Handlebar: FSA Wing Pro

FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

geometries

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

Handlebar: FSA Wing Pro Compact

EMX-7

Stem: FSA SL-K Black

to Weight

Stem: FSA SL-K Black

Wielset: Eddy Merckx 38mm Full Carbon Clinchers

Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 5

Stiffness

Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 5

Shimano Ultegra Glossy Grey compact configuration

compact configuration

CARBON LAMINATE +

Shimano Dura Ace compact configuration

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

emx-3 White Carbon (WCA)

100

Eddy Eddy Merckx Merckx Cycles catalogus 2011 2012

23

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogus 2012

25

the emx-3 has been designed with both performance and comfort in mind. More comfort,

grand fondo - carbon series

better fit and feel equates to better results on the bike.

carbon series

frame Carbon CL+ 240 – UDM

emc Sizes

emx-1 Black White Carbon (BWC)

emx-1 White Red (WRD)

42/45/48/51/54 For more details, check geometry chart page 53

fork Carbon fork – UDM

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogus 2012

27

Tapered 1 1/8” – 1 1/4”

groupset frame

Wheelset

Carbon CL+ 240 – UDM

Shimano Ultegra Glossy Grey compact configuration Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 5

EMC Sizes

Stem: FSA Team Issue

42/45/48/51/54

Handlebar: FSA Wing Compact

For more details, check geometry

Seatpost: FSA Team Issue

chart page 53

Saddle: Prologo Kappa STN Tyres: Vittoria Rubino Pro

fork Carbon fork – UDM

Stiffness

Tapered 1 1/8” – 1 1/4”

to Weight 105 Nm/°/kg

groupset Wheelset Shimano 105 Black compact/triple configuration Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 7

frame

Stem: FSA Team Issue

Carbon CL+ 240 – UDM

Handlebar: FSA Wing Compact

140

Seatpost: FSA Team Issue

emc Sizes

120

Saddle: Prologo Kappa STN Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro EMX-7

100

EMX-5

EMX-3

emx-1 Black Red Carbon (BRC)

efx-1 Carbon White (CWH)

EMX-1

40/43/46 For more details, check geometry

140

chart page 53

Stiffness to Weight 120

100 Nm/°/kg 105 EMX-5 EMX-7

EMX-3

fork EMX-1

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

140

120

groupset

100 EMX-7

EMX-5

EMX-3

Wheelset

EMX-1

Shimano 105 Silver compact/triple configuration

140

120

EMX-7

EMX-5

EMX-3

Stem: FSA Team Issue

EMX-1

Handlebar: FSA Wing Compact

140

Seatpost: FSA Team Issue 120

Saddle: Prologo Kappa Dea STN

100

EFX-3

Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro

STW (Nm °/kg) 105 EMX-7

EMX-5 /

EMX-1

140

Stiffness

120

to Weight

100 EMX-7

EMX-5

EMX-3

105 Nm/°/kg

EFX-1

Also available in frame-kit

geometries

page 53

geometries

page 53

Also available in frame-kit

grand fondo - carbon series

Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 7

100

Chronicle alloy series

eddy louis joseph merckx won

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

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogus 2012

Legend

29

zellik

belgium

times, the Giro d’Italia five times, the Vuelta

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 - alloy series

Championship four times. Now, years later, eddy merckx

© rights reserved

once, all the great classic one day races except two and the World

alloy series

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogus 2012

28 March 1980. The day of the official opening of

Eddy had for years been riding in the Italian based Molteni team, and it was there that Eddy met Ugo De Rosa, one of the sponsors. It was he who offered advice and encouragement

eddy merckx’s

when Eddy had the idea of creating his own bicycle brand.

“I did not feel ready at that time to start producing bicycles

new company:

myself“, Merckx explains,. “But with my contacts I was able

‘eddy merckx cycles’.

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

The day had finally come

I wanted to work with to Milan to familiarise them with this technique.”

