Clarification Needed On A New Purchase! Eddy Merckx Titanium

[dancingjack]

Hi guys, I just bought this and the previous owner told me it's an Eddy Merckx Titanium. Based on my previous experience as an Eddy Merckx rider, the geometry looks pretty convincing.

But I'll need to verify if it's trully indeed an Eddy Merckx.

Plus help!

 

[_jammy]

Geo looks good as you said. The seat cluster doesn't however... is it italian threaded BB?

 

[Cossington]

Merckx Ti frames are very nice. As you probably know they were built by Litespeed in the US to Merckx's geometry and spec.

There were several different models (AX the more basic and EX the best, I think).
I seem to recall they were built across several years (mid 1990's to early 2000's - ish?). Many had 1'' forks as per the period.

I haven't seen any with seat stays like those on your frame.

Here is a good set of pics of one -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/goligorsky ... 928309018/

The welds on your frame don't look quite as neat as some I've seen and the fork is also unusual, again, most I recall seeing had a carbon fork, with steel for some early ones.

The top tube cable guides also look unfamiliar.

I've never owned one, but would get excited about the prospect.

Hopefully others, more expert, can chip in.

Enjoy,

David

 

[foz]

I'm no expert, but those welds look terrible! All the merckx ti frames I've seen have had very good welds, as to be expected from Litespeed. I've never seen a merckx with a ti fork either.

 

[SeeingisBelievingGTMuseum]

I'm no expert, but those welds look terrible!

+1

Any serial number? Send a picture to LITESPEED and ask them.

 

[dancingjack]

Unfortunately, I have been searching high and low to no avail. But I did sent to eddymerckx.

 

[ededwards]

garethrl has an EM Titanium AX http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewto ... t=#1092385 , might be worth contacting him?

 

[monty dog]

Hmm, been a long time since I've seen a titanium Eddy but I doubt anyone of repute would put their name name on a bike with such poor quality welding - the simple, flame-cut plate drop-outs are wrong. There's a picture of one on this thread:

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/compon ... 60585.html

 

[David B]

That industrial-looking fork doesn't sit right either. I did think of Morati maybe, but their rear dropouts are more intricate.

How about now-defunct Swedish Ti builders Magmaa? Seem to recall that their stuff was a bit rough & ready at times.

David

 

[Old Ned]

What are the marks along the length of the tubes, seen in the seat cluster photo? I thought at first they were scratches but in a close look it appears they are deliberate and in a pattern.