EDDY MERCKX CYCLES CATALOGUE 201 1 JOIN THE CANNIBAL COMMUNITY ON www.eddymerckx.com

CATALOGUE 201 1

ISSUE 01 > 2011

NEW EMX-7 and put the ultimate bike to the test

BRAVE NEW WORLD OF BIKE DESIGN follows in the footsteps of Formula 1 and the aerospace industry

URBAN BIKE PROJECT What would an Eddy Merckx Urban Bike look like?

5 EMX-7 Quick Step - Airfoil shaped seatpost design 3

The company has come a long way in its 30 year history - and the last few years have seen an acceleration of that change. A new team is on hand to translate my beliefs and dreams into a bigger reality.

The new EMX-7 is a classic example. It uses advanced carbon fiber technology to produce the strongest, stiffest yet lightest racing bike of them all. When you ride one, you know you have the best - bar none. You’ll be fitted by one of our expert technicians so that it is precisely adapted to your size and weight.

It’s the bike that Tom Boonen and the Quick Step Team will be using next year, day in, day out, for every race and training session. It’s the illustration of what Eddy Merckx Cycles does best - namely producing the best engi- neered and best produced racing cycle on the planet.

There is a new range of “Urban Bikes” inspired by the World-Hour-Record bike that I rode in 1972. Light, strong and very fast - they are based on a traditional look and feel: simple gearing, integrated wiring and in-built lights for safe and secure city riding. They are beautiful and perfectly proportioned.

The EMX series (1,3 and 5) continue to be fine tuned - with better equipment and higher specification carbon fiber composition. The AMX series is a subtle mix of alloy and carbon fiber when required (on the front and rear forks for example) and delivers a ride that is comfortable and stable.

The team at Eddy Merckx Cycles is working hard to reach its ambitious goals, with everyone on the same page: notably to deliver the best bikes with the best engineering and technology. Our aim is to deliver value: value for you the customers of course; but also to reflect the values that I’ve always lived by, namely hard work, focussed ambition and a willingness to go the extra mile - whatever it takes.

We hope you enjoy our new catalogue and our new bike range for 2011, and we look forward to receiving any feedback you may wish to give.

Ride lots and beat the road !

Eddy Merckx FOUNDER ultimate race bike THE BEST MEANS OF DEFENCE IS ATTACK 5

2011 CATALOGUE EDDY MERCKX CYCLES LUGANO

If this strategy has a certain air

of familiarity to those who know

eddy merckx’s racing

career well, then you won’t

be surprised to hear that his whole

range of bikes is being improved

still further.

Producing the best road racing

bike and being number one ULTIMATE RACE BIKE ULTIMATE is still the main motivation for the

constant innovation and evolution

of bikes in the company.

5 When Tom met Eddy: mutual respect certainly, © Pol De Wilde ©

and also a willingness to listen to each other’s ideas. - THE BEST MEANS OF DEFENCE IS ATTACK ultimate race bike EDDY STILL RIDING HIGH AND STILL WITH THE

© Pol De Wilde © FINAL WORD

Innovation has been one of the keys to eddy merckx

cycles success over the years, and this shouldn’t surprise us. Even when your one of the leading racing cycle manu- facturers, it’s best to keep the pressure on your competitors. OSR As Eddy himself said, “riding the race from the front isn’t diffi cult if you keep your eyes open. That’s one of the secrets OPTIMIZED of success.” STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT

_ Advanced high modular As he said in 1969 shortly aft er winning his fi rst Tour de , “it is a lot less dangerous stiffness fi bers are used to be at the front of a race. I can’t stand it when others dictate and I feel best when I am in combination with high-strength fi bers to going at my own pace, my rhythm; once I do that I can pedal on and on without giving achieve unparalleled a thought to the others.” performance. They are used in different strategic areas of the bike, as and Eddy Merckx has always been somebody who took a keen interest in his equipment, and when required. The front this hasn’t changed. As he says, it’s my “working tool and I want to make sure it’s running fork for example needs perfectly.” But as new bikes are developed, Eddy is realistic, “I’m not the king of carbon”, both for optimum weight reduction and improved he says, “but I do know a thing or two about the geometry of a bike! ” stiffness and feel. IT’S NOT ONLY ABOUT THE WEIGHT. A GOOD BIKE IS A SAFE, STABLE BIKE WITH THE RIGHT GEOMETRY

Th is concern with safety and stability is one of the fundamentals at Eddy Merckx Cycles. Even when producing bikes for pro-teams, the promise is to deliver bikes that won’t 7 break. In fact the aim is to have zero failures during the entire season. “It’s teamwork CARBON OR ALLOY? - I’ll work on the geometry, and then test it. Take the new EMX-7, a perfect exam- _ When asked which kind ple. Tom Boonen and I went to Lugano to try it before we finalize and produce it. of bike he would prefer Those few days of testing, alongside the technical engineers, produced a host of to ride: carbon or alloy, CATALOGUE 2011 CATALOGUE modifications and ideas to make the bike better that we couldn’t have had if we’d he thinks a little and just sat in the factory. I’m a great believer in testing the bike in real conditions. says that depends. Fortunately Tom agrees, and we are lucky as he is prepared to test the new models “It depends on what under race conditions.” race I was in and where

I would be cycling! If it EDDY MERCKX CYCLES “As I said, I’m not the ‘carbon’ expert - but we’ve got outstanding engineers who was the -Roubaix, know that part of the business extremely well. For example, they’re working with a then I think I’d be happier brand new carbon fiber formula (Pitch Base carbon fiber) for the EMX-7 that with an alloy bike - it’s promises to come close to the holy grail of stiffness and comfort. I’m excited to see got good strength and what it gives and see what the riders think.” would have more give

and comfort. If I had to

go up mountains, then

I’d defi nitely choose a

carbon fi ber bike.”

