CyclesMakaron

Part 04 schEMerckx EMP - paint schemes



In the early days EMC did not have its own paint shop, where the frames were painted then - I don't know.
The first time paint shop was shown in 1987 catalog.
I will present the schemes in chronological order, showing examples
Under the photos I will put additional information (if I have any)



EMP01
"scheme" basic, used 1980 - 2006 and the only one included in the basic price of the frame

Examples:
0101 "Black matt": early paint scheme used from 1981 (80?)



0102 silver



0103 red



0104 light blue: code Blue83



0105 orange: MOL code



other known codes are:
champagne: code CH
fuchsia: code X
yellow: code J or JF
red: code R or RF



EMP02
1984 - 1989 scheme

Examples:
0201 Faema: code FA



0202 blue+white



0203 red+white



0204 purple+white



other codes: -

CyclesMakaron

EMP03
scheme used 1984 - 1987


Examples:
0301 red+white: scheme used by Te Ve Blad team in 1985 season, code: VRT (?)


0302 blue+white: the scheme used by Kelme team during the 1985 season



0303 emerald+white



0304 red+yellow



other codes: -



EMP04
scheme used 1985 - 1990

Examples:
0401 red+white: scheme used by Kelme and Te Ve Blad teams in 1986 and 1987 seasons, code KE and RP


0402 blue+white: scheme used by Panasonic team during 1986 and 1987 seasons, code PA (or PAN)



0403 fuchsia+white: scheme used by Lotto team in 1988 season, code XP



0404 green+white



0405 pink+white



other codes: -

CyclesMakaron

EMP05
scheme used 1986 - 1989

Examples:
0501 white+fuchsia: code XY



0502 white+blue: scheme used by Intrall team during 1988 season



other codes: -



EMP06
scheme used from 1987 to 1992

Examples:
0601 blue+green+white: scheme used by team ADR in 1988 season and by team Westwood in 1990 season, code AP



0602 green+fuchsia+white: scheme used by team Stuttgart in seasons 1989 and 1990, code DP



0603 orange+yellow+white: scheme used by Team Hitachi in the 1988 and 1989 seasons, code HP



0604 violet+yellow+white



0605 blue+dark yellow+light yellow: code TJ



other codes: blue+yellow+white, scheme used by Team Domex Weinmann, code WP

CyclesMakaron

EMP07
scheme used 1987 - 1991

Examples:
0701 blue+yellow: scheme used by team La William in 1989 season, code BJP



0702 blue+white: scheme used by team Weinmann during the 1990 season



0703 white+blue: 10th Anniversary scheme



0704 green+white: scheme used by team Kelme during the 1988 and 1989 seasons



other codes: -



EMP08
scheme used 1988 - 1991 (except limited series)

Examples:
0801 red+green: scheme used by team 7-Eleven in the 1989 and 1990 seasons, SE code


0802 red+blue: scheme used by team Kelme in 1990 season



other codes: -



EMP09
scheme used 1990 - 1994 (W and similar)

Examples:
0901 red+white: scheme used only on Strada model,code WR


0902 blue+white: scheme used only for Strada,code WW



0903 blue+white mod: used by the Lotto Caloi and Willy Naessens teams during the 1993 season



0904 pink+white



other codes: -

CyclesMakaron

EMP10
scheme used 1990 - 1997 (not including limited series, T ver1)

Examples:
1001 black+white+pink: scheme used by Team Telekom in seasons 1990 - 1994 (spring), code TG



1002 blue+white+pink: code TKR



1003 violet+white+pink: scheme used by team Weinmann during the 1991 season, code TC



1004 green+white+red: code TA



1005 blue+white+green: scheme used by team Kelme during the 1991 - 1993 seasons, code TB



1006 blue+white+red: scheme used by Team Motorola during the 1991 - 1994 seasons, coded TM or TMT



