New low end bike. (Eddy Merckx content)
#1
Shifting is fun!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,003
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 280 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2197 Post(s)
Liked 4,599 Times
in
1,764 Posts
New low end bike. (Eddy Merckx content)
I went to pick up a bike this morning from a local seller, and I had noticed he also had the remnants of an Eddy Merckx bike for sale. So for an extra €25 it came home with me. I don't see these very often online, so I thought I'd document this one here for posterity.
I think it is from ca 1971, judging by the decals:
It's an entry level model, branded by Kessels, and it's incomplete, but a set of MAFAC brakes ...
... and levers is always welcome, so I consider the rest a bonus. Such as the slightly scruffy Unicanitor saddle, the Cinelli bars and the Mavic stem:
I like the look of the seat cluster:
And the fork doesn't look too bad either. At first I thought the decal was a reference to Briek Schotte, the 1948 and 1950 Belgian World Champion, but on closer inspection it looks more like "fabrieks<something>", with "fabriek" meaning "factory" or "works".
Any other of these low end Merckx' out there?
I think it is from ca 1971, judging by the decals:
It's an entry level model, branded by Kessels, and it's incomplete, but a set of MAFAC brakes ...
... and levers is always welcome, so I consider the rest a bonus. Such as the slightly scruffy Unicanitor saddle, the Cinelli bars and the Mavic stem:
I like the look of the seat cluster:
And the fork doesn't look too bad either. At first I thought the decal was a reference to Briek Schotte, the 1948 and 1950 Belgian World Champion, but on closer inspection it looks more like "fabrieks<something>", with "fabriek" meaning "factory" or "works".
Any other of these low end Merckx' out there?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Alta California
Posts: 14,256
Mentioned: 415 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3808 Post(s)
Liked 3,332 Times
in
2,174 Posts
-----
thanks very much for sharing this find!
have never seen another like it; transfers are a new set to me
the stem & bar set can no be original - well above the pay grade of the balance
---
btw -
non-fixie recently showed me that there were Miyata built Merckx cycles -
The catalogs of Japanese vintage bicycle
they even offered Hellenic models!
-----
thanks very much for sharing this find!
have never seen another like it; transfers are a new set to me
the stem & bar set can no be original - well above the pay grade of the balance
---
btw -
non-fixie recently showed me that there were Miyata built Merckx cycles -
The catalogs of Japanese vintage bicycle
they even offered Hellenic models!
-----
#3
Shifting is fun!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,003
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 280 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2197 Post(s)
Liked 4,599 Times
in
1,764 Posts
The decals seem to be a copy of what Eddy was using during the 1971 TdF, the first year Kessels were building his bikes:
BTW, more proof that orange bikes are really fast.
BTW, more proof that orange bikes are really fast.
#4
Senior Member
Lugs are long and decent. What’s the tubing?
That would make an excellent, er...single speed.
That would make an excellent, er...single speed.
#5
Edumacator
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 6,796
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2436 Post(s)
Liked 3,119 Times
in
1,962 Posts
That bike is awesome!
Mavic stem is gorgeous and the Mafac wares gravy on the biscuit!
Great potential frame too.
Mavic stem is gorgeous and the Mafac wares gravy on the biscuit!
Great potential frame too.
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Alta California
Posts: 14,256
Mentioned: 415 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3808 Post(s)
Liked 3,332 Times
in
2,174 Posts
-----
mixed gear ensemble of Freres Huret shift lever paired with Juy cable guide and Juy Prestige 637AR rear mech
Lyotard model Nr. 36 pedals
Nitor saddle
frame exhibits Italian type brake bridge
crown is Vagner model DL
-----
mixed gear ensemble of Freres Huret shift lever paired with Juy cable guide and Juy Prestige 637AR rear mech
Lyotard model Nr. 36 pedals
Nitor saddle
frame exhibits Italian type brake bridge
crown is Vagner model DL
-----
Likes For juvela:
#7
Edumacator
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Goose Creek, SC
Posts: 6,796
Bikes: '87 Crestdale, '87 Basso Gap, '92 Rossin Performance EL-OS, 1990 VanTuyl, 1980s Losa, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 1987 PX10, etc...
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2436 Post(s)
Liked 3,119 Times
in
1,962 Posts
non-fixie is that a tubular or clincher RW?
__________________
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
1987 Crest Cannondale, 1987 Basso Gap, 1992 Rossin Performance EL, 1990ish Van Tuyl, 1985 Trek 670, 1982 AD SLE, 2003 Pinarello Surprise, 1990ish MBK Atlantique, 1987 Peugeot Competition, 1987 Nishiki Tri-A, 1981 Faggin, 1996 Cannondale M500, 1984 Mercian, 1982 AD SuperLeicht, 1985 Massi (model unknown), 1988 Daccordi Griffe , 1989 Fauxsin MTB, 1981 Ciocc Mockba, 1992 Bianchi Giro, 1977 Colnago Super
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Alta California
Posts: 14,256
Mentioned: 415 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3808 Post(s)
Liked 3,332 Times
in
2,174 Posts
-----
rear wheel is a wired-on with a RIGIDA SUPERCHROMIX steel rim
-----
rear wheel is a wired-on with a RIGIDA SUPERCHROMIX steel rim
-----
Likes For juvela:
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: California
Posts: 983
Bikes: '87 Serotta Colorado,'96 Moots VaMoots, Bertoni MAX, Eddy Merckx Grand Prix Team USA
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 171 Post(s)
Liked 338 Times
in
147 Posts
That is one of the coolest "entry level" bikes I've ever seen. Tons of potential there. I would leave it as a five (four?) speed set up.