EDDY IS “LE PATRON”

_ When Eddy Merckx rides

with his old team col-

leagues, and they do

on a regular basis, times

haven’t really changed.

They still regard him as

- and call him too -

“Le patron” (the boss),

and truthfully he still

acts like it. They tend

to surround him to keep

him out of harm’s way -

just like when he was

racing - instructions are ULTIMATE RACE BIKE ULTIMATE

virtually unspoken as the

team do their training

runs. Eddy too becomes

a different animal on

the bike, soft spoken

and calm off it, he’s

determined and the

mark of authority on it. © Pol De Wilde © THE BEST MEANS OF DEFENCE IS ATTACK - THE BEST MEANS OF DEFENCE IS ATTACK ultimate race bike

EMX-7 “EDDY MERCKX ANNIVERSARY” BIKE

What kind of a bike do you give the man who has given everything to cycling? Just an- other bike? Or a personalized “Eddy Merckx Anniversary” edition EMX-7 ?

Eddy recently celebrated his 65th birthday, and we wanted to give him something extra special to mark the occasion. So we took the best we have - the EMX-7, and made a limited “Anniversary” edition frame.

Th e bike is a tribute to the 525 victories and successes that Eddy Merckx has had over the years and each major race win has been recorded on the special Lightweight carbon fi ber wheels for posterity.

Th e EMX-7 is as near to perfection as we’ve come so far. A fi tting tribute to the man that we believe is the greatest cyclist of all . THE BEST MEANS OF DEFENCE IS ATTACK - ULTIMATE RACE BIKE EDDY MERCKX CYCLES CATALOGUE 2011 9 ultimate race bike

ADVANCED REGULAR ROUND SEAT TUBE COMPOSITE DESIGN

1 62HM / HS Fiber Combination

Cd = 1,2 2 Carbon Laminate + 2

AIRFOIL SHAPE SEAT TUBE 3 OSR technology

4 ABAQUS lay-up optimisation

Cd = 0,12

AERODYNAMIC SHAPE DESIGN 1

1 Airfoil shaped tubing

2 Airfoil shaped seatpost design

3 Aerofork design

4 Internal cables (smooth design)

OPTIMAL POWER TRANSFER

1 Asymmetric chain stay

2 Tapered head tube 1,5 – 1 1/8 inch

3 Oversized bottom bracket

1

CL+ OSR OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT CARBON LAMINATE + 1 3 2 3 4 4 2 3 OFFICIAL emx-

TEAM 7

QS

BIKE 11 THE BEST MEANS OF DEFENCE IS ATTACK - ULTIMATE RACE BIKE EDDY MERCKX CYCLES CATALOGUE 2011 ultimate race bike

EVERY ANGLE AND EVERY LENGTH IS IMPORTANT

Eddy wasn’t just well known for his race wins, he was equally famous for being a stickler for detailed preparation of his own bikes. His attention to detail bordered on fanatical. “Perhaps I was too fanatical he says, but it helps me now that I have the factory. It has certainly helped me understand what kind of bike a person needs. Take Tom Boonen for example - he has an extra long upper body, and shorter legs and so his bikes have been made accordingly. It doesn’t look the perfect shape but it is perfect for him.”

“Riding on the road, and riding on the track is different - and they need different bikes. Different geometry, different set-up, different handling capabilities.” It was Eddy who designed his hour ‘record’ bikes for example, and some special road frames with similar geometry. ”

THE HOUR RECORD BIKE

When Eddy Merckx rode his famous record in October 1972, covering 49.431 km in one hour, his bike weighed just 5.5 kg. Specially designed and prepared by Eddy himself, it had holes drilled in different parts of the bike to make it lighter. It used super light tires © Pol De Wilde © and a special titanium stem was used. END

at what age did you at what age did you start (competitive) start (competitive) cycling? cycling? My first proper race was when My first race was when I was 16 years old. And I turned I was 13. My Dad was a professional just before my 20th former professional and birthday in 1965. so I just naturally went along to the club and in cycling terms, started training. what are your name greatest strengths? name in cycling terms, Eddy Merckx I was an all-rounder and I just Tom Boonen what are your loved to ride. greatest strengths? date and place date and place I do love the classic one- of birth how often do you of birth day races. There’s a diffe- Meensel-Kiez, ride a bike? October 15, 1980 rent atmosphere around on June 17, 1945 how many km/day? in Mol, Belgium these races and the fact I try to ride every week, but that I’m on home territory height, weight not every day now - maybe height, weight does make it special. 1m85 (6’ 1”), 3 times/week. Height 1m93 (6’ 4’’), Weight 82 kg (180 lbs; About 200 km/week nowadays. Weight 82 kg (180 lbs; how often do you 12 stone 9 lbs) 12 stone 9 lbs) ride a bike? how many km/day? where do you live where do you live When I’m fit, I’m training Meise, Belgium - every day. I do roughly 5 near to the factory! to 6 to 7 hours on a bike/ day, and a total of about 35 hours in a week. carbon series

5 EMX-7 Quick Step - Detail of the bottom bracket with blue colored carbon fibers. 15

MEISE

belgium CATALOGUE 2011 CATALOGUE

THE BRAVE EDDY MERCKX CYCLES NEW WORLD OF BIKE DESIGN

The engineer at Eddy Merckx Cycles,

dave luyckx gives us his thoughts

on how the carbon fiber revolution is

just in its infancy, and how far there is

to go. He quotes one of his University

mentors when he says that design

“has been metal thinking in a composite CARBON SERIES

world.” And that according to him,

there is still a lot of potential for carbon

fiber composite bikes to deliver that

exclusive perfect ride. THE BRAVE NEW WORLD OF BIKE DESIGN - THE BRAVE carbon series RACING BIKE TECHNOLOGY IS LOOKING OVER THE SHOULDER OF FORMULA 1 AND THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY.

