We have now 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
Identify: Andrew
Bike description/specs
2007 Eddy MERCKX AXM with proprietary sized MERCKX Carbon Seatpost 2 completely different Sizes
Measurement: 52.5 Prime Tube and 55cm Prime Tube
Campagnolo RECORD 10 gruppo ULTRA TORQUE with 2nd GEN RECORD tapered BB crankset
ZIPP 404 tubulars with Vittoria Corsa Pace 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 Pc
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 analogous bike round a 12 months in the past, additionally from one other collector who bought and spec’d NEW from a Excessive Finish Bike store in Massachusetts with comparable but completely 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 Prime Tube was merely constructed and displayed, primarily unused.
Why did I buy it/them?
I’ve all the time 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 is usually 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 foremost body. The MERCKX AXM had Rear Triangle and foremost 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 along side MERCKX engineers and EASTON. I had an opportunity to trip one when the bikes have been launched NEW in 2006. Was very impressed how fantastically it dealt with, accelerated and ticked all the correct bins regarding efficiency parameters. And ..the construct high quality, end workmanship and pure magnificence are actually excellent. Sadly, again within the day, simply the frameset value nearly $5,000.00 USD. A whole “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 method 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 evenly used “HYPER BIKEs” just like the MERCKX AXM for a fraction of their Unique prices. I’ve discovered there may be an ever rising market demand for these kind of bikes as an Final Various 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 fantastically. As said earlier the suggestions , dealing with and general efficiency parameters tick all the correct bins. IMMEDIATE acceleration, laterally stiff beneath load , merely AMAZING. The fantastically, practical elements and wheelsets of the builds complement and improve the MERCKX AXM trip experiences.
What Modifications Did I Do/Plan?
I plan on probably reducing stem, reduce steerertube on each bikes. Clearly, the bigger 55cm, I’ll reduce down steerertube so stem is flush, SLAMMED onto head tube. On 52.5cm, I may set up a barely longer stem, 100mm on now to a 110 or 120mm size. Happily, I used to be additionally capable of supply NOS FSA 099 stems in these sizes if wanted. Will ultimately substitute present tubulars with barely wider 700/25 or 700/26 when present ones want changing.
What number of miles / kilometers do I trip per 12 months?
I attempt to get in 5 – 6,000 miles per 12 months. Sadly spending extra time then I would really like on coach inside on my coach bike to assist steadiness out my health and so on.
My Favourite Journey Experiences?
I attempt to do YALE CYCLING Century loop or segments when time, schedule permits.
Favourite Journey Experiences on my 2 MERCKX AXM bikes?
My 1st maiden rides on each bikes to verify all the pieces was dialed in. Additionally, confirming what I had skilled over 15 years beforehand. They each are merely AMAZING bikes to trip.
Last Ideas?
As I shared a number of occasions 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 on. in comparison with the principally “SOULESS” present GEN bikes out there. And if you understand how to supply them, shopping for both NOS/evenly used full bikes and or Framesets/elements for a fraction of their unique worth. I’ve ridden pals as properly 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.
Due to Andrew for sharing his trip with us. Received a motorbike that you simply’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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