2_be_us

Hi all!

I recently acquired this Eddy Merckx Corsa:
EDDY MERCKX CORSA by 2beus | PhotobucketI bought it as a complete bike, but has since then taken it apart. I’ve had lots of steel frames over the years but this is my first Merckx and I’m really exited about trying it out. Part of the joy for me when buying a “new” bike is to find out its history, but with this frame I’m having some trouble and that’s why I could really need some help.

I’ve been comparing the serial# (A2-3990-E) on my frame against other serial numbers on cadre.org and it seems like Merckx bikes with an “E” at the end of the serial# are either from 95/96 or from the early 80’s. The fact that my frame has got cable routing over the bottom bracket would rule out the 90’s and confirm that the frame is from the early 80’s. I’m I right to think this, and if so, is there any way to find out a more exact year of manufacture?

Also, I assume that the “original paintwork” decal and the lack of a tubing decal would suggest that the frame has been repainted? The paintjob looks 90’s to me but I haven’t been able to find another bike from the 90’s with this paintjob. I’m hoping someone can tell me more about the paintjob and perhaps provide me with some educated guesses regarding what tubing might have been used.

I’m also a bit confused to why the serial number on this frame starts with an “A” when Corsas generally have a “C” as the first letter (again, according to cadre.org).

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Kind Regards,
Tobias

jiangshi

lots of anomalies on that frame. Does the fork have a matching serial number?

All signs point to early 80's, except paint. Factory repaint?

2_be_us

Thanks for the reply! I need to check the fork for serial number, forgot about that today. Do you think the fork might be later than the frame?

jiangshi

The fork *maybe* newer, but that design was available early on. I would also check the ST & HT angles. I wouldn't be surprised if it was a Professional, not a Corsa.

2_be_us

That's interesting! The "A" in the serial would according to cadre suggest that it started its life as a Professional. What would be the difference between a Professional and a Corsa in terms of HT and ST angles?

jiangshi

I believe (not sure) that the Professional has steeper angles than the Corsa, Corsa a bit more laid back on the ST. I have always preferred Professionals.

rccardr 

2_be_us

Thanks, very informative! I will definitelly take a closer look at the fork and the inside of the frame tomorrow. It would be interesting to know why someone would respray a Professional as a Corsa, but that will remain a mystery i guess. The frame is a 62cm. it might be a bit large for me, but hopefully I can make it work.

Cool, thanks! I will do some more research regarding the angles on the Professionals vs Carsas.

jiangshi

The Portacatena dropout is interesting.

2_be_us

Wow, I had to read up on that, had never heard of Portacatena dropouts before. I'm learning new things in every post here. Thanks! I doubt i will install a chain-holder though.

CyclesMakaron

Hi! this is Eddy Merckx 1982 (the name "Professional" is not official), Columbus SL, repainted at the Merckx factory in the 90s. A2 E3990 means: A - designation of an employee responsible for preparation of the chroming / painting frame (A is not a model / tube type designation - it appears in the years 1980 - 1989 on every Merckx model), 2 - 52 or 62 cm seat tube, E - the first "letter" EM series of bicycle frames 1981-1984 (in 1980 the series "letterless" was produced, there never was an E series from 94/95), 3990 ~ summer 1982. Corsa appeared at the earliest in 1985 and had the same geometry from Eddy Merckx 1981-1986. The numbering and marking of the EM frames is continuous and logical - in case of any problems, I will help you best regards - Jacek

2_be_us

Thank you very much! That was very informative. It’s great to finally know what I have here. Do you know anything about the re-paints that was done in the Merckx factory? I’m a bit curious to why one would choose to paint a non Corsa bike as a Corsa. Personally I would use the original paint scheme if I would do a re-paint, if possible. But maybe the person who owned it didn’t have that option in the 90’s? Thanks!

2_be_us

Thank you very much! That was very informative. It’s great to finally know what I have here. Do you know anything about the re-paints that was done in the Merckx factory? I’m a bit curious to why one would choose to paint a non Corsa bike as a Corsa. Personally I would use the original paint scheme if I would do a re-paint. But maybe the person who owned it didn’t have that option in the 90’s? Thanks!

CyclesMakaron

Hi! reason 1: destroyed old paint coat - we renew the frame with currently available paints; reason 2: we think that the original painting is "unfashionable" and we order the latest or the best Corsa was a direct successor (continuator) EM (Professional) - practically changed only minor details - Best Regards - Jacek