Eddy MErckx cyclEs cataloguE 201 2
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training caMp in calpE
The Quick-Step team’s training a glimpse behind the scenes gran Fondo Eddy MErckx
A chance to ride alongside a legend
Eddy MErckx cyclEs cataloguE 201 2
issue
02 > 2012
c a t a l o g u E
201 2
uMx sEriEs urban bikEs
Flaming orange and made of steel
02 > 2012
issue
02 > 2012
editorial page 03
The Quick-Step team’s training camp in Calpe
Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx
page 04
page 18
Do you want to see how professional cyclists train? See what they eat for breakfast and what they do in their downtime!
emx-7 emx-5
5 Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx specials give you the chance to ride alongside the legend himself. Feel what it´s like to ride in a mass start race.
emx-3 emx-1 efx-1
The Eddy Merckx Cycles Company
The creation of an Urban Legend
a frame for life
page 28
page 32
page 40
Made of steel and based on the famous flaming
We believe in the strength and reliability of our
orange “hour-record” 1972 bike, the fabulous new
frames and so offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Eddy Merckx started his company over 30 years ago. Times and materials were very different, but the passion and the attention to detail were there from the beginning.
UMX series tips its hat to fixies and single gear bikes, and shows how urban bikes can be both safe and cool.
amx-3 afx-1 umx-s
2012 bike range
geometries
page 42
page 44
3
A lot has happened since last year, and there is much to look forward to. Our sponsorship of the Quick-Step cycling team continues and we are making very good use of our privileged relations there by getting good feedback from the team on the bikes. We’ve had positive reactions and interesting conversations, particularly during the Calpe training sessions at the beginning of the season. I do enjoy the chat and banter that goes with riding in a team, and the testing and input on the bikes received is both useful and excellent. The Quick-Step experience is good for us and good for you too - not only does it keep us up to date with the latest demands of top cyclists, it lets us test our bikes in the most severe conditions. Our aim is to get to the end of a season without any frame failures, and we do. For you this means we offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all our frames, it’s easy to register your bike via our website - and we encourage all new owners to do so. At Eddy Merckx Cycles, we’ve never tried to make the lightest bike, but we’ve always aimed to make the safest one. With carbon fibre technology, the weight issue is now a non-issue - everyone makes a light bike - and in any case none of us can go below the minimum mass stipulated by the UCI. We all know that if we want to race our bikes, they have to be above that minimum weight. I have always believed that it’s more important that the cyclist rides and controls his bike, not the other way round! There are 5 Gran Fondo “Eddy Merckx” events this year, and we are proud that two of them have been chosen as official events in the UCI World Cycling Tour. We are also very much looking forward to the final event in Eugendorf near Salzburg. It’s the 5th edition of the Eddy Merckx Classic, and it’s there we’ll present the winner of the “Ride with Eddy” campaign with his EMX-5 bike. He’ll also accompany me around the circuit in what should be quite a day. We’ve moved! We’re now a little closer to Brussels city centre and in a much bigger space. There’s plenty of room for the stock and our workshop team. The place has got a good feel to it, and I’m confident it’s a good move. All in all, we’re well set up and happy to say that our bikes are now available in 21 countries. And talking about city centres, we’re also ready with our new range of UMX bikes - our urban collection. They’re based on the look of my old Mexico hour bike. They’re just safer and more comfortable! Just wait until you try it! Good luck and ride with passion,
Eddy Merckx
founder
carbon series
spain
calpe
Twice a year, the Belgian Quick-Step team goes to a
training camp in Calpe (near Alicante, Spain) before the beginning of the season. Mid December Tom Boonen and co. first landed on the Costa Blanca where they were confronted not only with the shape they were in, but also with their brand new EMX-5 and EMX-7 bikes.
Š Frieke Janssens
It was love at first sight...
training camp in Calpe
a glimpse behind the scenes
The Quick-Step team’s training camp in Calpe - carbon series
Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012
5
The
carbon series Sylvain Chavanel became French road race champion in 2011.
A break 25 km from the end saw the time trial champion of 2005, 2006 and 2008 finally get the road race jersey he coveted. A group of 16 took off shortly after the start, and while there was jockeying for position, it was an attack with 45 km to go that put Sylvain ahead. With 25 km, he was alone out front and at one stage © Frieke Janssens
had a lead of over a minute. He won by over half a minute from Anthony Roux and
© Frieke Janssens
Thomas Voeckler.
Smile with Eddy
Diamante Beach in Calpe heaven on earth for professional cycling teams in training.
Eddy Merckx was also present at the training camp. In Calpe, Merckx posed together with the members of the team for
When the Quick-Step Team sits down at the breakfast table at the Hotel Diamante Beach for the first time, it’s immediately
the new Eddy Merckx
clear. They are by no means the only cycling team to have come up with the idea of training in the mountains behind
Cycles marketing campaign ‘Ride with Eddy’. During
Calpe. The men from amongst others Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator, Katusha and Astana are enjoying their first breakfast
the photo shoot, Merckx
in Spain at the resort.
and the Quick-Step leaders were soon recognised by tourists spending the winter in Calpe who naturally also
Cold spaghetti with brown sugar for breakfast? Or do you prefer a slice of dry bread and a glass of buttermilk?
wanted a picture with the cycling legends. You can admire the results
The entire Quick-Step team is down to breakfast on time. Gert Steegmans is happy to see his team mates again, after having
of the shoot on
been away from Quick-Step for two years. And his team mates are also enthusiastic about his return, “Yikes, it’s been a long
www.ridewitheddy.com.
time!”, “Everything OK Gert?”, and are looking forward to riding with him again. What’s noticeable during breakfast is that
The shoot for the marketing campaign that is.
all the riders each fill up on mountains of all kinds of breakfast cereals: Honey Pops, Smacks, Special K... Honey, all kinds of jam and food supplements are also popular breakfast foods. Tom Boonen’s favourite breakfast? A bowl of Special K covered with skimmed milk and a Meli honey cake with a cup or two of strong coffee. Eddy Merckx, who has come along on this occasion: “I prefer the sausages, scrambled eggs and fresh fruit from the buffet” (laughs).