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

Everyone wants to ride with Eddy Merckx

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

The number of professional cycling teams that rode on Eddy Merckx Cycles

42 people and the entire production, from the first spoke to the final

cannot be counted on one hand or even on two! "Anyone who produces

assembly, took place in the factory in Meise.

bicycles naturally wants the major cycling teams to ride on them,"

chronicle of a legend - alloy series

© Stephan Vanfleteren

Robert Lelangue, who had been my director at Molteni. All three of

© Tonny Strouken

The Eddy Merckx Cycles Company

31

alloy series

© Tonny Strouken

© Stephan Vanfleteren

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogus 2012

33

stiffer feel and stronger construction for the same weight. It makes our scandium alloy bikes lighter, stiffer and more robust.

A new start (up)

There’s no stopping the growth of Eddy Merckx Cycles. Kurt Moons has been appointed as the new

Yes, we started well." After that other teams were lining up to ride on Eddy Merckx cycles:

a real Eddy Merckx bike. He has given bikes to King Juan Carlos of Spain, Johnny Hallyday

CEO to push the growth across more markets.

Panasonic, Hitachi, Telecom, GAN, SevenEleven, Motorola, Kelme, Eurodecor, HDR and

and Jacky Ickx - even Tia Hellebaut, the high jumper has been riding an Eddy Merckx

Lotto-Domo; they all achieved their successes on Eddy Merckx cycles. Now it's the turn of

bike since she won an Olympic gold medal in Beijing. And the Belgian King Baudouin

to put myself into this fantastic project," says

Quick Step, Tom Boonen’s team, and Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator, a non-profit organisation

was presented with the bike on which Eddy had won the Tour de France in 1971.

Moons, who earned his spurs developing the

CL + CL

+

of which Eddy Merckx is the president, to ride on Eddy Merckx cycles.

A bike for winners

CARBON LAMINATE +

Thanks to Eddy Merckx, a number of really famous people have also been able to ride on

"The Eddy Merckx brand is so rich and still has so many opportunities that I didn’t hesitate a second

Brantano and Santana brands. "And to prove that we mean business," says Moons, "we've already

The legend lives on

moved to new premises in Zellik on the outskirts of Brussels as we just needed more room. As you

Now, its 30 years since the very first Eddy Merckx bike was finished in 1980, and Eddy Merckx

"Seeing someone win a major race on a bike you’ve built yourself, is one of the best things

bikes are doing better than ever. "I think you have to stop when you’re on a high, like I did with my

that can happen to you," says Eddy. "Did you know that Paris-Roubaix was won four

career," Merckx explains. It's why I gave up my majority share of the company in 2008 and let some

times on an Eddy Merckx bike? Museeuw, Knaven, Demol, and Van Petegem all did it.

professional young entrepreneurs run it, namely Joris Brantegem’s Sobradis group. Eddy Merckx

And so I did a little too," (laughs). Merckx goes on to say "The Ronde Van Vlaanderen

still has his foot firmly in the door though and he retains a minority interest. "I'll keep doing the

was also won twice on one of my bikes - by Eddy Planckaert and Peter Van Petegem. Two

things I enjoy and can do well just like before," says Merckx. "As long as I can, I will keep being

class acts. Not many people remember this, but at the beginning of his career, in 1993,

involved in product development, perhaps to the irritation of other people (laughs out loud). I’m

Lance Armstrong became world champion in Oslo on an Eddy Merckx bike. And my son

very happy I can still contribute actively to the growth of my brand of cycles," Merckx says. "It's an

Axel became champion of Belgium in 2000 and won an Olympic medal ... on a bicycle

honour and a pleasure to travel all over the world as an ambassador for my bikes. My entire life has

that I made. That really does something to you."

been about bikes, and now the dream continues as I share my passion for bikes with others."

END

can see, we’re getting ready for the future." chronicle of a legend - alloy series

uses the form of a bell - and delivers a

ORCEMENT

shape than the rest of the market - it’s

REINFORCEMENT

of the EMS7000 alloy tube. It’s a different

Eddy Merckx. The bike. The man.

very first thing they do is to go and win two stages in the Tour de France on our bikes!

METRY

Eddy Merckx Cycles are the unique users

> Eddy Merckx wins his 3rd Milan-Sanremo in 1969.

so we managed to conclude an interesting contract with them at the last moment. The CARBON LAMINATE +

7000

eddy merckx shaping 7000

Merckx explains. "In 1980 we struck lucky - the De Zeepcentrale team had lost its sponsor

GEOMETRY

7000

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

EMS EMS

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

> In the new workshop in Zellik, just outside Brussels, the skills to hand make frames is still omnipresent.

frame EMS 7000 series Triple Butted

EMC Sizes

amx-3 Black White (BKW)

42/45/48/51/54 For more details, check geometry chart page 55

fork Full Carbon fork – UDM

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogus 2012

35

Tapered 1 1/8” – 1 1/4”

groupset Wheelset Shimano 105 Black compact/triple configuration Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 7 Stem: FSA OS-150 Handlebar: FSA Omega Compact Seatpost: FSA SP-SL-270 Saddle: Prologo Kappa STN Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro

Stiffness to Weight 90 Nm/°/kg

frame Alloy Triple Butted 60XX series

afx-1 White Blue (WBL)

EMC Sizes 40/43/46 For more details, check geometry chart page 55

fork Carbon fork Alloy steerer tube 1 1/8”

Wheelset Shimano Tiagra triple configuration Wheelset: Shimano RS10 Stem: FSA OS-190 LX Handlebar: FSA Omega Compact Seatpost: FSA SP-SL-280 Saddle: Prologo Kappa Dea STN © Stephan Vanfleteren

Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro

Stiffness to Weight 80 Nm/°/kg geometries

page 55

chronicle of a legend - alloy series

groupset

urban series

The creation of an

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

37

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

urban series

A fix for the fixies

Safety first

The other bike has just one gear, and has the option - if the back wheel is

The Eddy Merckx hybride single speed/fixed gear bikes are made so that

flipped - to become a fixed gear bicycle. This type of bicycle has been around

they can be driven on the road. There’s a hand-controlled brake that helps

on the track for years - all track bikes are fixed gear bikes - but has slowly

control speed and stopping. In many countries this is mandatory if you

built up a fan base on the streets.

want to go on the streets.

For those in the know, it’s an all or nothing relationship - and it seems the

The gear set-up - important when you have just one gear is mid-range: 46

secret is in the permanent link to the road. With a normal pedal bike, you

teeth at the front, and 17 at the back. Depending on where you live, you

can stop pedalling and free wheel for a little while, and there’s always a brake

might want to change this. Flip the wheel and you have a normal single

to stop you if you need it. With a fixed gear bike, you’re either pedalling or

speed bike that can be used as a normal free wheeling bike. Lights are part

your standing still! There’s a tactile connection to the road that fixies love.

of the base equipment, and street credibility and style is guaranteed.

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

There are two different bikes in the range, and the main difference is the number of gears.

39

There is a 14-speed bike that uses the famous This is no ordinary urban bike. It’s ideal for those that want the best of both worlds when and where they want it.

Rohloff gear hub. This particular mechanism doesn’t need much of an introduction, it is quite simply one of the best integrated gear systems available on the market today. Handmade in Germany, it is pure quality and outstanding functionality.

One helmet will be

offered free with the purchase of one of the first 1000 Eddy Merckx UMX bikes

14 speed gears The Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 has perfect single gear ratios, a wide range of gears, low maintenance and easy operation; its weight and efficiency

Noun. ‘nʌtkeɪs/ : a mad or foolish person.

The sealed gearbox ensures reliability and durability even under the toughest conditions. The even increments of 13.6% from gear to gear make it possible to always ride at peak performance and the overall range makes sure that you have the right gear in every situation. Pure fun is guaranteed.

For those in the know, Nutcase helmets are the best-kept secret in the business.

Created by Michael Morrow in Portland, USA, this X-Nike creative director saw a gap in the market for helmets that offered cool graphic designs and decorations and high quality security standards. And cool they are, or as the company brand slogan goes “the most fun a helmet ever had!”

The SPEEDHUB 500/14 is operated by a twist shifter that changes gear

The range now includes more than 60 helmet designs for any sport where a

simply by pulling separate cables up or down. The indexing of the shifting lies

helmet is advised and necessary: biking of course, skiing, snowboarding,

not in the shifter as with common designs, but inside the hub. There is neither

skating, mountain climbing, kite surfing, wakeboarding, kayaking and so on.

wear on the indexing system nor any need to adjust it.