1007 red+white+black: scheme used by team Lotto Caloi during the 1994 season



1008 something+white+black: code TS



1009 purple+yellow+pink: code TF



1010 purple mix+white+violet: code TAL



other codes:
red+white+blue: the scheme used by Team ASLK CGER in the 1993 and 1994 seasons, code MT
"reversed Telekom: the scheme used by Team Telekom from spring 1994 to summer 1995

CyclesMakaron

EMP11
scheme used 1992 - 1995 (T ver 2)

Examples:
1101 purple+2 stripes



1102 green+2 bars: TVJ code



1103 blue+3 bars



1104 navy blue+2 stripes: code TFR



1105 green+yellow ornaments: code TVS



other codes: -



EMP12
scheme used 1993 - 1998 (VL)

Examples:
1201 white+decorations red and blue


1202 yellow: scheme used by team Vlaanderen, code VL



1203 white + red and black decoration: code VLW



1204 purple: VLP



1205 black + red and white decoration (slightly different pattern): code PS



other codes
red + decoration: code VLR
blue + decorations: code VLB
green + decoration: code VLG

CyclesMakaron

EMP13
scheme used 1994 - 1998 (note: this is a different ornament design - FN)


Examples:
1301 red+ornaments: scheme used by team RDM, code FNR



1302 purple + ornaments: scheme used by team Collstrop in 1996, code FNP



1303 blue + decorations: scheme used by team GAN,code FNB



other codes:
white: code FNW
green: code FNG
yellow: FNJ
black: FNZ
red + decoration ver2: code FNE



EMP14
scheme used 1995 - 1996 (S)

Examples:
1401 grey+decoration: code SG



1402 violet + decorations: code SV



other codes: -



EMP15
scheme used 1996 - 1998 (DR)

Examples:
1501 white+ ornaments: code DRW



1502 yellow + decoration: code DRJ



1503 red + decorations: scheme used by ASLK CGER in 1997, code DRR



1504 blue + decoration: code DRB



1505 (aubergine) + decoration: code DRA



other codes:
carmine: code DRK

CyclesMakaron

EMP16
scheme used 1997 - 1999 (RA)

Examples:
1601 light blue



1602 blue: code RAB



1603 yellow: scheme used by team Vlaanderen, code RAJ



1604 red: code RAR



1605 turquoise: code RAT



other codes:
black: code RAZ
white: scheme used by team GAN 1998, code RAW



EMP17
scheme used 1998 - 2000 (M9)

Examples:
1701 green: code M9G



1702 yellow: code M9J



1703 red: code M9R



1704 silver: code M9S



1705 white: code M9W



other codes: -

CyclesMakaron

EMP18
scheme used 1999 - 2000 (C)

Examples:
1801 blue: code CB



1802 red: code CR



1803 something with orange decoration: code CO



1804 yellow: code CJ



1805 silver: code CS



other codes:
white: code CW
grey: code CGR
green: CG code



EMP19
Various diagrams from 2000 to 2005, examples:

CyclesMakaron

EMP20
Very different schemes, custom and "hand made"


































Handy color translator:

A - (aubergine)
B - blue
CH- champagne
D -
E -
F -
G - green, grey
GR- grey
H -
J - yellow
K - carmine
L -
M -
N -
O - orange
P-purple
Q -
R-red
S - silver
T - turquoise
U -
V - violet
W - white
X - fuchsia
Y -
Z - black

end of Part 04

CyclesMakaron

Part 05 stickEMerCkx or stickers and lettering

List of chapters:
Chapter 01 EMST - T for Tubes
Chapter 02 EMSM - M for Models
Chapter 03 EMSD - D for Downtube
Chapter 04 EMSV - V for Various
Chapter 05 EMSS - S for Special
Chapter 06 EMSX - X for Xtra trinkets


stickErMerCkx 01 EMST Tubes

Stickers for tubes were used since the beginning of EMC.
There are 3 generations of stickers:

1st gen: Columbus lettering at the bottom of the sticker, green numbers on Reynolds stickers, 1980 - 1987

2nd gen: Columbus lettering on top of sticker, purple Reynolds stickers, 1987 - 1995 (New SLX a bit longer)

3rd gen: Eddy Merckx lettering, 1991 - 2006

Note: on custom built frames (especially team profi) the sticker is often a promotion/advertisement and not an indication of actual condition (e.g. R753 frame has TSX sticker)

EMST01



Columbus SL/SP:
- Professional (1980 - 1986)
- Aero (1981 - 1986)
- Corsa (1985 - 1987)

EMST02



Reynolds 531:
- Professional (1980 - 1986)
- Corsa (1985 - 1987)

EMST03



Reynolds 501:
- 3-Athlete (1984 - 1987)

EMST04



Columbus SLX/SPX:
- Pro SLX (1984 - 1986)
- Criterium (1986 - 1987)
- Corsa Extra (1986 - 1987)

EMST05



Reynolds 753:
- Pro 753 (1984 - 1986)
- Corsa Extra (1986 - 1987)

EMST06



Columbus Matrix:
- Strada (1987)

EMST07



Columbus Cromor:
- Strada (1987)

EMST08



Reynolds 753:
- Corsa Extra (1987 - 1994)
- Grand Prix (1988 - 1990)

EMST09



Columbus SL/SP:
- Corsa (1987 - 1994)

EMST10



Columbus Cromor:
- Strada (1987 - 1990)

CyclesMakaron

EMST11



Columbus SLX/SPX:
- Corsa Extra (1987 - 1994)
- Criterium (1987 - 1988)

EMST12



Reynolds 653:
- Century (1988 - 1990)

EMST13



Columbus TSX:
- Corsa Extra (1988 - 1994)
- Century (1988 - 1994)

EMST14



Columbus Max:
- Corsa Extra Max (1990 - 1992)

EMST15



Columbus Strada:
- Strada (1991 - 1997)

EMST16



Columbus Mxl:
- Mx Leader (1992 - 2006)

EMST17



Deda ZeroUno:
- Corsa 01 (1994 - 1995)

EMST18



Columbus Brain:
- Strada OS (1994 - ? )

EMST19



Columbus Neuron:
- Arcobaleno (1994 - 1995)

EMST20



Columbus New SLX:
- Corsa Extra (1994 - 2006)

CyclesMakaron

EMST21



Columbus Thron:
- Corsa (1994)

EMST22



Deda ZeroUno:
- Corsa 01 (1995 - 2001)

EMST23



Columbus Brain:
- Strada OS (1995 - 2001)

EMST24



Columbus Neuron:
- Arcobaleno (1995 - 2000)

CyclesMakaron

stickErMerCkx 02 EMSM Model

The stickers/signs for EMC models can be divided into 2 generations:

1st gen: gold stickers with "transparent lettering", 1984 - 1994

2nd gen: painted model names, 1994 - 2006

Exception: Mx Leader from 1992 - 1994
Note: repainted Professionals used Corsa sticker

EMSM01



3-Athlete (1984 - 1987)

EMSM02



Corsa Extra (1986 - 1994)

EMSM03



Criterium (1986 - 1988)

EMSM04



Corsa (1986 - 1994)

EMSM05



Strada (1987 - 1994)

EMSM06



Century (1988 - 1994)

EMSM07



Grand Prix (1988 - 1990)

EMSM08



Mx Leader (1992 - 1994)

EMSM09



Arcobaleno (1994 - 2000)

EMSM10



Corsa Extra (1994 - 2006)

CyclesMakaron

EMSM11


Corsa 01 (1994 - 2001)

EMSM12



Corsa (1994)

EMSM13



Strada OS (1994 - 2001)

EMSM14



Strada (1994 - 1997)

EMSM15



Mx Leader (1994 - 2006)