Calpe, where the Flemish feel at home
Calpe is known to most Flemish citizens as the ideal place for pensioners to spend the winter, which is understandable, considering its microclimate and more
Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012
7
than 2,800 hours of sunshine a year and an average annual temperature of 19°. But in addition to these ideal climatological conditions,
> An early start for the team in Calpe.
© Frieke Janssens
Calpe is extremely suitable for organising a training camp thanks to the enormous variation of the countryside and the excellent condition
After breakfast, down to the nitty-gritty Just before leaving the hotel, most of the riders see their brand-new EMX-5 or EMX-7 for the first time, shining outside in the sun. Everyone is pleasantly surprised by the cool look of the colouring and stripes of the Quick-Step
of the roads.
Future Flemish riders at the top
Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator,
team’s colours. When the first “oooohs” and “aaaaahs” have faded away, the 27 top riders cycle into the mountains
the Flemish cycling team
behind Calpe for a ride that will last almost 5 hours. And who’s riding up front? Of course: Eddy Merckx himself
that is also sponsored by
who has travelled with the team to taste the ambience and also do a photo shoot, together with the team. In the
Eddy Merckx Cycles, stayed at the same hotel and also
beginning Merckx complains a little about it being nippy, but after the first two climbs we hear Boonen say to
trained on the Costa Blanca
Merckx: “Warming up a bit Eddy?”
in Spain. For many riders of
Clearly he’s not forgotten how to ride.
the Quick-Step team it was a happy reunion with former
The 2012 team bike At the present time, the colour scheme of the
Chavanel and the Eddy Merckx Bicycle, the perfect match.
“I’m constantly working on how to sit on the bike as
2012 team bike has not been
efficiently as possible. The
finalised, but as soon as it is,
bike fitting we get here is
you´ll be the first to know.
fantastic. But apparently there wasn’t much more we
Check out the website,
could do to improve my
www.eddymerckx.com, for
seat.” (laughs)
the latest information and sign up for our regular newsletter.
The Quick-Step team’s training camp in Calpe - carbon series
colleagues.
carbon series
Because alone is still alone Twice a year, the entire Quick-Step team goes to a training camp to prepare for the new season. They go for the first time in mid December and then again in mid January, for just under a week each time. In addition the riders naturally also train individually. For example Tom Boonen and Gert Steegmans have a personal trainer in Monaco and © Frieke Janssens
they also often train together with riders from other teams who live in Monaco.
Or is it more a case of the riders letting him ride up front out of respect for the Master? The group is split into two for the training that follows: the climbers are given climbs and mountains; the other © Frieke Janssens
riders, including Tom Boonen, get to enjoy themselves on a more varied course.
Greedy guts!
Tom with Quick-
In the meantime the sun and temperatures have risen considerably and the riders fortify the inner self with lots of
Step until 2013
It’s been confirmed that
water, bananas, rice tarts and Meli Honey waffles. A scuffle breaks out for the last can of cola that had to be saved
Tom will stay with Quick-
until the end of the training. In the end Boonen drinks most of the can, leading to comments from his team mates:
Step for the next couple
“Hey, greedy guts!”
of years. Quick-Step has been built around Tom’s
Italian driving skills
talent and it was his first team when he turned professional in 2003. As he said after signing the
A handful of journalists from a few Belgian newspapers are given the honour of attending this Quick-Step training
contract, “I feel great
session from the official following car. And that’s not as easy as it seems on these climbing and winding mountain
here, it’s like a family.
roads. Since as many pictures as possible have to be taken, Alessandro, the Quick-Step team’s press officer, completely
The whole set-up is professional which is
ignoring all the exhortations and cautious remarks of his passengers, flies back and forth to make sure the journalists
exactly what I want.”
get the best pictures. A few of them will remember Alessandro’s driving skills for the rest of their lives. Just like the
Good for Tom and good
sharp drops he brushes past during this crazy ride.
for the team is the first few victories of the year, and as he said “reaching this agreement will be a further incentive to do
Italian Catenaccio on Spanish soil?
my best in the next few races and so give the soon as possible”.
Supper follows after a day of training and riding. In general the riders are all © Frieke Janssens
team new successes as
tucked up by around 10 pm. However one evening a sports quiz was organised, and on another a footy match between the Belgian and Italian members of the team. Belgium was resoundingly beaten 6-1.
Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012
9
ultimate race bike
EMX-7 “EDDY MERCKX ANNIVERSARY” BIKE What kind of a bike do you give the man who has given everything to cycling? Just another bike? Or a personalized “Eddy Merckx Anniversary” edition EMX-7 ? Eddy recently celebrated his 65th birthday, and we wanted to give him something extra special to mark the occasion. So we took the best we have the EMX-7, and made a limited “Anniversary” edition frame. The bike is a tribute to the 525 victories and successes that Eddy Merckx has had over the years and each major race win has been recorded on the special Lightweight carbon fiber wheels for posterity. The EMX-7 is as near to perfection as we’ve come so far. A fitting tribute to the man that we believe is the greatest cyclist of all time.
