“Early. I hope I have av1980–81 Eddy Merckx Professional – serial 935, Z mark?”

[shakespeare]

Hi all,
I’m looking for some help with an early Eddy Merckx bike I have.
It’s Belgian-made, around 1980–81, with serial number 935 hand-stamped on the bottom bracket. I thought the first few hundred Professionals usually had an F before the number, but this one doesn’t.
There is, though, a single “Z” stamped above the number, not attached to it. Could that be a builder’s mark or something else?

The frame is Columbus SL tubing, with the original steel fork still showing the “Foderi Laminati” decals. Fork crown and seat stays have the indented EM crown logos and white lug lining.
It’s set up as a 2x6 (12-speed) with Shimano Dura-Ace 7200 EX, friction downtube shifters,
Cinelli bars and stem, and Mavic aluminum rims with period-correct decals. Cable guides are the clamp-on Vitus type.
Any thoughts on the serial number, the Z mark, or the 7200 setup? Anything to help figure out the build year would be great.
Thanks!

Edit: it also was restored by CycleArt class one restoration in 2005.

 

[biggs682]

Welcome @shakespeare
We need pictures to drool over please
You might need to do a few more posts before you can do that

 

[fossyant]

Sounds genuine, especially with the EM on the seat stays. 7200 is nice stuff. I have 7400 on my late 90's bike, 8 speed.

 

[Dogtrousers]

@shakespeare

As @biggs682 says the forum restricts new members from posting images until they have made a few posts. So just choose one of the many threads full of inconsequential nonsense on here, add to it, then come back and show us some pics.

 

[shakespeare]

Thanks, for the reply’s. Well appreciate. I have for 40 years joined varied groups in riding. My morning ride was from Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach.. It was alway fun until I found this old classic. THEN IT WAS PURE JOY. To actually to be honest. I bought it on a whim.
And had no idea about the possibility that it may be one of the first year production bikes from Eddy Merckx.
I just wanted to get rid of my over ultralight. And ride a classic. For over twenty years it’s provided me a classic road ride.
I have due to health and now age have come to an abrupt conclusion that my riding this bike is done.
So, it was now an ornament on my wall. And from curiosity. I looked closely at the serial number. When I did some checking I found I might have a unique serial number and bike. I am no expert.

So, I came upon CycleChat to share my findings and see if there is any thoughts or suggestions. I appreciate all your replys. And when I am able to post photo by forum rules I will immediately do so.
I am just an enthusiast, that is now 77 years old. That needs some assistance. I made further progress in interpreting the some of my ‘ED’ bike. My interpretations are just my own. And I could be totally incorrect. I hope I can get pointers about the serial number and details what I should look for. Until I can show photos of my bike Thanks

• Frame: Eddy Merckx Professional, Belgian-made I believe it might be a first year build.
  ( 935 serial number with no letter connected with the serial number. Just a “Z’ above.
• S EDDY Merckx WITH SHIMANO DURO 7200 Serial Number: 935 (Hand-stamped on bottom bracket).
• Tubing: Columbus SL (Double-butted steel).
• Fork: Original steel with "Foderi Laminati" (Laminated/Reinforced) decals.
• Engravings: "EM Crown" logo (indented) on fork crown and seat stays; white lug lining.
• Drivetrain: 12-Speed total (2 Front Chainrings x 6 Rear Cogs).
• Components: Shimano Dura-Ace EX (7200 Series) with black/silver branding.
• Shifters: Shimano Downtube friction levers.
• Handlebars & Stem: Cinelli aluminum handlebars paired with a matching Cinelli L-shaped quill stemsecured by a top-mounted expander bolt.
• Cable Guides: Vitus (Bolt-on/Clamp-on style).
• Wheel-set: Mavic Aluminum Rims with period-correct decals.

 

[shakespeare]

@shakespeare

As @biggs682 says the forum restricts new members from posting images until they have made a few posts. So just choose one of the many threads full of inconsequential nonsense on here, add to it, then come back and show us some pics.

@shakespeare

As @biggs682 says the forum restricts new members from posting images until they have made a few posts. So just choose one of the many threads full of inconsequential nonsense on here, add to it, then come back and show us some pics.

@shakespeare

As @biggs682 says the forum restricts new members from posting images until they have made a few posts. So just choose one of the many threads full of inconsequential nonsense on here, add to it, then come back and show us some pics.

 

[shakespeare]

Thanks for you help

 

[biggs682]

Thanks for the extra info on you and your bike such a shame you are no longer riding it @shakespeare .

When I was researching my Merckx frame I found the below thread on retro bike very good

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/eddy-merckx-frame-confusion-serial-number.488598/

 

[shakespeare]

biggs682 : that’s great information. Thanks … I read all the possible permutations this link provides. Most serial numbers have a letter in front and back. Mine is just a 3 digit number. So, far without any confirmation. I have been provided that the three digit serial numbers . Are from early production models. The end of the first year and in the beginning of the second year. 1980-81​

There seems to be very limited information on early models . Serial numbers weren’t kept on a schedule . I am riding on a limited basis. But, the friction shifting now is just too dangerous now. I ride a safer ride.​

 

[shakespeare]

I located these details with the help of ‘’BIGGS682’. Details below **
As I mentioned before my model has only 3 digits. (985) ‘’’’The exception is the production from 1980 (there is no letter’’’’’ —(and there are just over 1000 of them).
Am I on the wrong track?

**The symbols to the right of the BB cover ("statistical") form a serial number, it consists of a letter and a set of digits. A letter means another series of frames, a number is another frame in the series (001-9999). The exception is the production from 1980 (there is no letter, and in the prototypes even digits, and there are just over 1000 of them).
E - 1981-1984
Z - 1984-1986
A - 1986-1988
B - 1988-1990
C - 1990-1991
D - 1992-1993
F - 1994-1995
G - 1996-1998
H - 1998-2000
J - 2001-2002
K - 2002-2004
L - 2004-2006
P - 2006-2008