Eddy Merckx Signature 'Molteni' Road Bike 1980

In 1978, after retiring from road racing as the most successful rider of all time, the great Belgian champion Eddy Merckx planned to set up a bicycle manufacture.
Since he wanted to build road bikes as fine and efficient as possible, he engaged his friend Ugo De Rosa – arguebly the best frame builder of the 1970s – to help him with the frame design and to teach other frame builders.

In 1980 the moment had come and the first Merckx bikes, soldered in an old farmhouse in Meise, were delivered.

Instead of offering a wide range of models, Merckx just offered one: the Eddy Merckx Professional.
Due to its fabulous riding qualities and its austere elegance, the Professional has been one of the most appealing steel racing framesets ever since.
Because production has been relatively low in the first year, very early Professional models are both hard to find and coveted.

But here is your chance to get a very special bike the frame of which has been built in 1980:
A Eddy Merckx Professional Molteni Tribute Bike.
It features details of very early Merckx bikes like the signature seat stay caps and Cinelli bottom bracket and typical lugs.
Apart from that there have been major changes going on on that bike to give it that special Molteni look.
There is of course the typical paintjob, but also the rear dropouts and the fork crown which have been chromed to give them more 1970s lustre.
While the top tube cable guides have been replaced by classic cable clamps, the seat tube received additional braze-ons for a second bidon holder and front derailleur

Built with light Columbus tubing, this Professional is fully fitted with Campagnolo Nuovo Record parts which have been thoroughly checked in our workshop.

Whether to enjoy the pleasure of riding a unique classic steel bike, or to take part in a classic cycling event, this nicely handling machine is a good choice. And it will certainly turn some heads