Eddy MErckx cyclEs catalogue 2011
colour Limited Edition White MSRP: $21,000 (Complete Bike)
ThE BEsT MEANs oF dEFENcE is ATTAck - ultiMate race bike
9
carbon series
colour Black White
frame Carbon CL+ 620 OSR – 1K
EMC Sizes 50/52/54/56/58/60 For details, check geometry chart p. 44
fork Carbon Aerofork – 1K Tapered 1 1/8” – 1 ½”
STIFFNESS TO WEIGHT 130Nm/°/kg
MSRP:
CL+ FRG
STW (Nm/°/kg) 130
140
120
OSR
100
140
120
EMX-7
EMX-5
FRG EMX-3
EMX-1
CARBON LAMINATE + FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY
CARBON LAMINATE +
OSR
CL+
FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY
7000
OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT
EMS
EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000
7000
OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT
EMS
EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000
$6000 (Frameset Only)
The Quick-Step team’s training camp in Calpe - carbon series
Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012
13
carbon series
Advanced Composite Design regular round seat tube
1 2 3 4
GPa 620 Fiber Combination Carbon Laminate + OSR technology ABAQUS lay-up optimisation
2
airfoil shape seat tube
Aerodynamic shape design
1 2 3 4
Airfoil shaped tubing Airfoil shaped seatpost design
Cd = 0,12
Integrated Aerofork design Internal cables (smooth design)
1
Optimal Power Transfer
EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000
EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000
3
Asymmetric chain stay Tapered head tube 1,5 – 1 1/8 inch Oversized bottom bracket
000 OSR
CL+ + CL
optimized
carbon
structural
laminate +
CARBON LAMINATE +
2
CARBON LAMINATE +
1
MS S
stiffness fibers are used in combination with high-strength fibers to achieve unparalleled performance. They are used in different strategic areas of the bike, as and when required. The front fork for example needs both for optimum weight reduction and improved stiffness and feel.
Carbon fiber bikes are made using sheets of carbon fiber, and these are built up in layers one on top of the other. The Carbon Laminate + process, developed by and for Eddy Merckx Cycles, assemble the sheets together in ways that maximise the strength and rigidity of the resulting frame. The result? Optimized performance, comfort and weight.
FRG
FRG
1 FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY
OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT
Advanced high modular
FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY
OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT
reinforcement
SR
R
Cd = 1,2
MSRP: $6000 (Framset Only)
1
3 2 3 4
Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012
colour Black Red
The Quick-Step team’s training camp in Calpe - carbon series
15
2
4
3
carbon series And the jury’s scores are? Victory in Stage 1 at the Tour of Qatar
After this varied drive with a few sharp climbs, the riders have been able to make an initial evaluation of the shape
After riding to seventh place
they’re in. Luckily everyone’s in good shape. And the talk is all positive about the Eddy Merckx bikes.
in the prologue, Tom Boonen
The driving qualities of both the EMX-5 and the EMX-7 receive great acclaim from the entire team. One of the
won the first stage in the Tour of Qatar. He was part of
differences between the EMX-5 and the EMX-7 is the fusion of the frame with the saddle, which leads to even
a breakaway of 19 riders -
more stability. So, applause from all sides. And the applause kept coming, even after the other 16 rides each lasting
alongside teammates Gert
4 to 5 hours that the riders made in the mountains.
Steegmans and Nikolas Maes. The strong wind on the course caused a split into several groups, meaning that the next group was
Perfect isn’t good enough
some 5 minutes behind. In the decisive sprint Boonen
Two professional ‘bike fitters’ have come along from the Leuven sports university to fit the Eddy Merckx bikes per-
showed some impressive
fectly to each rider’s physique and how they distribute their strength. This investigation is carried out at least once a
speed, beating Haussler and Renshaw with a powerful
year for each rider. The pressure points of the knees, feet, back and bottom are monitored with electrodes on the
sprint.
rider’s body. Everything is visualised and registered on the computer. The seat of the rider and the height of the handle bars, the saddle, the distance between the saddle and handle bars and the length of the pedal cranks can, if neces-
Top of the
sary, be adjusted, to fit the rider’s size and physique perfectly. In this way bike and rider become one.
sprinters
END
in Wevelgem
By winning the GentWevelgem race for the second time, Tom established that he is still one of the top sprinters of his generation. After a tough 203 km, there was a mass sprint at the end - so Mount Kemmel was not decisive this year. It was again Gert Steegmans that led the sprint out, so giving Tom and Quick-Step their second victory of the year. Seven years after his victory in the race, and the one that shot him to prominence - this win was particularly sweet coming at the beginning of the season and after a long fight with injury. The victory also put the team up the World Tour rankings good for the sponsors and good for the moral.
> The EMX-7 has an integrated seat post that both enhances aerodynamics and increases stiffness still further.
frame Carbon CL+ 500 OSR – 1K
EMC Sizes
emx-5 Black Red (BKR)
50/52/54/56/58/60
Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012
17
For more details, check geometry chart page 44
fork Carbon fork – 1K Tapered 1 1/8” – 1 ½” STIFFNESS TO WEIGHT 125Nm/°/kg
MSRP (USA): $3800 (Frameset only)
140
120
100
EMX-7 STW (Nm/°/kg) 125 EMX-5
EMX-3
EMX-1
EMX-5
EMX-3
EMX-1
140
120
100 EMX-7
140
geometries
page 52 120
The Quick-Step team’s training camp in Calpe - carbon series
emx-5 Black White (BKW)
carbon series
A chance to live & experience a group start one-day race
19 Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogus 2012
belgium u.k
austria
portugal italy
There are 5 gran fondo eddy merckx events this year: one
each in Portugal, Belgium, Italy, the UK and Austria. But what exactly is a Gran Fondo? While these are ostensibly recreational events, they often attract a mixture of amateurs and active and retired professionals. Not officially races - though sometimes they feel like one - they are mass start events for fun! To add a bit of spice, Gold/Silver/Bronze medals are given to participants who make the tour within a certain time category, hence the race feel.The biggest Gran Fondo type events can attract literally 1000s of riders, and the Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx in Italy with more than 2000 riders must be the most spectacular of the 5 Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx events. With a mass start, these events are as close to the feel
experience. The chance to compete and compare yourself with so many other people is certainly an
Š João Carlos Manita
opportunity not to be missed, especially as there are often large crowds of spectators, refreshment stations - just like in a real tour event - and warm welcomes at the finish.
grand fondo - carbon series
of a professional cycle race as many amateurs will
made using sheets of
FRG
FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY
FRG
Carbon fiber bikes are carbon fiber, and these are built up in layers
one on top of the other.