CyclesMakaron

stickErMerCkx 03 EMSD Downtube


The stickers/signs on DT can be divided into 4 generations

1st gen: Eddy Merckx (in different variations), 1980 - 1991

2nd gen: EDDY MERCKX (thick, angular letters, different variations), 1984 - 1991

3rd gen: EDDY MERCKX (thin letters in different variations), 1984 - 1987

4th gen: EDDY MERCKX (rounded in various versions), 1985 - 2006

Note 1: different designs, old or new, were used when repainting the frame.
Note 2: there are more than 1 4th gen version, but I don't want to get crazy.

EMSD01



Early version used on Professional and Aero models from 1980 - 1983

EMSD02



Version with "metallic border" introduced in 1983 (?), used until 1988.

EMSD03



Simplified version used from 1983 "on band", later from 1986 without "band" on models:
- Professional (1983 - 1986)
- Aero (1983 - 1986)
- Corsa (1985 - 1990)
- 3-Athlete (1985 - 1987)
- Strada (1987 - 1990)
Pattern used on repainted Professional frames

EMDS04



Pattern used between 1984 - 1990, font copied from FAEMA frames from late 1960s
- 3-Athlete (1984 - 1987)
- Corsa (1985 - 1990)
- FAEMA painting pattern (code: FA) on any frame

EMDS05



Same design as EMDS04 but placed on blue "band", "FIAT" and "Molteni" decals

EMDS06



Version used only on Pro model 1984 - 1986

EMDS07



Version used from 1985 to 1995 on all models (metallic border)
- Pro from 1985
- Corsa Extra, Criterium from 1986
- Century, Grand Prix from 1988
- Corsa, Strada from 1990

EMDS08



As EMDS07, version used from 1987 to 2006, "simplified"

EMDS09



As EMDS08, here the version with "wings" (1991 - 1994)

EMDS10



As EMDS08, here the version with "coloured letters" (1993 - 1997)

styggno1

I just want to thank you for your splendid work on this compilation of Merckx knowledge! Thanks!!!

CyclesMakaron

stickErMerCkx 04 EMSV Various

Stickers in this category included:
- "EM logo" on HT (and sometimes on ST)
- BELGIUM HANDMADE
- World Champion / TdF / GdI / MEXICO stripes
- EM Original Paintwork




EMSV01


Version used between 1980 and 1982

EMSV02



Version used since 1982 on dark backgrounds

EMSV03


Version used from 1982 on light backgrounds

EMSV04



Version used since 1999 (?)

EMSV05



Version used from 1980 to 1992

EMSV06



Version in use 1992 - 2006

EMSV07



Version in use 1980 - 1985

EMSV08



Version in use since 1985 (Serial Number ~Z3500)

EMVS09



Version in use since 1996

EMSV10



Version in rare use since 1999, sometimes on repainted frames, was designed for non-steel frames

CyclesMakaron

stickerMerCkx 05 EMSS Special

Stickers/signs were included in this category:
- 10th Anniversary
- 20th Anniversary
- 25th Anniversary
- "Classic" Team Issue

EMSS01
10th Anniversary kit used between 1989 and 1991 on various frames
- logo




EMSS02
Like EMSS01
- inscription 10th Anniversary (TT)




EMSS03
Like EMSS01
- signature (TT)




EMSS04
Like EMSS01
- World Champion stripes (ST)




EMSS05
20th Anniversary on ST, used 1999 - 2001 - example 1




EMSS06
Like EMSS05 - example 2




EMSS07
25th Anniversary - only used in limited series 2004-2006




EMSS08
Team Issue kit (FAEMA, Molteni and Fiat) used since 1984
- Logo




EMSS09
Like EMSS08
- sticker set for ST




EMSS10
- inscription for DT

CyclesMakaron

stickErMerCkx 06 EMSX Xtra

Here you will find sticker trinkets:


EMSX01



optional stickers for forks
Attention: do not stick the "small stickers" on the fork, they were used only in teams and advertisements

EMSX02



stickers for stays, masking the paint/chrome border

EMSX03



sticker or lettering for profi rider

EMSX04



inscription "name and surname" for each customer - paid option

EMSX05



sponsor + rider (rule for 7-Eleven and Motorola)

EMSX06



main sponsor

EMSX07



Also sponsor, but not main sponsor

EMSX08



equipment sponsor

EMSX09



equipment sponsor

end of Part 05
midway...almost

CyclesMakaron

Part06 - bikEMerCkx - EMB or bike models



Introduction


Bicycle production in Meise officially started on March 28th 1980.
It was a Friday, the electricity was cut off 3 times, the plaster was still wet, the paint was not dry everywhere, but...
many distinguished guests had arrived and the Belgian beer is really good...
They started rather late in the morning on Monday, March 31st, but that's one of many unconfirmed theories.
The situation is complicated by the fact that a few of frames was probably done earlier at De Rosa's (note: not by De Rosa)
during "framebuilding training" and then painted and marked in Meise.
So much for the dark beginnings.
The whole "steel road" production is 15 models.
Some were built several hundred, others over 10 thousand.
Total about 70 thousand - almost half of the full production of EMC.

Chronology

1980: Professional (EMB01)
1981: Aero (EMB02)
1984: 3-Athlete (EMB03), Pro (EMB04), (no)Corsa (EMB05)
1986: Corsa Extra (EMB06), Criterium (EMB07), Corsa - Pro, (no)Corsa, Professional and Aero out
1987: Strada (EMB08) - 3-Athlete out
1988: Grand Prix (EMB09), Century (EMB10) - Criterium out
1990: Corsa Extra Max (EMB11) - Grand Prix out
1992: Mx Leader (EMB12) - Corsa Extra Max out
1994: Corsa Thron/01 (EMB13), Arcobaleno (EMB14), Strada OS (EMB15)
1995: - Corsa, Century out
1997: - Strada out
2000: - Arcobaleno, Corsa Extra out
2002: stock withdrawal
2006: last limited series

Hierarchy
status at year end

1980: Professional
1981: Aero,Professional
1982: as above
1983: as above
1984: Pro,Aero,Professional,(no)Corsa,3-Athlete
1985: as above
1986: Corsa Extra = Criterium,Corsa,3-Athlete
1987: Corsa Extra = Criterium,Corsa,Strada
1988: Grand Prix,Corsa Extra = Criterium,Century,Corsa,Strada
1989: Grand Prix,Corsa Extra,Century,Corsa,Strada
1990: Corsa Extra Max,Corsa Extra = Century,Corsa,Strada
1991: as above
1992: Mx Leader,Corsa Extra = Century,Corsa,Strada
1993: as above
1994: Mx Leader,Arcobaleno,Corsa Extra = Century,Corsa Thron/01,Corsa,Strada OS,Strada
1995: Mx Leader,Arcobaleno,Corsa Extra,Corsa 01,Strada OS, Strada
1996: as above
1997: Mx Leader, Arcobaleno, Corsa 01, Corsa Extra,Strada OS
1998: as above
1999: as above
2000: as above
2001: Mx Leader, Corsa 01, Strada OS






EMB01

Model: Professional

Tubes: Columbus SL/SP - designation not available
Reynolds 531 - designation: R

Geometry: "merckx" (?)
"road racing

Serial numbers from range: from prototypes without markings - ~Z 8400

Predecessors: -

Successors: Aero 81 (flattened tubes)
3-Athlete 84(other tube: Reynolds 501)
Pro 84 (other tubes: Columbus SLX/SPX and Reynolds 753)
Corsa* 84 (name and detail change)

Manufactured: 1980 - 1986

Versions (unofficial breakdown):