The effi cient use of energy isn’t just a major concern for mechanical machines.

It’s a concept that is also highly relevant to the world of and bicycle

racing. In fact, ideas such as more effi cient use of “fuel” and improved power to

weight ratios probably means more in cycling than it does in fossil fuel burning

5 The EMX-5 Oversized bottom bracket. applications - where a little more fuel is easy to add!

New technology - mainly in the areas of structural analysis and new composite materials - leading to higher effi ciency and lower weight - has become a big part of the way Eddy Merckx bicycles are designed and developed. And just as these leading edge technologies have been changing the game in the aerospace and car industries, so too is it changing the world of cycling and cycle racing. As it happens, the technical engineer at the Eddy Merckx Cycles company - Dave Luyckx - has work experience in both industries, having worked for Boeing in Canada and Toyota in Europe, where he was responsible for the development of lighter weight structures in new cars. As an added bonus, Dave is also a real bike fan - well even more than that - he’s a bike fanatic and always dreamed of working in the bike business. As he said himself, “where better to start than right at the top of the league!”

PAN-BASED CARBON FIBER HIGHER PERFORMANCE AND LOWER WEIGHT

PITCH-BASED CARBON FIBER In short, fast and eff ective cycling is a factor of 2 funda- mentals: higher performance and lower weight. 17 CATALOGUE 2011 CATALOGUE

EDDY MERCKX CYCLES

name Dave Luyckx

date and place of birth January 12, 1981 5 Dave Luyckx and Tom Boonen in Waasmunster, Belgium

discussing the EMX-7 geometry. Pol De Wilde © where do you live Waasmunster

For higher performance, the idea is to lose as little energy cles, including the EMX-5 range - these are top of the height, weight on the road - through friction - as possible. Th e main aim range bikes and also used by the entire Quick Step team. Height 1m85 (6’ 1’’), is to convert as many of those kW of power generated by Th e new EMX-7 is trying something new. Using a rare Weight 68 kg (150 lbs; 10 stone 10 lbs). the cyclist into performance and speed on the road. And carbon fiber mix known as Pitch Base, it offers a com- power there is. During a nor- parable strength to weight at what age mal race, a cyclist generates ratio, but has a higher tensile did you start (competitive) upwards of about 250 W of modulus value - a measure- cycling? power at any one time, and “ Where better to start ment of fi ber stiff ness. Th is I was 12. In Belgium we more of it goes into forward means that there is virtually have something called than right at the top ‘Competitive Cycling motion when friction is low- zero deformation on the frame School’ to teach young kids est and where the deformation of the league! ” in high-pressure situations, how to ride racing bikes. of the frame is minimal. and friction is reduced. Th ere in cycling terms, Th e weight issue is a non- is sadly just one draw back to what are your issue for pro-racers. Th e UCI Pitch Base carbon fi ber and greatest regulations stipulate the minimum weight (6.8 kg/15 lbs), that is cost! Due to its rarity, it’s up to 10x more expensive strengths? Climbing. Fortunately and that is there for a reason - to prevent the bikes from than traditional materials. around my part of the becoming too weak to survive road races. In reality the woods there isn’t many CARBON SERIES rider himself adds considerably more weight to a bike, MOVING FORWARD hills so I don’t have to prove it everyday. and a few grams lost there is much cheaper and more IN LEAPS AND BOUNDS eff ective than on the bike! how often do you Th e Eddy Merckx Cycles company is looking to rethink the ride a bike? how many km/day? NEW CARBON FIBER FOR THE EMX-7 way bicycles - particularly carbon fi ber ones are designed and I try to ride twice a week, produced. Th e latest design and engineering developments and I do about 250 km Most carbon fi ber produced today is known as PAN will be included, alongside that other magic ingredient that every week. I’m actually test riding the EMX-7 for (Polyacrylonitrile) and it has outstanding strength to the company has - namely the experience that Eddy Merckx the moment (lucky me)!!

weight ratio. It’s the composite that is used on most bicy- himself brings to the table. Not only has he got umpteen NEW WORLD OF BIKE DESIGN - THE BRAVE carbon series

ADVANCED COMPOSITE DESIGN

1 50HM/HS Fiber Combination

2 Carbon Laminate +

3 OSR technology

AERO/STIFF 1 SEAT STAY DESIGN

OPTIMAL POWER TRANSFER

1 Tapered head tube 1,5 – 1 1/8 inch

2 Oversized bottom bracket 1

CL+ OSR OPTIMIZED STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT CARBON LAMINATE + 1 2 2 3 1 OFFICIAL emx-

TEAM 5

QS

BIKE 19 THE BRAVE NEW WORLD OF BIKE DESIGN - CARBON SERIES EDDY MERCKX CYCLES CATALOGUE 2011 carbon series

years of riding experience, he’s been making bikes for more though there may be a compromise as any increase in than 30 years now. length has an effect on the stiffness and ride quality. ” Over the last hundred plus years, the world of cycling has seen technology jumps that have significantly changed the STRONG, SAFE AND COMFORTABLE way cycling has developed. First off there was the move to include a chain, then gears, then the move to inflatable tyres The fact that the EMX-7 and EMX-5 both come in “on CL+ - to reduce the friction on the road. With the possibilities weight” at 6.8 kg (15 lbs) doesn’t mean there has been any offered by new materials, we may be on the verge of the next compromise on safety - in fact quite the contrary. Safety CARBON major jump in cycling design. has been and always will be top priority for the company. LAMINATE + While there are always going to be some trade-offs on bike This fact has been well demonstrated by the Quick Step Carbon fiber bikes are design (e.g. more comfort, less aerodynamics etc), Dave and team who use standard off the shelf EMX-5 bikes. Despite made using sheets of carbon fiber, and these his team of design engineers are going to continue to chal- participating in all the classic races including the Paris- are built up in layers one lenge some of the “givens” of bike design. How to achieve Roubaix, and the - there has been (at time on top of the other. better power transfer? How can we improve ride comfort of writing!) no frame failures. The Carbon Laminate + process, developed by and reduce aerodynamic drag? So far, there is no ideal but The goal now is to continue to refine the feel and effi- and for Eddy Merckx that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep on looking. ciency of the bikes - how to make one better without Cycles, assemble the “We’re going to use the geometry of the bike to give more compromising on the other. There is still much to do and sheets together in ways that maximise the strength comfort,” says Dave. “By using the structural efficiency of many avenues to explore, particularly in the area of pro- and rigidity of the resulting the materials and adjusting the geometry, we can give extra duction techniques - not only will the bikes be better, but frame. The result? stiffness and a better “feel” to the bikes. Even a few degrees little by little, they’ll be more affordable too. It’s one of Optimized performance, comfort and weight. and a couple of mm can make a world of difference, for those age-old conundrums that will keep us busy for a example in the head tube angle and fork offset. Again good while to come. END