But from this year, there will be a new addition to the range: namely a joint Eddy Merckx/Nutcase helmet, one that will be offered free with the purchase of an Eddy Merckx Urban bike.

> Merckx designed UMX bike with Rohloff 14-speed gear hub

The true definition of a nutcase is really anyone who DOESN’T wear a helmet when cycling.

Look at the numbers: • Head injuries are the most common and severe form of injury • Anyone who rides without a helmet increases his/her risk of sustaining a head injury or fatal crash by 14 times • 85% of bicyclists killed in 2003 were not wearing a crash helmet (USA data) • Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a head injury by 85% • Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of a brain injury by 88% • 75% of fatal bike crashes could have been prevented if the person had been wearing a bicycle helmet

The creation of an Urban Legend - urban series

are ideal even for pro racing.

41 Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

Rohloff “Handmade in Germany” The company was found in 1986 as Rohloff GmbH (Ltd.) by Barbara and Bernhard Rohloff in Kassel (Germany) in order to produce bicycle chains, and the first production site was in the backyard at Moenchebergstraße 30 in Kassel.

This is where more than 100,000 chains/year were manufactured - in triple shift - with the help of a self-constructed assembly machine called the fabulous “green monster”!

In 1990 the Rohloff chain - the S-L-T 99 - won the “Tour de France” and the Street Bike World Championship. Over the next few years a host of other bike related products were produced e.g. the Rohloff Revolver, the Rohloff Caliber,

Rohloff “Handmade in Germany”

the HG-IG Check and the automatic chain lubrication system, Lubmatic and from 1994 onwards, the chain lubricant “Oil of Rohloff ” was introduced.

In 1996, just in time for the company’s 10th anniversary a new invention, the gear hub SPEEDHUB 500/14, was created. Even after all these years, the Rohloff gear hub is still the only hub drive able to replace a 27-gear chain drive completely and which is especially made for active sport use. Made with separate parts manufactured by over 150 German companies, a year’s production is only 20.000 hubs.

Each and every part is inspected for quality and tolerance before being assembled

> The elegantly beautiful Rohloff gear hub has been handmade in Germany since 1996.

END

The creation of an Urban Legend - urban series

by the 35 highly qualified technicians. These hubs are rare birds indeed!

umx-R Orange

frame Columbus steel SL tubing

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

fork

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

43

Columbus SL 1”

groupset Wheelset UMX-R groupset Wheelset: UMX-White wielset Rohloff 14spd Speedhub Stem: Cinelli VAI Handlebar: Cinelli LOLA bullhorn Seatpost: Cinelli VAI Saddle: UMX-White Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro White

umx-S Orange

frame Columbus steel CROMOR tubing

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

Columbus SL 1”

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

The creation of an Urban Legend - urban series

fork

frame technology

the brains behind frame technology

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

45

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

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

47

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

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

produced, this time for the Quick-Step Cycling team members - it’s interesting and useful to have their feedback too. concept engineering and design

detailed design

prototyping

production engineering

market launch

This is the stage where many of the small changes are made - particularly 0

+6 > +8 months

+10 > +14 months

+18 > +20 months

+20 > +24 months

relating to comfort for the rider. It’s a chance to check actual performance against virtual performance. The frames are evaluated, measured and the designs are modified if necessary.

> Craftsmanship and a passion for details

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

Both the EMX-7 and EMX-3 have full carbon clincher

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

rims of 38 mm. On the EMX-7, the hubs are the famous DT

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

materials

final angles and lengths of the seat posts, wheelbase and trail that -

custom created Eddy Merckx hubs and SKF bearings, again

amongst the most important of measurements - make all the difference.

with Sapim spokes.

