We now have not had a ‘Readers Rig’ for some time, however when Andrew despatched PEZ photographs and data on his two Eddy Merckx AMX bikes, we simply needed to present you some bike perfection from the Belgian ace of the street. Take it away Andrew:
Location: Connecticut
Title: Andrew
Bike description/specs
2007 Eddy MERCKX AXM with proprietary sized MERCKX Carbon Seatpost 2 totally different Sizes
Measurement: 52.5 High Tube and 55cm High Tube
Campagnolo RECORD 10 gruppo ULTRA TORQUE with 2nd GEN RECORD tapered BB crankset
ZIPP 404 tubulars with Vittoria Corsa Velocity tubular tires 700/23
FSA Okay FORCE Wing Compact Full Carbon bar with matching Stem
Prologo full Carbon saddle
LOOK Keo Carbon pedals Ti axles
ELITE Carbon Bottle Cages
SIGMA Bike Laptop
Weight: 15.25 lbs full construct.
When did you purchase it?
I lately bought this bike from a collector who bought and spec’d the construct NEW in 2008 from a Excessive Finish Bike store in NYC. I additionally bought an identical bike round a yr in the past, additionally from one other collector who bought and spec’d NEW from a Excessive Finish Bike store in Massachusetts with related but totally different construct specs. Campagnolo RECORD 10 gruppo ULTRA Torque. That one has Campagnolo ULTRA BORA 50 tubulars with Tufo 700/21 tires. Campagnolo RECORD ULTRA Torque Crankset. ZERO Gravity brakes vs Campagnolo RECORD skeleton brakes. fizik Airione full Carbon saddle. The bigger one, 55cm High Tube was merely constructed and displayed, primarily unused.
Why did I buy it/them?
I’ve at all times been an enormous fan of Eddy MERCKX bikes from that period early 2000’s to mid 2000′ s when Eddy nonetheless owned the corporate. He nonetheless had ALOT of design enter and affect on his bikes again then. The MERCKX AXM was the final bike design along with his enter and affect. It’s also Eddy’s favourite. It is also a really uncommon bike , with solely about 100 produced between 2006 and 2008. It was an especially costly, complicated frameset to create. One if not the ONLY , true full monocoque frames made. Conventional monocoque frames have the rear triangle/seat/chainstays molded individually and bonded to most important body. The MERCKX AXM had Rear Triangle and most important body molded as a whole monocoque. This created an AMAZING, laterally stiff body. A PURE ROAD ROCKET.
Eddy’s favourite
Eddy MERCKX commissioned DreamWorks Carbon of Italy to assemble, create and engineer these franesets at the side of MERCKX engineers and EASTON. I had an opportunity to experience one when the bikes have been launched NEW in 2006. Was very impressed how superbly it dealt with, accelerated and ticked all the proper containers regarding efficiency parameters. And ..the construct high quality, end workmanship and pure magnificence are really excellent. Sadly, again within the day, simply the frameset value nearly $5,000.00 USD. An entire “HYPER BIKE ” spec’d construct just like the Campagnolo RECORD gruppo ones that I now personal value over $12,000 in 2000’s cash. No approach was I ready to spend that sort of cash then.
Quick ahead to current
Over the previous few years, I’ve hunted down both NOS or flippantly used “HYPER BIKEs” just like the MERCKX AXM for a fraction of their Unique prices. I’ve discovered there’s an ever rising market demand for these kind of bikes as an Final Different to present GEN bikes for quite a few, apparent causes.
What Do I Love About These Bikes?
Each 55cm and the 52.5 cm bikes talk superbly. As acknowledged earlier the suggestions , dealing with and total efficiency parameters tick all the proper containers. IMMEDIATE acceleration, laterally stiff beneath load , merely AMAZING. The superbly, practical parts and wheelsets of the builds complement and improve the MERCKX AXM experience experiences.
What Modifications Did I Do/Plan?
I plan on doubtlessly decreasing stem, reduce steerertube on each bikes. Clearly, the bigger 55cm, I could reduce down steerertube so stem is flush, SLAMMED onto head tube. On 52.5cm, I may additionally set up a barely longer stem, 100mm on now to a 110 or 120mm size. Fortuitously, I used to be additionally in a position to supply NOS FSA 099 stems in these sizes if wanted. Will ultimately exchange present tubulars with barely wider 700/25 or 700/26 when present ones want changing.
What number of miles / kilometers do I experience per yr?
I attempt to get in 5 – 6,000 miles per yr. Sadly spending extra time then I would really like on coach inside on my coach bike to assist stability out my health and so forth.
My Favourite Experience Experiences?
I attempt to do YALE CYCLING Century loop or segments when time, schedule permits.
Favourite Experience Experiences on my 2 MERCKX AXM bikes?
My 1st maiden rides on each bikes to verify the whole lot was dialed in. Additionally, confirming what I had skilled over 15 years beforehand. They each are merely AMAZING bikes to experience.
Closing Ideas?
As I shared a number of instances right here: I, like a powerful rising group of comparable minded , cyclists have discovered a rising demand for these distinctive “HYPER BIKES” from late 1990’s to mid 2000’s. They supply wonderful efficiency parameters and so forth. in comparison with the largely “SOULESS” present GEN bikes out there. And if you understand how to supply them, shopping for both NOS/flippantly used full bikes and or Framesets/parts for a fraction of their authentic worth. I’ve ridden pals as effectively check ridden quite a few present GEN street bikes. All of them are good, however none appear distinctive just like the bikes I’ve. The present GEN bike lack soul, intimate engagement that these earlier GEN bikes present. They’re primarily only a branding train which are outlined with ALOT of R&D Advertising that only a few if any bicycle owner can understand.
Because of Andrew for sharing his experience with us. Acquired a motorbike that you just’re pleased with? Properly how about sharing it with fellow PEZ followers and getting it featured in Readers’ Rigs so we will all stare at it! Ship us a Readers’ Rigs submission direct to [email protected] and your bike may very well be featured in all its glory right here on the pages of PEZ.
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Your posts always provide me with a new perspective and encourage me to look at things differently Thank you for broadening my horizons