2378 watts for 3 seconds HOW GOOD IS YOUR POWER-DURATION CURVE ? Pedalling performance is usually meas- Manfred Nürscheler on a bicycle ergometer (generator) in 1991 & 1995 ured on an ergometer and this will be Matt Weaver (Human Power 11/3/94/15) placed indoors so that resistance is Estimate of maximum human output with optimum mechanism likely to be steady. Curves are plotted 1600 “Competitive oarsmen” on Concept II as the best overall picture of the per- 1500 rowing ergometers (Dreissigacker, 1998) son’s power producing ability as power 1400 NASA curve for “first-class athletes”, 1964 is sustained from anything between a few 1300 Tyler Hamilton’s Mt. Washington record, 1997 20 seconds and several hours. 1200 Eddy Merckx NASA first used this measurement in 1100 on an ergometer, 1975 ’s climb to 1964, and plotted the curve for both 1000 La Plagne – Tour de France, 1995 “first-class athletes” and “healthy men”. 900 Boardman’s hour record Eddy Merckx, in the interests of science, 800 U.K. time-trial records (Whitt) U.K. amateur (tourist) was tested and produced 455 Watts © TDWSport.com 700 trials (Whitt) 10 of power for one hour - way better than 600 Effect of need for sleep the curve for first-class athletes. For fans TOM BOONEN 500 Lon Haldeman’s _ Tom Boonen of the double cross – who want to know, there was an electric 400 U.S. record, 1981 MAXIMUM SUSTAINABLE POWER, W MAXIMUM SUSTAINABLE Quick Step team - 300 CONSUMPTION L/MIN. OXYGEN fan keeping Eddy cool as generating one of the top sprinters 455 Watts of mechanical power creates 200 NASA curve for of this generation - 100 “healthy men”, 1964 an awful lot of heat. 1 hour 1 day 10 days has been measured 0 0 0.1 0.5 1 2 5 10 20 50 100 200 500 1.000 2.000 5.000 10.000 20.000 source: Bicycling Science by David Gordon as developing 1500 Wilson, Jim Papadopoulos, Frank Rowland Whitt, MIT Press 2004 to 2000 W when DURATION, MIN at top speed.

© TDWSport tour de france 2010 france de tour ONE WASN’T ! AND WAS PLANNED too fartoo away and whole the team so swung into action! Step and Eddy Merckx Cycles were caught alittle by Fortunately, surprise. wasn’t factory the prepared! While some of teams the have yellow/green/polka dot with cycles -Quick them bicycles day the afterthe - problem colored specially these was bicycles weren’t ready It meant that Sylvain and Jerome were allowed to out ride inyellow, green and dot polka of day the was“King of Mountains”! the finish. the Jerome Pineau won also points forthe mountain classification, and the end by down at some the stage during Stockeu, the descending race, the especially 30kmfrom I gave Ihad,” it everything hesaid. Andsome crashit was-with more than sixtyriders what wasgoing on me, although behind Ididhear there’d acrash.AllIknow been isthat green after jerseys breaking clear theof leading pack with 19.5km to go. “I didn’t know breakaway after 10km remained clear and not the stageonly took thebut yellow also and obliged with astage winand three major the Sylvain jerseys. Chavanel, of part an eight-man Leaving and from arriving Brussels stage, inSpa and Belgian -it team the duly wasatrue leading team inthe be competition and have mostcompetitive the rider’s aswell. jersey have Yellow, the both Green and Polka one Dot jerseys day later. In team the fact would also foresee namely another: that team the heprovides bikes for, namely Quick Step, would Eddy wasrightly proud -even though there wasn’t winner. aBelgian But hecouldn’t factory.where hashiscycle healso It did, and crowds the were there innumbers, and Brussels, on the first proper stage day, Sunday 4th July -thisiswhere Eddy still lives and For along timeit wasscheduled that Tour the would passthrough Meise on its way to

GIFT ONE ONE END

65 Eddy Merckx onhis one waytosalute had longforeseen The Tour deFrance surprises instore! were afewmore it turnedoutthere June 2010,butas he celebratedin th birthday, which read/article/71 Tour deFrance. who hasgivensomuchto Eddy andagreat waytocelebratetheman It wasafittingandperfectbirthdaygiftfor signed thebikespersonally! tions goingon-butnotbefore Eddyhad fontaine where there were stillcelebra- the morningatteamhotelinChaud- The bikeswere finallydelivered at2.30in dot spots! decals/stickers ofthelogoandpolka are handpainted,asare theplacingof ing weblink- you canseethewholestoryatfollow- record theevent,aswasaTVcrew -and lost! Aphotographer - justincasethe bike forJerome andaseparateyellowbike low andgreen oneforSylvain,apolkadot Three different oneswere prepared: ayel- and willingtoprepare thespecialbikes. the teambackin quick phonecallshoweversawseveralof one atthefactoryhadgonehome!Afew to makethenewbikes,butbythenevery- the 5thJulywhendecisionwastaken It was6o’clockintheeveningonMonday BIKES NEW BRAND IN TRIPLE QUICK TIME ! TIME QUICK TRIPLE IN www.eddymerckx.be/news/ . You’ll seethatthebikes green workshop andready was onhandto jersey wouldget cycling and the cycling andthe 23 TOUR DE FRANCE 2010 EDDY MERCKX CYCLES CATALOGUE 2011 carbon technology

