Eddy Merckx Cycles have launched the limited edition EDDY70 steel racing bike to celebrate The Cannibal’s forthcoming 70th birthday. Just 70 will be made, costing a cool €14,000 each.
The limited edition EDDY70 is a forerunner of a new ‘Heritage’ collection which is to launch in September. Though drawing on the past for inspiration, the new machine will be an ‘ultra-modern, state-of-the-art racing bike’, according to Eddy Merckx Cycles.
The frame is made from a Columbus tubeset and the first bike was presented to Merckx on Tuesday (January 27), while the remaining 69 will be delivered on July 17, the five-time Tour de France winner’s birthday . Each will be individually numbers and will be adorned with the Belgian legend’s signature.
Merckx rode on steel through his career, which saw him rack up an astonishing 525 professional victories, and metal has made something of a comeback as a high-end, performance material, with the Madison-Genesis team racing on the Genesis Volare, made from Reynolds 953.
The EDDY70 is built specifically to Merckx’s specifications, with TIG-welded Columbus XCr seamless steel tubes, described as an ultra-light and rigid stainless steel.
A carbon fibre Columbus fork, Campagnoloa Super Record groupset and Campagnolo Bora Ultra 35 wheels complete the look, with a Cinelli saddle to finish.
Merckx said: “Everyone knows that I was always obsessively focused on the equipment I rode on. “That is still the case now and, as a result, I wanted only the best and most modern components and materials for this bike.
“The aim was absolutely to make a high-performance, contemporary racing bike and not a replica of my old racing bike.”
For more information visit www.eddy70.com.