- early 1980 - 1981
- standard 1981 - 1986
- modified 1983 - 1986
- team issue 1983 - 1984
- late 1984 - 1986

Eddy Merckx Cycles' first road model was called Eddy Merckx.
For over 4 years it was the only model and no one came up with the idea to call it anything special - just Eddy Merckx
Here, however, I will use the name Professional - because we all use it and know (more or less) what it is - if it reminds you of De Rosa it is not a strange coincidence, it was meant to be like that (saying that Professional is a slightly modified license version of De Rosa is justified)
Professional is the most important model of EMC, its "developments" survived in production for more than 20 years (Corsa Extra) - and it was close to being the only one (the threat of EMC bankruptcy in 1982 - only then it would turn out that "Merckxes are expensive")
Professional went through countless modifications, changes of markings, paintings etc. .



EMB0101


The frame may even be "premature" - the thing looks like a "training frame" built by Merckx's people at De Rosa's 79/80
I have no confirmation (other than frame parts, decals are later) on this bold theory, but it is plausible
BB cover model with De Rosa's "heart"



EMB0102


Very early frame - different combination of old lugs
No serial numbers - kind of a rough prototype
Model BB cover with Eddy Merckx inscription - 1980



EMB0103


Early frame - finally managed to find 3 lugs from one set
Model BB cover - as you can see - in "=" version; 1980-1981



EMB0104


Frame shown in 1981 catalog
Again a collection of lugs - 1981



EMB0105


Finally a standard Professional
Modification is added FD mounting (introduced in 1982)
Frame built with Reynolds 531 (introduced in 1981)



EMB0106


This is also a modified Professional
This time slope fork crown added (introduced late 1982)


EMB0107


Brilliant idea to get rid of old frame parts
Beautiful paint schemes and economical finishes
That is the Team Issue series
Molteni



EMB0108


FAEMA



EMB0109


FIAT - the rarest



EMB0110


Late Professional version - the only one without chainbridge
The only thing different from Pro is Gipiemme brake bridge

CyclesMakaron

EMB02


Model: Aero

Tubes: Columbus SL/SP - no markings available

Geometry: "road racing"

Serial numbers in the range: ~E 1500 - ~Z 2000

Predecessors: Professional

Successors: Chrono

Manufactured: 1981 - 1984

The (custom) versions differed in the amount of flattening...


In the early 80's every self-respecting bicycle frame manufacturer had to have an Aero frame in their offer.
EMC successfully joined the top ranks with this model in 1981
A 50t press was installed in the factory and every opportunity to use it was taken (well, almost every opportunity)
Aero frames are made of "normal" Columbus SL/SP tubing (I have not seen Aero Reynolds 531 yet)
No fancy lugs used, just standard ones from Professional model
Flattened tubes and "aero" convention forced modifications of the construction, which resulted in appearance of
- FD mount (EMFV06) and (EMFV07)
- slope fork crown, first in a version borrowed from De Rosa (EMFC02) and then the classic (EMFC03)
- Shifters mounts
- Modified seatstay caps (EMFA04)
- TT slides (EMFS05) and (EMFS06) borrowed from De Rosa

Aero model was used by team profi (Kelme, Capri Sonne confirmed)
Regular production continued until at least 1984, but then a new fad emerged - at EMC it took the form of the Chrono model.
Very few (a few hundred) were built (the Aero was clearly more expensive than the Professional) - it is possible that the 50t press costs did not pay off...