ADVANCED COMPOSITE DESIGN

1 30HM Fiber

2 Carbon Laminate +

3 OSR technology

1 AERO/STIFF SEAT STAY DESIGN

OPTIMAL POWER TRANSFER

1 Tapered head tube 1 1/4 – 1 1/8 inch

2 Oversized bottom bracket

1

CL+ CARBON LAMINATE + 1 2 2 3 1 emx- 3

Metallic 25 THE BRAVE NEW WORLD OF BIKE DESIGN - CARBON SERIES EDDY MERCKX CYCLES CATALOGUE 2011 carbon series GO THE DISTANCE WITH GRAN FONDO

Gran Fondo is as close to riding in a big race as most amateurs will ever get. With different classes and lengths of race, for the strong, very strong and fantastic, it has built itself a huge following amongst keen cyclists. Well organised, with closed roads, and medical and catering support, the events in Europe can attract several

© Golazo thousand riders.

5 Gran Fondo Eddy Merckx Meaning long distance or great endurance, it attracts all universal joy. Smiles - through the tiredness - are the sorts of racer. Some are there just to enjoy themselves and order of the day, and almost every rider is prepared to get to the end, others are racing against themselves and help another.

ITALY GRAN FONDO hoping to improve on their previous best time and there EDDY MERCKX are still others racing to win! PREPARATION IS IMPORTANT LOCATION Bretino Bellino, Verona, In fact the events have grown so much that there are DATE June now specialized Gran Fondo teams with sponsored, Proper training and fi tness is important for any sport, but TRACK In the mountains salaried riders, some of whom are ex-pros! As a result certainly is the case if you want to participate in a Gran surrounding el Lago de Garda the average amateur racer has very little chance to be Fondo race. It is recommended that you ride upwards of DISTANCE 106 / 165 km on the podium. 2000 km (1200 miles) in training rides if you want to arrive at the starting line and fi nish. Be wary, climbs, steep descents SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! and riding in a crowd are part of the experience - choose BELGIUM GRAN FONDO EDDY MERCKX your event carefully! LOCATION Huy, Belgium For most of the participants however, it is principally the Costs for participation vary, but expect to pay roughly DATE June satisfaction of having been and competed with a group of 40 € or so and for that you get mechanical and medical TRACK Around Durbuy like-minded people from around the country, even the care, refreshments along the route - and perhaps coupons DISTANCE 175 km world. It is a unique collective experience, and there is for the post-race party! END

29 CATALOGUE 2011 CATALOGUE EDDY MERCKX CYCLES CARBON SERIES

the emx-3 has been designed with both performance and comfort in mind. More comfort, better fit and feel equates to better results on the bike.

5 EMX-3 Metallic - Detail of the oversized head tube. NEW WORLD OF BIKE DESIGN - THE BRAVE carbon series A COMFORTABLE BIKE IS A FASTER BIKE

While it seems common sense that improving the comfort and minimising the vibrations reduces energy loss when riding over bumps, there is science to prove it! Riding over most bumpy surfaces will not generate a single frequency of vertical seat movement, but instead provoke a spectrum of vibration frequencies with perhaps distinct peaks at a few different frequencies. Despite the fact that carbon fiber is much stiffer than metals, the actual build-up of the material can deliver a very comfortable ride (i.e. Carbon Laminate +). While materials are one aspect, bike geometry does make a considerable difference and

this is where Eddy Merckx EMX series bikes have their added advantage. END

THE EMX-1 “The superb handling is the most pronounced ride characteristic of the emx-1. It is both comfortable and stiff, but its real strength is the feeling of confidence it inspires around corners © TDWSport.com and how true it seems to ride in a group.”

ADVANCED emx-1 Black Grey COMPOSITE DESIGN

1 24HM Fiber

2 Carbon Laminate +

3 UDM Finish

1 COMFORT SEAT STAY DESIGN

OPTIMAL POWER TRANSFER

1 Oversized head tube

2 Oversized bracket female race geometry 33 JOHANNESBURG

south CATALOGUE 2011 CATALOGUE africa EDDY MERCKX CYCLES A52 23E 36A@ :2 9682 FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY

. 49

carla swart is one of the leading cyclists on the American college circuit - in fact she is unique having won national titles in all 4 cycling disciplines: Road, Track, Cyclocross and Mountain Biking. Not only will she will be representing in the Commonwealth Games in 2010, but she is aiming for the Olympics in 2012 and possible road race success.

5Carla Swart, racing the EFX-1

FRG A member of the MTN / Energade team racing in Europe climbing and sprinting, and while I don’t mind riding in and around the world, she has since the beginning of the cold weather - I do prefer it when it is hot and sunny! year, been using the EFX-1 bike - the Eddy Merckx Cycles FEMALE RACE You’re rare in that you have excelled in all disciplines. GEOMETRY frame set that has been especially developed for women riders and racers. Please tell us more ?