Likes For velomateo:
#10
Junior Member
Very nice, I didn’t know Kessels made an entry level Merckx. Looks much better quality than the cheap and nasty Falcon-built “Eddy Merckx” replicas sold here in the UK. I bet that will fix up real nice, due to its rarity I’d be inclined to do preservation job rather than a full restoration. That’s $25 well spent!
#12
Shifting is fun!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,003
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 280 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2197 Post(s)
Liked 4,599 Times
in
1,764 Posts
I saw no marks that would indicate what tubing was used, and I haven't had the opportunity yet to take any measurements. Won't have for a couple of weeks either, as the non-fixie household will temporarily relocate to Italy for some cycling.
Likes For 3speedslow:
#14
Shifting is fun!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,003
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 280 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2197 Post(s)
Liked 4,599 Times
in
1,764 Posts
Its only drawback, however, is its size. Too small for me, too big for the mrs.
#16
Shifting is fun!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,003
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 280 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2197 Post(s)
Liked 4,599 Times
in
1,764 Posts
It certainly does, but to be sure I'll be taking actual measurements when I get back in a couple of weeks. I'll post them here.
Likes For non-fixie:
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Fredericksburg, Va
Posts: 9,579
Bikes: '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, '94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster, Tern Link D8
Mentioned: 73 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1607 Post(s)
Liked 2,216 Times
in
1,103 Posts
Go to your profile and find albums on the right. Add Pics.
__________________
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
Bikes don't stand alone. They are two tired.
#18
Senior Member
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: The Urban Shores Of Michigami
Posts: 1,749
Bikes: ........................................ .....Holdsworth "Special"..... .......Falcon "Special".......... .........Miyata 912........... ........................................
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 702 Post(s)
Liked 672 Times
in
420 Posts
Very cool. I have a Falcon made Eddy Merckx that is on the low-end as well.
Your frame & fork crown looks similar to some of Gitane frames I've seen
Your frame & fork crown looks similar to some of Gitane frames I've seen
Likes For branko_76:
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Pac NW
Posts: 1,934
Bikes: several Eddy Merz (ride like Eddy, braze like Jim!)
Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1083 Post(s)
Liked 1,814 Times
in
661 Posts
Nothing makes sense. The sticker on the top tube belongs on the seat tube. Looks like chrome peeking under the fork paint. What is the headset?
#21
ambulatory senior
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Peoria Il
Posts: 5,998
Bikes: Austro Daimler modified by Gugie! Raleigh Professional and lots of other bikes.
Mentioned: 76 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1955 Post(s)
Liked 3,661 Times
in
1,679 Posts
Likes For 52telecaster:
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: The Urban Shores Of Michigami
Posts: 1,749
Bikes: ........................................ .....Holdsworth "Special"..... .......Falcon "Special".......... .........Miyata 912........... ........................................
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 702 Post(s)
Liked 672 Times
in
420 Posts
#23
Senior Member
#24
Shifting is fun!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,003
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 280 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2197 Post(s)
Liked 4,599 Times
in
1,764 Posts
For those who wonder if I ever got back: I did. I just forgot about this thread and my promise. Sorry about that and thanks for reminding me.
One thing I did find out in the meantime is that Kessels' main supplier of frames - they didn't build any themselves - were Vaneenooghe. The frames they supplied to Kessels included those for Merckx, Planckaert, Pollentier and Kelly. Vaneenooghe still build steel frames, currently under their own brand name, Jaegher.
One thing I did find out in the meantime is that Kessels' main supplier of frames - they didn't build any themselves - were Vaneenooghe. The frames they supplied to Kessels included those for Merckx, Planckaert, Pollentier and Kelly. Vaneenooghe still build steel frames, currently under their own brand name, Jaegher.
#25
Shifting is fun!
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: South Holland, NL
Posts: 11,003
Bikes: Yes, please.
Mentioned: 280 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2197 Post(s)
Liked 4,599 Times
in
1,764 Posts
It looks like the very early 1971 bikes had the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia stickers on the top tube. After seeing your picture, I managed to find exactly one other example online: BARN FIND Molteni 1971 Eddy Merckx.
Your timing is also excellent, BTW, as mine has been on my stand for a couple of days. I had finally dug it out of the garage.
The seat tube measures 56.5cm (center-to-top) and the top tube 56cm (center-to-center). The steel seatpost that came in it is somewhat deformed. My calipers show readings between 26.4mm and 26.8mm, so I'm assuming it started out at ~26.6mm, maybe even as a 26.8. BB shell is 70mm, with BSC threading.
The Mavic stem came out in one piece, after acquiring the correct 7mm allen wrench:
No markings on the headset. Perhaps juvela recognizes it?
Next up: the fixed cup. The bottom bracket was still surprisingly smooth, even with the decades-old chunks of grease in it, so I would like to save it.
The spindle, marked "137-70-MI":
The fixed cup, which I hope to get out unmolested. I measured the distance between the opposing flats to see what size wrench I would need at 36.6mm. So it will have to be the bench vise, I think: