With RoadCyclingUK’s coverage throughout April focussing on the Spring Classics, it seems only right we call in a machine wearing the signature of Eddy Merckx, winner of 19 Classics and the greatest cyclist of all-time. This, the EMX-1, is Merckx’s entry-level carbon fibre offering.
The EMX-1 is part of a four-bike range which includes the EMX-3, EMX-5 and EMX-7 (raced by Tom Boonen’s QuickStep team in the pro peloton last season). While the EMX-5 and EMX-7 are geared towards elite riders, with a race-tuned geometry to match, the EMX-1 and EMX-3 feature Merckx’s ‘performance geometry’. That translates to a little more height in the headtube (173mm on our size 48cm model, which is effectively 55.4cm), and shorter wheelbase (991mm) and reach (378mm) in a bid to create a more comfortable, stable ride.
Manufactured from high modulus carbon fibre, the EMX-1 has a tapered 1 1/4″-1 1/8″ aero-profile fork, with a chunky downtube, oversized bottom bracket and tapered chainstays which all look to improve power transfer.
Our test model retails at £1,999 and is specced with a full Shimano 105 groupset, carbon fibre FSA stem, handlebars and seatpost, Fulcrum Racing 7 wheelset shod with Vittoria Zaffiro Pro tyres and a Prologo Kappa saddle. Look out for a full review soon.
