EDDY MERCKX Team FIAT (made by DE ROSA), authentic bike of Eddy Merckx (1977) – SOLD

Eddy Merckx ”The Cannibal” was born on June 17 1945 and was a professional cyclist from 1961 to 1978. Eddy Merckx is considered the greatest cyclist of all-time, and few argue with that assessment. He was so strong and rode hard so often that his nickname was “The Cannibal”. He had no weaknesses – he was the strongest time trialist and climber in the world, and could outsprint all but a few rivals.  At his retirement he had won the most titles, or equal most, in the Tour de France (5), Giro d’Italia (5), World Championship road race (3), Milano-Sanremo (7), Gent-Wevelgem (3), La Flèche Wallonne (3), and Liège-Bastogne-Liège (5). Merckx won 19 monument races, the five greatest one-day classics, a record, with second on that list Roger De Vlaeminck, far back with 11. He is one of only three riders, with De Vlaeminck and Rik Van Looy, to have won all five of the monuments.

Eddy Merckx Team FIAT 1977

Merckx was the first man to win the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and World Professional Road Race in the same year (1974).  At the 1969 Tour de France, Merckx performed the still unequalled feat of winning the yellow jersey (overall winner), green jersey (points winner), and polka-dot jersey (King of the Mountains). His 11 victories in the major tours is an all-time record and might have been greater. He rode the Tour de France only eight times, twice when past his prime, and in 1973, because he was so dominant, he was asked by Tour organizers not to race because they felt his dominance was ruining the Tour.

Eddy Merckx (Team Fiat) 1977

Merckx was not without his detractors. He was criticized by other riders because he never let up, always riding to win, often not giving lesser riders a chance to shine a bit. In retirement, though, he remains the all-time Belgian sporting legend, being voted Belgium’s Sportsman of the 20th Century.

Ugo De Rosa, one of the most successful frame builders was born on January 27, 1934 in Milan, Italy. His passion led him to study mechanics and engineering at a technical college. Later in the early 1950s he opened his first shop and commenced the manufacture of racing bicycles. He supplied many champions with his high-end bicycles (Gianni Motta, Eddy Merckx and Francesco Moser…), and also strongly influenced the cycling industry with his amazing bikes from Cusano Milanino.

Ugo De Rosa (27 Jan 1934 – 26 Mar 2023)

Eddy Merckx had several trusted bike suppliers during his career. In years of Faema Team (1968-70) he was riding bikes made by Faliero Masi and Giuseppe Pela. In first years of Molteni Team (1971-72), he rode bikes made by Ernesto Colnago. In 1973 Eddy Merckx moved to De Rosa and raced till end of his career (1978) on the bikes made by Ugo De Rosa.

Extremely proud to present an authentic bike of one and only Eddy Merckx, when he rode for Team Fiat back in 1977. The bike was made and confirmed by De Rosa facilities. It’s shinning in original paintjob, made of Reynolds 531 tubing. Built with Campagnolo Nuovo Record / Super Record 1st gen groupset (175mm cranks), Cinelli stem and handlebar, Cinelli Unicanitor saddle, Mavic SSC Oro rims. Even the smaller parts like chain, freewheel, brake pads, brake and shifting cables, cables housing, cable clamps are STILL ORIGINAL. Tubulars and bar tape have been replaced.

Museum piece. Comes with a signed statement by De Rosa facilities, that the bike was made for Eddy Merckx.

Frame & Fork: Eddy Merckx Team Fiat, made by De Rosa / Reynolds 531 tubing

Size:

– seat tube (c-t): 60.3 cm

– top tube (c-c): 57 cm

– headset tube: 17 cm

– standover: 84.5 cm

Crankset: Campagnolo Nuovo Record (175mm cranks, 53/42)

Bottom bracket : Campagnolo Nuovo Record

Front Derailleur: Campagnolo Nuovo Record

Rear Derailleur: Campagnolo Super Record 1st gen

Headset: Campagnolo Super Record 1st gen

Shifters: Campagnolo Nuovo Record

Brake Levers: Campagnolo Nuovo Record

Brakes: Campagnolo Nuovo Record

Handlebar: Cinelli

Stem: Cinelli De Rosa (135 mm)

Hubs: Campagnolo Nuovo Record

Freewheel: Regina Oro 6 speed

Chain: Regina Record

Rims: Mavic SSC Oro

Seatpost: Campagnolo Super Record 1st gen (27.2mm)

Seat: Cinelli Unicantor

Pedals: Campagnolo Nuovo Record Pista

Handlebar Tape: cotton, biege

Condition: Used, but very good condition. Original paint and decals.

Year: 1977

PRICE: SOLD (February 2024)