Sunday, March 1, 2015

The Return of Eddy Merkcx to Pegasus

Sometime in 1997, before the days of Pegasus, I began selling Merckx bicycles. Back then they were mostly steel. Sometime in 2002 or 2003, Merckx came out with their Scandium alloy frame and it was amazing. Even by todays high standards, that frame still holds it own. Many material iterations have come from Belgium via Italy at times, but one thing has always remained the same, Eddy's passion and frame geometry. He has never involved himself in the plight of the weight weenie or chasing fades. His calling has been to produce a bike that handles the way he believes a bike should and that is above all else, safe to ride. After a 5 year hiatus from carrying Merckx, we are proud to once again offer his line for 2015. It is a simple line up that originates from the developement of his flagship model, the 525. The 525 pictured here was sent to me as a Demo. After 250 miles of riding, I was admittedly smitten. Uncompromising speed, you push and it pushes back harder. Few bikes challenge you to go harder each time you ride them. After every effort you are left grinning ear to ear and wondering how fast can I really go. Now lets point this rig down hill. I have NEVER descended with such brazen confidence on any other bike period. Those of you who have ever ridden with me know how I am when the road gets twisty and loses elevation. "On rails" is not close to the unwavering ability for this bike to track in complete harmony. Both wheels hold a line that seems unearthly, like a magnetic force has taken over between you and the pavement. And when you do need to hit the brakes... be prepared. Look at the front end of this bike, does it say 'uncle'? That over abundance of carbon is there for a reason that becomes evident the minute it gets to speed.
While all this sounds great maybe to someone that races, I no longer do and my forty-something body no longer seeks speed at the price of comfort. While I was not able to do any rides over 80 miles aboard the 525, I would not hesitate. But most carbon bikes today can boast about great comfort, but you typically compromise for it. 525? That is the number of victories Eddy accomplished in his unrepeatable career, well at least in my lifetime. 
Next we have the Mourenx 69. The Merckx endurance bike. Built in the shop with a 2015 Chorus group...more to come as I embark on my next ride on this taller headtubed, longer wheelbased iteration of the Merckx geometry.








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