Before moving into actual frame prototypes, the detailed bike design is fully tested and structurally analysed by technical research engineers at the production

design

Swiss 240S hubs and Sapim spokes, while the EMX-3 uses

These are Merckx designed and made wheelsets. They are

University of Gent. They work with the 3-D computer models of the bikes,

manufactured in the same workshop as the bikes and as such

measuring and pushing the limits using different materials and composites.

are made to the same high specifications. This means reliability and quality control, like no other.

the brains behind frame technology - frame technology

Eddy is the best test pilot there is. It is his tweaks and adjustments on the

exclusive eddy merckx wheelsets

frame technology

Eddy Merckx bikes are designed A dealer gives his opinion

We asked Mr. Godeau,

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

owner of a dealership that’s been working with

We test them in the toughest of conditions, and with the hardest of task-

Eddy Merckx Cycles for

masters - namely the professional cycling team at Quick-Step. Fortunately the

more than 30 years what his experience with the

team bikes past the test with flying colours, and it confirms what we know

Limited Lifetime

that the best demonstration of strength is that there are zero Quick-Step team

Warranty has been like,

bike failures due to frame failure at the end of a hard season on the road.

and he was happy to give his comments.

“Truthfully, we haven’t

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

had any claims as yet -

number is the basis of the bicycle passport. You can find your number

and I’m not surprised.

underneath the bottom bracket of your bicycle. The ID number is

Eddy has always made

made up of 3 letters and 5 numbers.

quality - and safe - bikes, and the latest carbon fibre range is no exception. I know

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

however that if we did

to second-hand bikes. Note too, that the Limited Lifetime Warranty

have an issue, there

does not apply to bikes used in competitions.

wouldn’t be any problems or hesitations

4. The ‘Limited Lifetime Warranty’ is not the only benefit of registering

from the company. Eddy

your bike. By signing up, you open a door to the Eddy Merckx Cycles

has always been

Community, making you one of the first to receive information about

extremely correct in that

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

a frame for life

49

respect.” When asked

new models, VIP tickets to competitions and events, special dealer

what customers actually

promotions, etc.

think about the LLW, he says “it is indeed a little extra reassurance that

Important

some of the clients need reason to choose an Eddy Merckx bike.”

- 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

- yet another rational

on top of the other.

performance. They are used in

The Carbon Laminate + process,

FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

different strategic areas of the

developed by and for Eddy Mer-

bike, as and when required.

ckx Cycles, assemble the sheets

The front fork for example

together in ways that maximise

needs both for optimum weight

the strength and rigidity of the

reduction and improved

resulting frame. The result?

stiffness and feel.

Optimized performance, comfort

7000

CL+ CL+

EMS 7000 EMS 7000

CL+ CL+

OSR OSR

FRG FRG

OSR OSR

FRG FRG

performance carbon

eddy merckx shaping 7000

Eddy Merckx Cycles are the

unique users of the EMS7000

Eddy is the champion of racing

alloy tube. It’s a different shape

bike geometry. It was normal

than the rest of the market - it’s

therefore that the company

uses the form of a bell - and

should design a real racing bike

delivers a stiffer feel and stronger

for women. It means that the

construction for the same weight.

angle of the seat tube is kept as

It makes our scandium alloy bikes

close to a proper racing angle as

lighter, stiffer and more robust.

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

OSR

CL+

EMS 7000

CL+

OSR

FRG

umx-r

FRG

FRG

alloy

CL+

afx-1

performance alloy

manufacturer of racing bikes, and

OSR

enthousiast carbon

amx-3

CARBON LAMINATE +

EMS EMS 7000 7000

Eddy Merckx Cycles is above all a

comfortable to ride.

EMS 7000 EMS

elite carbon

FRG FRG

efx-1 FRG

enthousiast alloy

umx-s

columbus steel

columbus steel

bike range

to achieve unparalleled

OSR

CARBON LAMINATE +

CL CL+ +

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

FRG

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

CL+

CARBON LAMINATE + CARBON LAMINATE +

FRG

efx-3 FRG

CL+

steel

these are built up in layers one

and weight.