Eddy Merckx Cycles is Well I have put pressure on myself and none more so at the above all a manufacturer It was 7 years ago that Carla moved to the United States time I won the Cyclocross race to complete the clean sweep of racing bikes, and Eddy is the champion of racing bike from South Africa with her parents. She now attends Lees in the Collegiate campaign. I’ve been fortunate of course geometry. It was normal McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina - where she’s and I’ve now won 19 national titles over all disciplines in- therefore that the company majoring in Sports Management and Business studies. She cluding individual and team events. I’m especially proud to should design a real racing bike for women. It means that rides for a professional team, the South African based have helped my college (Lees McRae) to glory! the angle of the seat tube is MTN/Energade team, and continues to ride for her college Note: In May, Carla sprinted to the Division 1 road race title, kept as close to a proper while also representing South Africa. We caught up with then took the overall women’s omnium en route to helping her racing angle as possible, and so the top tube is made her and asked her to tell us more about herself. school take the team crown. In August, Carla grabbed indi- shorter, and the front head vidual track titles in the 2km pursuit and the match , tube is made larger. It’s Please, can you tell us what kind of rider you are ? which earned her the overall D1 female title. Two months later more adapted to women’s body morphologies and much I try to be a smart rider - aggressive when I need to be and she won both the cross-country and short track mountain bike more comfortable to ride. conservative as the situation dictates. Above all I love titles, and the individual mountain bike omnium. And finally 35 took her fi nal win at the USA Cycling national cyclocross bike team and a few track riders. I am very excited to race championships in Kansas City. for MTN/Energade. Th e girls on the team are very talented and most of them have represented South Africa in world- How did it happen that you ended up in college in the class events. We also have a few European racers on the CATALOGUE 2011 CATALOGUE USA and racing there ? team. We will be doing several UCI events all over the world C.S. I fi nished my high school in Georgia, and because and I am confi dent that we will represent the team well. I wanted to continue my schooling in America I de- Eddy Merckx Cycles sponsors cided to go to Lees McRae. “ the team and provides EFX-1s [...] he still knows EDDY MERCKX CYCLES Lees McRae was a great option ” for all the ladies since the name for continuing my cycling ca- how to ride. start of the year now, can you Carla Swart tell us how it feels ? reer and to learn more about date and place racing. I think that it is very I am delighted to say it really is of birth important for students to go to college and keep developing a joy to ride. And that’s not just me saying so, but the whole November 26, 1987 in Graaf-Reinet, as cyclists while they are getting a degree. team. It’s really light and stiff and perfectly designed for us South Africa as women. It’s got a shorter top tube, and that works very What’s the college scene compared to professional well - many of us have a shorter upper torso and longer legs. where do you live road racing ? Banner Elk, It’s very comfortable to ride and the shape is just perfect. North Carolina, USA Th e collegiate scene is without a doubt the most fun expe- We had the good fortune to meet Eddy Merckx himself in rience you can have as a cyclist! Lees McRae has made the Qatar - he came to see us racing at the start of the year. He height, weight Height 1m67 (5’ 6’’), collegiate racing stress free because it is a fully supported also went out cycling with us - that was a thrill. It’s clear that Weight 59 kg program. We are able to learn a lot from each other and work he knows what he’s talking about by the way he asked ques- (130 lb; 9 stone 4 lbs) together like a professional team. It is a great environment. tions and talked bikes, and equally clear he still knows how to at what age Th e atmosphere is much more relaxed and team-oriented at ride. He kept up and for half the training run was in the lead! did you start the college events. And besides, it’s more coed, so you have (competitive) a lot of goofy boys around! What’s diff erent about the EFX ? cycling? 17 Obviously, I’ve tried a lot of bikes over the years and many You are riding for the South African MTN team. women’s bikes are just pale, oft en pink, imitations of men’s in cycling terms, Can you tell us more about the team ? models. Th e EFX-1 is diff erent. It rides really well, is light- what are your greatest Th e team is a UCI Pro continental team that supports both weight and has an interesting sloping geometry. It seems strengths? a women’s and a men’s squad. Th ey also have a mountain ready made for our lower center of gravity. Th e fact I am a pretty good climber and a decent . I hope to be a great one day

how often do you ride a bike? how many km/day? Launched on the international good race, and there is lots race’s praises, “Coming here is

50-150km, depending on FEMALE RACE GEOMETRY stage by Eddy Merckx himself of attacks and jockeying for quite an eye opener as women day and time of year. (along with the Tour of ) position. Perhaps due to the don’t usually ride their bikes - and with the help of the Tour de heavy crosswinds, there are that makes us quite a spectacle! France organisers, it is the also quite a few crashes. It is lovely to race here, it’s so well fi rst race on the professional This year, Carla fell and broke organised and all the riders are calendar, and an ideal test for open an old wound and this put up in the same 5-star hotel, the riders. sadly brought an end to her and treated exceptionally well.” Long fl at stages in warm participation in the race. windy conditions make for a It didn’t stop her singing the THE EFX FITS ME LIKE A GLOVE ! - THE EFX FITS ME LIKE A GLOVE

urban bike

URBAN

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER ! 51 CATALOGUE 2011 CATALOGUE EDDY MERCKX CYCLES

Everyone who drives in a big city is aware of the dangers - and each of our 3 urban cyclists have had at least one “close” call. urban biking is picking up fans around the world, and with more cyclists on the road there is a slow but growing appreciation from other road users that cyclists need to be treated with care and attention!

Recent published data suggests that there are now twice as many cyclists on the road in London than 7 years ago, and in the number has increased by 29% in one year. The reasons are numerous no doubt but speed and health are the top two. Average car speed in London is 9 mph - about 14 km/hr - while many bikers are achieving averages of 13 mph upwards, of course depending on route taken, length of commute, the weather, what bike and whether or not your late! The fact that people are normally less active and have put on weight is another reason that people are getting out on the road.