EMB0201


Aero in its full glory



EMB0202


Aero in incomplete glory



EMB0203


Aero with clearer view of major modifications



EMB0204


Flattening of ST and DT tubes



EMB0205


FD mounting debut in EMC



EMB0206


Slope fork crown slightly borrowed from De Rosa



EMB0207


Shifters mounting



EMB0208


This is how it should look like



EMB0209


Rear lug area:
flattened seatstays and thus shortened seatstay cap on one side



EMB0210


Slides are also borrowed from De Rosa

CyclesMakaron

EMB03

Model: 3-Athlete

Tubes: Reynolds 501 - no specification available

Geometry: "road racing"

Serial numbers in the range ~Z400 - ~A1500

Predecessors: Professional

Successors: Strada (other tubes: Columbus Matrix/Cromor)

Produced: 1984 - 1987

Versions: -


This is an underestimated EMC model and yet it was the first one named and properly marked (gold sticker!)
The idea was simple, EMC needed an "economy" model for people who loved Eddy, wanted to ride his bike, but didn't have a diamond mine...
It also meant that cheaper equipment groups could be fitted without stress - before that, going below the Campa SR was a crime
They kept the proven "road racing" geometry, but changed the tubes (to cheaper Reynolds 501) and frame components (lugs, drops/forkouts and BB cover - also to cheaper)
No paint (single color frame) and chrome (no chrome) options were offered - at least at the beginning of production
The model was distinguished by:
- lugs pattern: "with cutouts" (EMFF04) and (EMFR04)
- BB cover pattern: "blank" (EMFB08) or "=" (EMFB01)
- drop/fork outs: with slanted 'Eddy Merckx' lettering (EMFO07) and (EMFO08) !!! this is a unique feature for this model !!!
- chainbridge design: "without reinforcements". (EMFH10) - in early production, later (EMFH09)
- DT inscription pattern: "EDDY MERCKX" (EMSD04) - later a standard one was also used (EMSD03)
- Reynolds 501 sticker (EMST03) and their 3-Athlete sticker (EMSM01)

In addition, the following were always used:
- Gipiemme brake bridge (EMFH02)
- slope fork crown (EMFC03)
- seatstay standard (EMG11)

3-Athlete was produced from summer 1984 to 1987 with no design changes (except chainbridge reinforcements added)
The model remained on the market (i.e. in production) without any problems and lived to see its continuation.



EMB0301


Classic "road racing" geometry



EMB0302


Quick identification elements - earlier version



EMB0303


Elements as above - later version (color suggests 1986 - and so it is)



EMB0304


Sticker and "lugs with cut-outs"; it was on this model that they were first used



EMB0305


Rear lug, very similar to early "long" ones



EMB0306


All 3-Athlete have this seatstays mounting ("thick")


EMB0307


Early chainstay bridge without reinforcements



EMB0308


Later model with reinforcements


EMB0309


Unique dropouts with inscription in special font
Element for flawless identification


EMB0310


Beautiful sticker - only this pattern was used

CyclesMakaron

EMB04



Model: Pro

Tubes: Columbus SLX/SPX - marking X (from ~Z4300)
Reynolds 753 - no markings

Geometry: "road racing"

Serial numbers in the range: ~Z500 - ~Z7400

Predecessors: Professional (tube change)

Successors: Corsa Extra (sticker added)

Manufactured: 1984 - 1986

Versions:

- Pro SLX
- Pro 753

Another result of the "1984 revolution" at EMC, but "wonderfully ridiculous",
no name (at first), no markings (long), almost no distinguishing frame elements - just a perfect anti-promotional action
And I'm describing the company's most expensive, exclusive model (at the same time the cheapest 3-Athlete gets the name first.... and a gold sticker too!)
Pro is actually Professional built with modern tubes (Columbus SLX) or with exceptional tubes (Reynolds 753) - and certainly more expensive.
Elements by which you can try to recognize the Pro model:
- brake bridge: all early no-Gipiemme
- BB cover Microfusione M4
- cable routing under BB cover, except first series Pro 753
- lettering

This model is not distinguished by the way seatstays are attached to the rear lug - both were used
In 1985 (~Z4300) the X designation was introduced - it was the designation of Columbus SLX tubes, Reynolds 753 had no markings
From then on it is possible to write about "logical EMC marking system":
Top level: - SLX = X
- 753 =
Mid level: - SL =
- 531 = R
Almost mid level: - SL = C
- 501 =
Note: "No designation is also a designation". - different on each level
The Pro model was produced until 1986 and was very popular (profi teams used it).
Its successor was created by adding a gold sticker - this was enough to make it the most popular (and longest produced) EMC model