© Alain Buyck
CARBON LAMINATE +
CL+
carbon laminate +
FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY
CL+
CARBON LAMINATE +
carbon series
The Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx events this year 8 May 2011 Évora / Portugal – 157 km
www.gfeddymerckxportugal.com
The Carbon Laminate +
With over amateur 250 participants, the Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx in Portugal was a success. “It was the first race of its
process, developed by
kind in Portugal, bringing together the core of keen amateur cyclists in the country”, says Joao Serralheiro, the organiser
and for Eddy Merckx Cycles, assemble the
and importer of Eddy Merckx Cycles in Portugal.
sheets together in ways that maximise the strength and rigidity of
12 June 2011 Brentino Belluno, Veneto / Italy – 155.5 km
www.granfondoeddymerckx.com
the resulting frame.
Brentino Belluno is a small town in the Province of Verona in the Italian region of Veneto, about 110 km west of Venice.
The result? Optimized
Limited to 2200 riders, the Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx Italy will for the first time be accredited “International GF Amateur”
performance, comfort
status, and as such will be the 5th and final stage of the circuit. The route this year contains 3204 metres of climbing.
and weight.
18 June 2011 Huy / Belgium – 175 km
www.granfondoeddymerckx.be
The Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx Belgium follows a classic route through the beautiful Ardennes scenery. For large parts of the event, it follows the route the professionals ride during the Liège-Bastogne-Liège and La Flêche Wallonne. The Gran Fondo starts in Huy and ends with the famous “Le Mur de Huy” (wall of Huy), a 1.3km 10% climb with a maximum ascent of 19%. 31 July 2011 Chard, Somerset / U.K. – 100 miles
www.granfondoeddymerckx.co.uk
The Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx will be the first Euro style Gran Fondo event to be held in the UK. A limited field of 1000 riders will be allowed to ride the course through the beautiful county of Somerset. As in all Gran Fondo events, there is a Cable protector
Eddy’s thought of
long list of rider extras and support services including refreshments and food along the way, free gifts, pasta party, full event village and goodie bags.
everything. Special Eddy Merckx branded frame protectors prevent cable
5 September 2011 Salzburgerland / Austria – 155 km
www.eddy-merckx-classic.com
rub and potential damage
This final event of the calendar is where the prize winner of the RidewithEddy.com competition receives his/her prize
if ever the cables touch
and then meets its maker! The ride around the picturesque Salzburg lakes is an unforgettable climax to the season, and
the frame when turning
just as in each of the events, Eddy Merckx himself will be there and ride in the event, though this time with “our” winner by
for example.
his side. A very professional set-up awaits the riders of this event and some stunning cycling too.
Preparation is key We interviewed one particular gentleman who plans to compete in (and
and the competition, but most of all I wanted to see how far I could go.”
complete) two Gran Fondo events this year, the one in Italy and the other
“Now I cycle to work every day - that’s 23 km in the morning and the
in Belgium. Only on his bike for about a year now, he is
same back in the evening, though sometimes I’ll go out
new to cycling. He has however always been a competitive
of my way to make it longer - just to get extra time in
sportsman, and was previously a keen amateur footballer. As he explains, “training in those days was 3 times a week and a match at the weekend.” This gave him in that time as he says, “short power muscles”! He’s seen the change though since he took up cycling, and even after just a year in the saddle he can feel the difference - and see it too. “I’ve never been very heavy but am now 5 kg lighter than I was - in fact I’m down to 62 kg for a height of 1m75 - and that’s with me eating all I want. And another thing my muscles have definitely become longer and stronger.”
“the variation in climbs is good preparation for the race days ahead.”
“When I first started training, I took the time to read what
the saddle. On Mondays, I take it easy, it’s my wind down from the long ride on Sunday. The rest of the week, I vary it as I can, so that by Wednesday again I’m
Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogus 2012
21
pushing myself hard.” “There are at least 2 other guys training for the Gran Fondo events in my cycling club. It means that I’ve got some good company for those extra kilometres I do after the Sunday morning ride with the rest of the club. We try to get down to the Belgian Ardennes as often as possible - there’s so much more variety there, and the variation in climbs is good preparation for the race days ahead.”
kind of preparation was best for cycling. I’m 35 now, and before I started I had a medical check to see if everything was in good working
One piece of good advice? “Don’t forget to take the food offered at the
order! It was and still is, and so I started riding more regularly. It quickly be-
feeding stations, failure to do so can easily lead to a total collapse in
came clear why I was so attracted to the sport - I missed the physical challenge
form later in the event!”
internal cables of the EMX-3
A cool new feature that is both practical and beautiful is when the cables are neatly and cleanly passed through an internal cable routing, as on this EMX-3 frame.
sleeker, smoother and sexier, meaning that the aerodynamics are better and there is less chance of wear and tear.
grand fondo - carbon series
The outer frame finish is
carbon series rocks, and other objects on the road should be indicated to those behind you. These signals should be fed back through the pack so that those at the back know what to expect.
06
Signal and say when your turning, moving out, slowing or stopping - so that other cyclists and cars will know your intentions. If your group uses hand signals, get the group to explain it after you’ve been out a couple of times. It’ll help you become a better member of the group.
© Alain Buyck
07
Change positions correctly. A common mistake from beginners to a group is to stop pedalling just before pulling off the front. Keep a steady rhythm on the pedals until you have moved off, from the
RidewithEddy.com
front. And after pulling off, soft pedal and let the The competition to Ride with Eddy (www.ridewitheddy.com) involves answering a few bike related questions - all of them linked to either Eddy Merckx Cycles or one of the other sponsors in the competition. If you get all 3 of the answers right, you can choose what prize you
The Fundamental
group pull through - but keep moving or else
Rules of Group Riding
you’ll create a gap - and that’s not good either.
It’s always more fun to ride in a group than going out
compensate for the slower cadence and stand up
requires some attention and adherence to some basic
smoothly keeping a steady pressure on the pedals.
rules. Follow them and you’ll be safe, but more importantly
This will keep you from moving backward relative
the others in your group will be safe too.
to the rider behind you. Apply the opposite technique when changing to a sitting position.