OSR

7000

FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

with high-strength fibers

FRG

CL+

EMS

CL+

FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

using sheets of carbon fiber, and

OSR

7000

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

fibers are used in combination

FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

Carbon fiber bikes are made

FRG

OSR

EMS

female race geometry

Advanced high modular stiffness

OSR

7000

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

carbon laminate +

EMS

FEMALE RACE RACE GEOMETRY FEMALE GEOMETRY

CLFRG + OSR OSR CL +

CARBON LAMINATE +

OSR

FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

7000 7000CL+

pro carbon

optimized structural reinforcement

7000

CARBON LAMINATE +

7000

EMS

CARBON LAMINATE +

EMS EMS OSR 7000

EMS EMS

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

7000

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

FRG

EMS EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

CL+

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

FRG

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

OSR

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

CL+

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

OSR

7000

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

7000

EMS

OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

EMS

emx-5

EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000

emx-7

emx-1

carbon

emx-3

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

51

geometries emx-7 pro geometry a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

i

j

l

trail

isp

size

reach

stack

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

i

j

classic size ( k ) trail

50

450

383

511 533 114 73,8 71,3 71 408 979 581 365 43 139 68,7 680

42

368

526 519 129 74.2 71.5 71 414 973 570 365 43

507

67.4

52

466

387

526 545 129 73,4 71,7 71 408 985 587 365 43 149 66,2 710

45

373

547 534 149 73.7 71.9 71 414 982 578 365 43

530

64.9

54

482

392

541 557 145 73,1 72 69 410 995 595 365 43 157 64,3 740

48

378

568 550 173 73.2 72.3 69 414 991 586 365 43

554

62.4

56

498

396

556 569 160 72,7 72,4 69 410 1000 600 365 43 167 61,8 770

51

383

589 567 193 72.7 72.7 69 414 998 594 365 43

577

59.9

58

514

401

571 582 174 72,4 72,7 69 412 1009 606 365 43 175 59,9 800

54

388

610 583 216 72.2 73.1 67 414 1006 602 365 43

600

57.4

60

530

405

586 595 191 72 73,1 67 412 1014 611 365 43 185 57,4 830

emx-5 pro geometry reach

stack

efx-3 . efx-1 performance geometry

size

sl size

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

40

353

523 498 130 75.0 70.4 73 408 967 570 365 48

502

69.0

52

491

387

526

545 129 73,4 71,7 71 408 985 587 365 43 149 66,2

43

360

546 514 155 74.5 70.8 71 410 980 581 365 48

527

66.5

54

507

392

541 557 145 73,1 72 69 410 995 595 365 43 157 64,3

46

366

569 531 178 74.0 71.2 71 410 990 591 365 48

553

64.0

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

trail

size

reach

stack

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

i

pro geometry

performance geometry

emx-7 . emx-5

emx-3 . efx-3 . emx-1 . efx-1

l

a

a

REACH

Ă˜

stack

stack

k i

6

74

E

SIZ

E SIZ

74

d

c e

f

b

i

6

d

c e

j h

g

classic size ( k ) trail

REACH

b

Ă˜

j

f

j h

g

technical specifications

size sl size reach stack

emx-3 . emx-1 performance geometry

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

53

amx-3 performance geometry size

reach

stack

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

i

j

classic size ( k )

49

368

526

519 129 74.2 71.5 71 414 970 570 365 43

507

67.4

51

373

547

534 149 73.7 71.9 71 414 982 578 365 43

530

64.9

54

378

568

550 173 73.2 72.3 69 414 991 586 365 43

554

62.4

56

383

589

567 193 72.7 72.7 69 414 998 594 365 43

577

59.9

59

388

610

583 216 72.2 73.1 67 414 1006 602 365 43

600

57.4

trail

Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012

55

afx-1 performance geometry reach

stack

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

i

j

classic size ( k )

40

353

523

498 130 75.0 70.4 73 408 967 570 365 48

502

69.0

43

360

546

514 155 74.5 70.8 71 410 980 581 365 48

527

66.5

46

366

569

531 178 74.0 71.2 71 410 990 591 365 48

553

64.0

performance geometry

performance geometry

amx-3

afx-1

a

a

REACH

REACH

b

b

i

i

6

74

E

d

c e f

Ø

SIZ

74

E

SIZ

6

k

stack

stack

k Ø

trail

e

j h

g

d

c

f

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 All products presented subject to change without prior notice.

All rights reserved. Unauthorised copying of this brochure prohibited.