EMB0401


Beautiful Pro 753 from 1984
The first series to hit the US market
TeVe Blad 1985 paint scheme
Uniquely used Gipiemme brake bridge
Special font


EMB0402


Beautiful Pro SLX
This one is a bit later - 1985
Why the chrome that shouldn't be there?
Because the customer wanted it


EMB0403


Pro 753 85/86


EMB0404


Pro SLX must have this sticker


EMB0405


Pro must have this model FD mountings


EMB0406


Pro must have these lugs


EMB0407


Pro must have one of the 5 brake bridge models
Here is one of them


EMB0408


Pro must have this BB cover model


EMB0409


This is how the BB cover looks like from above


EMB0410


Page from catalog 1986
On the top "rich" version
Bottom photo - standard version
A very discreet advertisement for the Pro model - you have to admit

CyclesMakaron

EMB05


Model: Corsa

Tubes: Columbus SL/SP, "road racing" geometry - marking C
Columbus SL/SP, "century" geo - CB markings
Reynolds 531 - CR markings

Geometry: "road racing"
"century"

Serial numbers in the range: ~Z1800 - ~F5500

Predecessors: Professional (detail change)

Successors: Corsa Thron and Corsa 01 (changed everything but status)

Produced: 1984 - 1995

Versions:

- noCorsa (very unofficial name) 1984 - 1986
- early 1987
- standard 1988 - 1995

It started in 1984 - then the C marking appeared...
and it didn't mean Corsa model, which wasn't supposed to appear until the end of 1986
What I called "noCorsa" was slightly more noble equivalent of 3-Athlete but built with Columbus tubes (that's what C stands for)
All remarks from 3-Athlete description must be applied to noCorsa - differences:
- painting options available
- available chrome plating
- Campagnolo drop/fork outs
- flat fork crown available
- Columbus sticker
The nameless noCorsa was produced until the Professional was discontinued - only then did the Corsa model appear (with a gold sticker!),
which was actually a continuation of two models (i.e. for a while noCorsa and definitely and clearly Professional).
During 1987 the frame elements were standardized, and the C designation finally meant what we all knew - Corsa

Frame element design changes:
- BB cover: like 3-Athlete and like early Professional "=" -> no-chainbridge standard
- brake bridge: Gipiemme "cube" -> standard
- lugs: "with cut-outs" -> standard

The interest in the Corsa model steadily declined after 1990 (although some attractions like "century" geometry were introduced),
but if someone was looking for a great frame Columbus SL or Reynolds 531 (Corsa was built only with these tubes)
then you could count on EMC until 1995.
The continuation of this model surprised everyone - positively


EMB0501


Beautiful noCorsa in colors of Kelme or TeVe Blad 1986
Lugs borrowed from 3-Athlete
BB cover from early Merckx
The rest is actually Professional standard


EMB0502


This BB cover model is misleading, but the serial number and C designation
no longer - frame from 1985, no one had heard of Corsa then


EMB0503


How does it differ from noCorsa?
with a gold sticker - this is what an early Corsa looks like


EMB0504


And this is a modified early Corsa
Thin seatstays and no chainbridge


EMB0505


No Professional had a lugs like this


EMB0506


No lugs like this either


EMB0507


Campagnolo dropouts did not have 3-Athlete and Strada


EMB0508


At last flat fork crown - a thing in noCorsa and Corsa normal, just like slope fork crown
The font is an identification item for sure until 1991


EMB0509


This font also used to appear



EMB0510


Late Corsa
If the way of chrome plating resembles Corsa Thron and Corsa 01 it is not a coincidence