01 02
03
Make sure your bike is in good working order - espe-
Riders to the rear will accelerate faster downhill
cially your brakes and your lights - especially if you
as slipstreaming becomes more effective, espe-
are out in the twilight.
cially at higher speeds. If you are following, back greater slipstream effect.
Drive smoothly and calmly. It’s not a race! Don’t change direction suddenly - cars may be coming in the other direction or other cyclists may be pass-
at the Eddy Merckx
ing.
Classic in Salzburgerland,
Each participation is
Descending. If you are leading, keep pedalling!
off a couple of bike lengths to compensate for the
prize of a ride with Eddy,
in September.
Always wear a helmet. No excuses for anybody.
09
receive, and this from
of prizes or the grand
Climbing. If you need to stand, shift up a gear to
alone. However, riding with someone or riding in a group
would most like to
either the 20,000 € worth
08
10
Ride easy and stay relaxed. It’s not only easier, it’s safer too. Too much tension can cause small bump movements to move the front wheels immediately
04
also a contribution to the children’s
Stay the right distance from the bike in front – half
and this may cause an accident. If you are relaxed, it’s
a bike length is about right. In this way you can enjoy
much easier to absorb the bump without losing con-
the significant benefit of the slipstream created by
trol.
the bike ahead of you. Don’t let gaps open up, and
Cardiology Unit at the
don’t overlap wheels with the bike in front.
UZ hospital in Leuven.
There are many blogs and sites that discuss this issue on the web, and a whole host of good advice is offered. This infor-
05
Point out potential danger. For example potholes,
mation has been edited from interviews, experience and a
carbon series
frame Carbon CL+ 300 – 3K
EMC Sizes 42/45/48/51/54 For more details, check geometry
emx-3 White Black Red
chart
fork Carbon fork – 3K Tapered 1 1/8” – 1 1/4”
groupset Wheelset
emx-3 Ultergra Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 5 Stem: FSA SL-K Handlebar: FSA Wing Pro Seatpost: FSA SL-K Saddle: Prologo Nago Evo Ti
Stiffness to Weight 115 Nm/°/kg
MSRP: $3950 (Complete BIke)
emx-3 Special Orange
140
120
100
EMX-7
EMX-5
EMX-3
EMX-1
140
120
100
EMX-5 STW (N m/°/kg) 115 EMX-7
EMX-3
EMX-1
EMX-3
EMX-1
140
120
100 EMX-7
EMX-5
140
Also available in frame-kit 120
100
geometries
page 53
emx-3 Black Carbon
the emx-3 has been designed with both performance and comfort in mind. More comfort, better fit and feel equates to better results on the bike.
carbon series
frame Carbon CL+ 240 – UDM
emx-1 Black White Carbon (BWC) EMC Sizes 42/45/48/51/54 For more details, check geometry chart page 44
fork Carbon fork – UDM Tapered 1 1/8” – 1 1/4”
groupset Wheelset Shimano 105 compact Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 7 Stem: FSA Team Issue Handlebar: FSA Wing Compact Seatpost: FSA Team Issue Saddle: Prologo Kappa STN
Stiffness to Weight 105 Nm/°/kg
MSRP: $2700 (Complete BIke)
140
120
100
emx-1 White Red (WRD) EMX-7
EMX-5
EMX-3
EMX-1
EMX-7
EMX-5
EMX-3
EMX-1
EMX-7
EMX-5
EMX-3
EMX-1
EMX-7
EMX-5
EMX-3
EMX-1
140
120
100
140
120
100
140
120
100
140
120
100
STW (Nm/°/EFX-3 kg) 105 EMX-7
EMX-5
EMX-7
EMX-5
EMX-1
140
120
100 EMX-3
EFX-1
Also available in frame-kit
geometries
page 53
We stopped one and asked her a few questions so we could better understand why. Katrien is a huge fan of cycling, and is currently training for 2 Gran Fondo races this year, having raced the Dolomite Martoni in 2010. 50 this year, she and her husband Christian both ride Eddy Merckx Cycles, an EFX-1 for her and an EMX-7 for him! Katrien tells us what it’s like: “the cycling world has changed for ladies for the better in the last few years, and all in all we feel there’s more attention being paid to our needs. There are bikes like the EFX series from Eddy Merckx that are just made for our build and shorter, more compact shape - and they feel just right. There’s also lots of new style ladies clothing. The results are clear and I see more and more ladies riding and competing at the top levels.” She goes on, “I cycle for fitness and fun of course, but it’s more than that - for me it’s an occasion to push myself and see just how far I can go, and whether I’m better this week than last.”
more and more ladies riding at the gran fondos.
OSR
FRG FRG
female race geometry
FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY
More and more ladies are riding in Gran Fondo events.
OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT
A lady in love with cycling
27
Eddy Merckx Cycles is above all a manufacturer of racing bikes, and Eddy is the champion of racing bike geometry. It was normal therefore that the company should design a real racing bike for women. It means that the angle of the seat tube is kept as close to a proper racing angle as possible, and so the top tube is made shorter, and the front head tube is made larger. It’s more adapted to women’s body morphologies and much more comfortable to ride.
frame Carbon CL+ 240 – UDM
eFX-1 Sizes 40/43/46
efx-1 Carbon White (CWH)
For more details, check geometry chart page 44
fork Carbon fork – UDM Tapered 1 1/8” – 1 1/4”
groupset Wheelset Shimano 105 compact Wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 7 Stem: FSA Team Issue Handlebar: FSA Wing Compact Seatpost: FSA Team Issue Saddle: Prologo Kappa Dea STN
Stiffness 105 Nm/°/kg
MSRP: $2700 (Complete BIke)
geometries
page 53
carbon series
to Weight
Chronicle
Legend
eddy louis joseph merckx won
525 cycle races in the years he was racing and that included the Tour de France five
zellik
belgium
times, the Giro d’Italia five times, the Vuelta once, all the great classic one day races except two and the World Championship four times. Now, years later, eddy merckx needs no encouragement to talk enthusiastically about his past: «When I ended my cycling career in 1978, I didn’t really know what to do with my life. All I’d really done was ride, ride, ride my bike. But there was one thing I did know: I always wanted to do something I was as passionate and enthusiastic about as I had been about my cycling career. I had to be able to keep living life to the full just like I had always done.»
