Early 1980's Eddy Merckx Professional Molteni Orange
03-22-15, 02:38 PM
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Early 1980's Eddy Merckx Professional Molteni Orange
Picked up this handsome Eddy Merckx from a very passionate, nice fellow. Looks to be full Super Record. Not sure how to date the frame though. Couldn't find too many issues, worst being the bite marks on the stays and mangled decal. Very very pretty bike. Excited to start the overhaul process.
03-22-15, 02:43 PM
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Yeah that's the exact bike I want. I'm jealous. You may be able to research the serial number in this link.
Eddy Merckx Serial Numbers
Eddy Merckx Serial Numbers
03-22-15, 02:47 PM
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Envious! Dare I ask how much it cost you?
03-22-15, 02:47 PM
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Beautiful. I would say early '80s since it has over the BB shifter cables but recessed brakes.
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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03-22-15, 02:48 PM
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WHOAAAA. Now that's one of the nicer bikes I've seen posted here in a bit...great color. Love the Campy bar plugs. Congrats!
03-22-15, 02:49 PM
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Yeah that's the exact bike I want. I'm jealous. You may be able to research the serial number in this link.
Eddy Merckx Serial Numbers
Eddy Merckx Serial Numbers
03-22-15, 02:50 PM
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Looks earlier to me with the flat fork crown...very De Rosa feel. I'd GUESS 82-83.
03-22-15, 03:02 PM
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It could be gomango...John knows far more than me. It's early, but it's not one of the De Rosa script seatcap ones, so I'd guess 82-83. It's pretty obvious how much influence De Rosa had.
03-22-15, 06:05 PM
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I suspect that the comment might have been a nod to the fact that the Merckx frame shop first opened in March of 1980, which (other clues aside) would make some possible guesses more reasonable than others.
It's a stunning bike, for sure.
It's a stunning bike, for sure.
03-22-15, 06:27 PM
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I think it's between 81-83, but I'm not an expert. I've also heard conflicting stories over who built what early bikes and for what period of time. That sure as heck looks like some de rosa parts to my eyes...so I think early. Not so early as to have the merckx signature panto.
03-22-15, 07:09 PM
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Wow- looks like the paint was done really well.
Great bike, thanks for sharing.
Great bike, thanks for sharing.
03-22-15, 07:22 PM
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Jiangshi is pretty knowledgeable about such things from what I've seen - maybe even as knowledgeable as John was - so I think that estimate is probably very on point.