We talked to 3 people who regularly cycle in the city. First up was David Craig in London. ! THAN NEVER URBAN BIKING - BETTER LATE urban bike

LONDON

name David Craig

date and place of birth London, sometime in the last century!

where do you live Wimbledon, England - about 5 minutes on a bike from the famous tennis club.

height, weight Height 1m80 (5’11”), david is a Director of Operations at the Asso- and sneezing commuters, are enough to reassure me of the Weight 85 kg (184 lbs; ciation of Optometrists in London. value of cycling. I get an hour’s exercise every day, free. I get 13 stone 5 lbs). to work every day, free, I get hot water for a shower every at what age “I’ve been commuting to work for the last 6 years now. It’s day, free. Other people pay for the gym, pay for their tube did you start about 8 miles into the city from Wimbledon and I was a ticket, and have to fi t in their exercise in the evening when (competitive) cycling? keen cyclist in my twenties, so when they installed showers they should be with their kids/partner/friends. I get to work Never ridden competitively. at the offi ce, I leapt at the chance to get back cycling again. I slightly quicker on my bike – and I have fun doing it. tend to leave a couple of suits and pairs of shoes there, and in cycling terms, what are your bring a change of shirt and underwear with me everyday. Suffi ce to say I am an all weather cyclist and do it every greatest Obviously when I get home at night, I can shower and day. I’ve got used to the rain and snow - you have to be well strengths? change with ease so that’s not an issue. I ride a fast “hybrid” equipped in England, and I don’t get cold – if it’s chilly I just Hmmm, not sure. I certainly enjoy the tussle – but nothing too fancy. I bought it 3 years ago to replace a cycle a little harder and soon warm up. I feel much better with the traffi c every day...! bike that was stolen; I didn’t go for anything too costly as I and healthier because of it. was concerned as to whether - or when - it would get stolen, how often do you ride a bike? how or damaged on the road – commuting through London It’s true that I work in an organisation that encourages this many km/day? traffi c can be hard on a bike! Like everyone else, I’ve had a type of transport but I would encourage everyone to give it I ride almost every day; couple of bad experiences, but nothing that has ever come a try. Th ere is so much help for cyclists these days. I see all 15 miles (24 km) a day during the week. close to putting me off . sorts of people on a bike in the morning - some dressed in their business suits and some in their favourite team’s lycra Occasionally I have to travel on the tube – and those in- outfi ts. We all have respect one for the other, and we all try frequent journeys, among sweaty armpits and coughing to look out for another.” 53 CATALOGUE 2011 CATALOGUE

united EDDY MERCKX CYCLES states

SAN FRANSISCO

name Tony Little

date and place of birth November 30, 1982 in Mendocino, California

where do you live Mill Valley, California

height, weight Height 1m83 (6’ 0”), Weight 72 kg (158 lbs; tony is an independent computer program- semi-pro event and that takes me to the Sierra Nevada and 11 stone 4 lbs) mer and works in the bay area. He even up into Oregon. at what age still rides to work when he needs to but now did you start often works from home. We asked him what it Cycling in the confines of San Francisco is pretty well organ- (competitive) was like cycling in San Francisco, California? ised and there’s a pretty big community of bikers, often cycling? I was 17. meeting to go all the way down to the Mountain View area “I come from Italian stock and cycling has always been part (where Google has its headquarters) - that’s about 40 miles in cycling terms, of my life! I actually worked as a bike mechanic for many from the centre of town. Broken bike chains and punctures what are your greatest years and I’ve seen the changes. It’s amazing how much cycling are part of the deal, but there’s always someone passing by strengths? has taken off - inspired in no small part I guess by the Tour who’ll give you a helping hand. That’s part of the fun: the Dealing with the pain by de France and the USA successes over the years. Recently camaraderie and great people you meet on the way.” remembering the fact that you’re having a blast. I’ve moved to live about 10 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge and so most of my cycling is done north of the bay. how often do you Crossing it, the bridge - especially on a bike is still one of ride a bike? how many km/day? life’s great experiences - it trips me every time! It’s great Usually everyday - because you can stop and take in the sites. The views are anything from 10 breathtaking and you can see the whole valley stretch out to 100 miles. before you. I regularly use the bike to go down town and for me it’s pretty easy. I’m also doing a lot of training rid- ing - in fact I ride about 20 hours a week, and am often out

at the weekend on my mountain bike. I do the occasional ! THAN NEVER URBAN BIKING - BETTER LATE urban bike

singapore

name Wei Ming

date and place of birth 1976 in Singapore

where do you live Singapore

height, weight 1m67 (5’ 6’’), 59 kg (130 lbs; 9 stone 4 lbs)