chronicle of a legend
Š rights reserved
Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogus 2012
29
team, and it was there that Eddy met Ugo De Rosa, one of the sponsors. It was he who offered advice and encouragement when Eddy had the idea of creating his own bicycle brand. “I did not feel ready at that time to start producing bicycles myself“, Merckx explains,. “But with my contacts I was able to learn how it was done. I travelled to Milan regularly to learn all I could. I remember that they didn’t weld the frames but soldered them. I then sent the Belgian welders that I wanted to work with to Milan to familiarise them with this technique.”
© Tonny Strouken
The Eddy Merckx Cycles Company
Eddy had for years been riding in the Italian based Molteni
Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogus 2012
31
28 March 1980. The day of the official opening of eddy merckx’s
new company: ‘eddy merckx cycles’.
The day had finally come The workshops were established at Birrebeekstraat in Meise, in the town where Merckx himself now lives. Merckx continues the story, "we started with seven employees: two welders, two bench fitters and Martine Acou, who - 30 years later - still works for the company, and is now an executive of the company. My former lieutenants Jos Huysmans and Ward Janssens were also with us from the beginning, as was © Stephan Vanfleteren
Robert Lelangue, who had been my director at Molteni. All three of them were responsible for sales. De Rosa, who had after all taught me the trade, remained my technical adviser until 1981. And me? For the first time in my life I got to be the boss" (laughs out loud).
Success story
Constant evolution
When the first completely finished bike left the factory in Meise in
When titanium was on the up and started to replace steel, Merckx
1980, no one expected Eddy Merckx Cycles to be such a success story.
decided to send his head welder Johan to the United States to learn how
Merckx: "Between 1980 and 2008 we sold about 5000 bikes a year."
to weld titanium. Merckx: "When I went to trade fairs, I always took
Of course that success didn’t just come by itself. "We never stopped
people from the factory with me. In that way they could see the latest
investing in new technologies and always kept our eyes open for the
developments, the latest materials, etc. with their own eyes. I remember
latest developments," says Merckx. "It's always been the case that
that in the beginning of our carbon production days, we cooperated with
I liked new products, product design and geometry. My aim was to
an Italian company."
have our entire production in Meise so that we could keep a good eye after a while so that we could paint the bikes in-house as well." In the heyday of production at the factory, the company employed 42 people and the entire production, from the first spoke to the final assembly, took place in the factory in Meise.
chronicle of a legend
on quality control. That was the reason why we added spray cabins
urban series
The creation of an
Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012
33
The inspiration for this new range of Eddy Merckx Cycles is nothing
less than the bike that broke the one-hour record in Mexico City in 1972. A sleek, simple and strong track bike and made of steel - it is designed to
on streets and roads whatever their condition. It’s also painted in that inimitable orange colour that reminds us all of Eddy in Mexico.
The creation of an Urban Legend - urban series
be ridden in the city, and to be used
umx-S Orange
frame Columbus steel CROMOR tubing
Sizes 50/53/56/59 (Urban geometry)
fork Columbus SL 1�
groupset Wheelset UMX-S groupset Wheelset: UMX-White wielset Stem: UMX-White Handlebar: UMX-White bullhorn Seatpost: UMX-White Saddle: UMX-White Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro White
MSRP: $1250 (Complete Bike)
2012 EDDY MERCKX GEOMETRY CHARTS
ETRY 54 cm 54 51 392 541 55.7 3 145 73.1 72 6.9 41 99.5 59.5 36.5 43 15.7 80.9 64.3 74
UMX-S GEOMETRY 56 cm 55.8 52.8 396 556 56.9 3 160 72.7 72.4 6.9 41 100 59.9 36.5 43 16.6 82.4 61.8 77
58 cm 57.9 54.9 401 571 58.2 3 174 72.4 72.7 6.9 41.2 100.9 60.6 36.5 43 17.5 83.9 59.9 80
60 cm 59.7 56.7 405 586 56.5 3 191 72 73.1 6.7 41.2 101.4 61.1 36.5 43 18.4 85.7 57.4 83
56 cm 55.8 52.8 396 556
58 cm 57.9 54.9 401 571
60 cm 59.7 56.7 405 586
ETRY 54 cm 54 51 392 541
Size Seat Tube Effective Seat Tube c-t-c Reach Stack TT Effective A TT c-t-c TT Drop HT length B ST angle C HT angle D Setback BB drop E CS length F Wheelbase G Front-Center H Fork length I Fork offset J Setback Standover Trail
50 cm 50.5 52.5 361 501 50 51 -2 110 75 73 13.1 5.9 39.5 92.8 54.1 36.5 43 13.1 77.9 58
53 cm 51.5 54 385 507 53 54 -2.5 115 74.5 73.5 13.8 5.9 39.5 94.9 56.1 36.5 43 13.8 78.5 55
56 cm 53.5 56.5 407 530 56 57 -3 136 74.2 74.4 14.6 5.9 39.5 97 58.2 36.5 43 14.6 80.8 49.5
59 cm 54.7 58.2 427 539 59 60 -3.5 145 73.5 74.5 15.5 5.9 39.5 99.1 60.4 36.5 43 15.5 81.7 48.8
frame technology
the brains behind frame technology
Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012
37
as many hours goes into developing and designing an Eddy Merckx bike as you are likely to ride it! The conception of a new Eddy Merckx bike involves a subtle mix of Formula 1 level technology, artisan craftsmanship and lots of experience and understanding. We wanted to understand the process better, and examine just how much work, time and effort is involved in the development process to produce the perfect bike, with the least compromises possible in terms of comfort and efficiency.
ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT The first stage is a continuous one. It involves ongoing research into new materials, and how The advances in this domain have been remarkable over the last decade, and still there is plenty of scope for new concepts, as new technology and manufacturing techniques are developed. Eddy Merckx Cycles leads the way in the optimum use of carbon fibres, and the results are there for everyone to see. It comes from a real appreciation of the material characteristics and an in-depth understanding of how they can be put to the best use. CL+ technology and OSR are just two example of how the research engineers have been able to make the difference. It shouldn’t be underestimated, but a lot of work also goes into appreciating the latest trends in design - and not just in terms of look and style, but colours too. Another reason why the bikes always look so good.
the brains behind frame technology - frame technology
they can best be used, exploited and maximised.
frame technology
> A fraction of a degree and a few mm makes a world of difference.
concept engineering and design
0
detailed design
prototyping
production engineering
market launch
+6 > +8 months
+10 > +14 months
+18 > +20 months
+20 > +24 months
CONCEPT ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
DETAILED DESIGN
First sketches are produced at this stage, and despite what anyone says there’s
Eddy Merckx look and style is integrated into the design. After the first
always some sort of a trade-off. It’s a mixture of looks, price and performance.
sketches and long fruitful discussions with Eddy, the engineers start to
With the last two being measurable and quantifiable. This stage often starts
nail down the final frame geometry - and this for the different frame sizes. As
almost 18 months to 2 years ahead of the actual bike getting to the dealers, so
some of you may remember, Eddy was always fiddling about with his
while there’s scope for change, there’s also a deadline and a launch date. A lot
bikes - he was even known to fiddle about during a race, often changing
of the work is done here, and production options and decisions are mapped
the height of his saddle. With his 50 years of experience at the heart of the
out. A host of different elements come into the mix here: geometry, frame
bike world, there is no-one better at detailing just what it takes to make a
sizes, loads, stresses, manufacturing, parts, orders, stock etc.
better bike. He can see things that others can´t, in fact you could say that
Now there is a clear idea of what the bike will look like, and the established
Eddy is the best test pilot there is. It is his tweaks and adjustments on the final angles and lengths of the seat posts, wheelbase and trail that amongst the most important of measurements - make all the difference.
materials
Before moving into actual frame prototypes, the detailed bike design is fully tested and structurally analysed by technical research engineers at the University of Gent. They work with the 3-D computer models of the bikes, measuring production
design
and pushing the limits using different materials and composites.
PROTOTYPING After everyone is happy and satisfied with the theory of the bike, the rub-
The prototyping stage takes several months to complete, because there are
ber starts hitting the road! Yes, it’s time for the prototypes. A first frame
several stages of testing and retesting - each time involving the modification
is produced, but this is just for the look and feel - it’s not strong enough
of designs and the manufacturing of a new set of frames. As many as 15 or
to be ridden on. A second frame is produced - actually at the size of the
more prototypes are made and tested before a final bike design is decided
leading design engineer!
upon. Finally, the bikes are ready to go into production.
END
He just happens to be a bike fan. It is he who gets to be the first guinea
Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012
39
pig, sorting out issues that he sees and feels, as well as making sure it’s safe to ride - because the next frame is for Eddy. It’s his instinct that can tell whether the combination of ride comfort and racing performance is right. Naturally there’s discussion and a difference in opinion, but ultimately decisions are made. Another series of frames is produced, this time for the Quick-Step Cycling team members - it’s interesting and useful to have their feedback too. This is the stage where many of the small changes are made - particularly relating to comfort for the rider. It’s a chance to check actual performance against virtual performance. The frames are evaluated, measured and the > Craftsmanship and a passion for details
the brains behind frame technology - frame technology
designs are modified if necessary.
frame technology
A dealer gives his opinion
We asked Mr. Godeau, owner of a dealership that’s been working with Eddy Merckx Cycles for more than 30 years what his experience with the Limited Lifetime Warranty has been like, and he was happy to give his comments. “Truthfully, we haven’t had any claims as yet and I’m not surprised. Eddy has always made quality - and safe - bikes, and the latest carbon fibre range is no exception. I know however that if we did have an issue, there wouldn’t be any problems or hesitations from the company. Eddy has always been extremely correct in that respect.” When asked what customers actually think about the LLW, he says “it is indeed a little extra reassurance that some of the clients need - yet another rational reason to choose an Eddy Merckx bike.”
and built to withstand years of riding, without incident or accident. We test them in the toughest of conditions, and with the hardest of taskmasters - namely the professional cycling team at Quick-Step. Fortunately the team bikes passed the test with flying colours, and it confirms what we know that the best demonstration of strength is that there are zero Quick-Step team bike failures due to frame failure at the end of a hard season on the road.
We offer you the same guarantee Eddy Merckx Cycles have so much belief in the quality of their frames that each new carbon model bought at a recognized Eddy Merckx dealer comes with a ‘Limited Lifetime Warranty’. 1. To benefit from the ‘Limited Lifetime Warranty’, you must register your recently purchased Eddy Merckx Cycles bicycle via the website www.eddymerckx.com - within one month of the date of purchase. You will receive a registration-verification via e-mail. 2. Every Eddy Merckx Cycles frame has its own unique ID number. That number is the basis of the bicycle passport. You can find your number underneath the bottom bracket of your bicycle. The ID number is made up of 3 letters and 5 numbers. 3. The ‘Limited Lifetime Warranty’ is only available to a bicycle’s first owner, and so please note that this guarantee is therefore NOT applicable to second-hand bikes. Note too, that the Limited Lifetime Warranty does not apply to bikes used in competitions. 4. The ‘Limited Lifetime Warranty’ is not the only benefit of registering your bike. By signing up, you open a door to the Eddy Merckx Cycles Community, making you one of the first to receive information about new models, VIP tickets to competitions and events, special dealer promotions, etc.
