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.