at what age wei ming is a professional photographer are (even) more serious in terms of speed and mileage. did you start who lives and works in Singapore. He still Riding around Singapore is actually getting a bit better. (competitive) cycling? regularly takes his bike to work, but times Th e government has installed and improved a whole network I started getting serious have changed and occasionally he needs to of places to ride, including the “Park Connector Network” about cycling in the city use his car to get to client meetings. He tells that takes you through some of the more beautiful green in December 2008. us more about cycling in Singapore. areas of the country. And recently there has been a campaign in cycling terms, to drive awareness of cyclists on the road and improve their what are your “It’s not quite as practical to cycle everywhere for my job safety with other drivers who share the road.” END greatest strengths? now. I’ve got equipment to carry and clients still want to see No particular strength - you! Arriving in a hot and sweaty cycling outfi t oft en just keeping going and I doesn’t meet their expectations. Fortunately with my job, I just love those hilly roads! work independently and my time is quite fl exible. I oft en do how often do you up to 40 to 70 km in an evening. More recently I’ve moved ride a bike? how to a fi xed gear bike, and while it was just for fun at fi rst, I’m many km/day? I ride about 3 to 4 times enjoying it. It’s a bit of a sensation and thrill. I like the sim- a week, and do 40 to plicity of a fi xed gear bike - no brake cables, or gears to mess 70 km/day - even longer up the fi ne lines. I accept it’s a little bit dangerous coming when I’m abroad. down the hills without brakes, but the danger is part of the fun. Climbing up a hilly road on a fi xed gear is a serious business though where stopping half way up is not an option. I ride with a local fi xed gear group as well as roadies who The CannibalLimited Edition in thecity:areal urbanbike.Whatwoulditbelike? Imagine aspeciallydesignedEddyMerckx bikeforriding than just aSunday outing, it’s way anew become of life. Cycles have delivered first the ultimate Urban because Bike - cyclingforsome ismore It’s just more beginning, the “urban bikes” willbeat road, the but for now Eddy Merckx handlebars and 14gears. Cannibal Limited Edition but just that much city inthe to easier use with its flat horizontal -safely andeverywhere comfortably.second is The our ‘MexicoSeries’ City -similar the to mixture of our heritage giving rich and technology abike new that everyday, used can be The first the is ‘Cannibal Limited Edition’.Beautiful, sleek and made for urbanbiking, it’s a URBAN BIKEPROJECT incredible feat of endeavour. sporting proportioned. We’ve got two, and are both inspired by that himself. No nofluff - frills, just strong, fast perfectly and World-Hour-Record bike - conceived and by ridden Eddy The inspiration for this bike is course of ‘the’ famous comfortable and aspacefor pedals number the plate. lookingcool -with an old shifter, school integrated wiring, a bell, and asimple gear change; it would beautiful be and it wouldcity; have built insafety features: lights, reflectors, able to withstand rough the roads and cobble stones of a Made of steel -it’s got strong, to be and got sturdy to be -it’s 55 URBAN BIKING - BETTER LATE THAN NEVER ! EDDY MERCKX CYCLES CATALOGUE 2011 urban bike

mexico city series

6 1 14 SPEED HUB GEAR

2 COMFORTABLE PEDALS

3 NUMBER PLATE

4 OLD SCHOOL SHIFTER 5 5 INTEGRATED WIRING

6 INTEGRATED BRAKE LIGHT

7 HORIZONTAL BRAKES

8 INTEGRATED HEAD LIGHT

1 2 3 4 8 7 why headdedbrakes aswell! dangerous around to ride -that’s town gear edition, hefeels that are they too and while Eddy considered afixed Therewheels. are 14gears bike onthis andeasy accesspedals smart looking bars, front and back lights, comfortable comfortable urban biking: horizontal of the features youneedfor easyand The bike hasahost Mexico Series City drawing concept 57 URBAN BIKING - BETTER LATE THAN NEVER ! EDDY MERCKX CYCLES CATALOGUE 2011

geometries

EMX-7 PRO GEOMETRY

SIZE SL SIZE REACH STACK A B C D E F G H I J K TRAIL ISP

50 450 383 511 533 114 73,8 71,3 71 408 979 581 365 43 139 68,7 680 52 466 387 526 545 129 73,4 71,7 71 408 985 587 365 43 149 66,2 710 54 482 392 541 557 145 73,1 72 69 410 995 595 365 43 157 64,3 740 56 498 396 556 569 160 72,7 72,4 69 410 1000 600 365 43 167 61,8 770 58 514 401 571 582 174 72,4 72,7 69 412 1009 606 365 43 175 59,9 800 60 530 405 586 595 191 72 73,1 67 412 1014 611 365 43 185 57,4 830

EMX-5 PRO GEOMETRY

SIZE SL SIZE REACH STACK A B C D E F G H I J K TRAIL

48 450 376 489 516 93 74,3 70,8 71 408 969 572 365 43 127 71,8 50 475 383 511 533 114 73,8 71,3 71 408 979 581 365 43 139 68,7 52 491 387 526 545 129 73,4 71,7 71 408 985 587 365 43 149 66,2 54 507 392 541 557 145 73,1 72 69 410 995 595 365 43 157 64,3 56 523 396 556 569 160 72,7 72,4 69 410 1000 600 365 43 167 61,8 58 539 401 571 582 174 72,4 72,7 69 412 1009 606 365 43 175 59,9 60 555 405 586 595 191 72 73,1 67 412 1014 611 365 43 185 57,4

PRO GEOMETRY

EMX-7 . EMX-5

a REACH

b stack

i Ø674

SIZE

c d

e j

f h g EFX-3 . EFX-1 . EFX-3 IERAHSAKABCDEFGHIJCASCSZ TRAIL SIZE CLASSIC J I H G F E TRAIL D SIZE CLASSIC J C I B 46 H 43 A 40 STACK G REACH SIZE F E D C B A 42 STACK REACH SIZE 45 48 51 54 EMX-3 . EMX-1 . EMX-3 6 59 3 7 7. 12 1 1 9 9 6 8 5 64.0 66.5 553 69.0 527 990 591 365 48 410 71 502 71.2 74.0 178 531 980 581 365 48 410 71 70.8 569 74.5 155 514 967 570 365 48 408 73 70.4 546 366 75.0 130 498 523 360 353 6 56 1 2 427. 1449350354 57 67.4 507 519 74.2 71 71.5 129 414 973570 365 526 43 368 7 57 3 4 377. 1449258354 50 64.9 530 534 73.7 71 71.9 149 414 982578 365 547 43 373 7 58 5 7 327. 9449156354 54 62.4 554 550 73.2 69 72.3 173 414 991586 365 568 43 378 8 59 6 9 277. 9449854354 57 59.9 577 567 72.7 69 72.7 193 414 998594 365 589 43 383 8 60 8 26 22 31 7 1 10 0 354 60 57.4 600 36543 1006602 414 67 73.1 72.2 216 583 610 388 PERFORMANCE GEOMETRY PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE GEOMETRY PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE k EMX-

f SIZE 3. EFX- c 3 . 3 g EMX- a GEOMETRY REACH e 1 . 1

EFX- Ø674 1 h d b i

j stack 61 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS EDDY MERCKX CYCLES CATALOGUE 2011