Important - The warranty is only available for bicycles purchased from officially recognized dealers, and for the Limited Lifetime Warranty to remain valid, the frame must be inspected at least once a year by an official Eddy Merckx Cycles dealer. - When claiming against the Limited Lifetime Warranty, you must present the original receipt of purchase. We recommend you keep a copy of your receipt inside the back cover of your passport.
a frame for life - frame technology
Eddy Merckx bikes are designed
Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012
a frame for life
optimized structural reinforcement Advanced high modular stiffness fibers are used in combination with high-strength fibers to achieve unparalleled performance. They are used in bike, as and when required.
OSR
The front fork for example
needs both for optimum weight reduction and improved stiffness and feel.
FRGCL CLOSR +OSR + Carbon fiber bikes are made
these are built up in layers one
The Carbon Laminate + process,
FRG
developed by and for Eddy Merckx Cycles, assemble the sheets
FRG
together in ways that maximise the strength and rigidity of the resulting frame. The result?
Optimized performance, comfort and weight.
CL CL+ +
FRG FRG
CARBON LAMINATE + CARBON LAMINATE +
EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000
elite carbon
female race geometry
using sheets of carbon fiber, and on top of the other.
EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000
FRG
carbon laminate +
OSR
different strategic areas of the
OSR
FEMALE RACE RACE GEOMETRY FEMALE GEOMETRY
7000
CL+ 7000 7000
OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT
EMS EMS OSR7000
EMS EMS CL+
OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT
pro carbon
FRG
CARBON LAMINATE +
7000
OSR
CARBON LAMINATE +
FRG
7000
CL+
FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY
OSR
EMS
EMS
7000
FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY
CL+
OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT
7000
CARBON LAMINATE +
FRG
EMS
FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY
OSR
EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000
CL+
EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000
7000
OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT
EMS
OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT
EMS
emx-5
EDDY MERCKX SHAPING 7000
emx-7
Eddy Merckx Cycles is above all a manufacturer of racing bikes, and Eddy is the champion of racing bike geometry. It was normal therefore that the company should design a real racing bike for women. It means that the angle of the seat tube is kept as close to a proper racing angle as possible, and so the top tube is made shorter, and the front head tube is made larger. It’s more adapted to women’s body morphologies and much more comfortable to ride.
OSR
EMS
CL+
7000
efx-3 FRG
OSR
CL+
efx-1 FRG
EMS 7000 EMS 7000
CL+ CL+
EMS 7000 EMS 7000
CL+ CL+
OSR OSR
FRG FRG
OSR OSR
FRG FRG
performance carbon
performance carbon
umx-s
columbus steel
bike range
7000
carbon
EMS
emx-1
steel
emx-3
Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012
43
geometries emx-7 pro geometry size sl size reach stack
a
b
c
d
e
f
50
450
383
511
533
114
73,8
71,3
71
52
466
387
526
545
129
73,4
71,7
54
482
392
541
557
145
73,1
56
498
396
556
569
160
58
514
401
571
582
60
530
405
586
595
g
h
i
j
l
trail
isp
408 979
581
365
43
139
68,7
680
71
408 985
587
365
43
149
66,2
710
72
69
410 995
595
365
43
157
64,3
740
72,7
72,4
69
410 1000
600
365
43
167
61,8
770
174
72,4
72,7
69
412 1009
606
365
43
175
59,9
800
191
72
73,1
67
412 1014
611
365
43
185
57,4
830
emx-5 pro geometry size
sl size
reach
stack
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
l
50
475
383
511
533
114
73,8
71,3
71
408
979
581
365
43
139
68,7
52
491
387
526
545
129
73,4
71,7
71
408
985
587
365
43
149
66,2
54
507
392
541
557
145
73,1
72
69
410
995
595
365
43
157
64,3
56
523
396
556
569
160
72,7
72,4
69
410
1000
600
365
43
167
61,8
58
539
401
571
582
174
72,4
72,7
69
412
1009
606
365
43
175
59,9
60
555
405
586
595
191
72
73,1
67
412
1014
611
365
43
185
57,4
pro geometry emx-7 . emx-5
l
a
REACH
b
i
6
E
SIZ
74
d
c e
f
stack
Ă˜
j h
g
trail
emx-3 . emx-1 performance geometry size
reach
stack
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
42
368
45
classic size ( k ) trail
526
519
129
74.2
71.5
71
414
973
570
365
43
507
67.4
373
547
534
149
73.7
71.9
71
414
982
578
365
43
530
64.9
48
378
568
550
173
73.2
72.3
69
414
991
586
365
43
554
62.4
51
383
589
567
193
72.7
72.7
69
414
998
594
365
43
577
59.9
54
388
610
583
216
72.2
73.1
67
414
1006 602
365
43
600
57.4
j
Eddy Merckx Cycles catalogue 2012
45
efx-1 performance geometry reach
stack
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
40
353
43 46
classic size ( k ) trail
523
498
130
75.0
70.4
73
408
967
570
365
48
502
69.0
360
546
514
155
74.5
70.8
71
410
980
581
365
48
527
66.5
366
569
531
178
74.0
71.2
71
410
990
591
365
48
553
64.0
performance geometry emx-3 . emx-1 . efx-1
a
REACH
b
Ă˜
i
E SIZ
6
74
d
c e f
stack
k
j h
g
technical specifications
size
editor Eddy Merckx Cycles Frans Schachtstraat 29, 1731 Zellik, Belgium www.eddymerckx.com
bike shots
Eric Cherpion, www.shimera.be
retouching
Hyacinthe Arthurs, www.shimera.be
art direction
[SIGN*] www.designbysign.com
writer
Gavin Watt, www.wow.be
U.S. Distributor: Gita Sporting Goods Ltd. 12500 Dteele Creek Road Charlotte, NC 28273 Phone: 800 366 4482 Fax: 704 588 4322
All products presented subject to change without prior notice.
Email: info@gitabike.com
All rights reserved. Unauthorised copying of this brochure prohibited.
Web: www.GitaBike.com