1998 Eddy Merckx EX Pro Titanium 53cm frame Reynolds Ouzo Pro carbon fork road Litespeed

Sold: $1,025 Buyer: USA

1998 Eddy Merckx EX Pro Titanium 53cm frame Reynolds Ouzo Pro carbon fork road Litespeed

Frame and Wheel is auctioning a 1998 Eddy Merckx EX Pro Titanium frame and Reynolds Ouzo Pro carbon fork on the Frame and Wheel eBay Store. The owner purchased the frame third hand from Exeter Cycles staff in 2009. The frame was built up with a new Reynolds Ouzo Pro carbon fork and Crane Creek S2 head set in that year and used as a single speed bike for training. The current owner never crashed the frame. The frame has been in storage and the owner is selling it because he no longer needs a single speed bicycle. The frame features 3 / 2.5 titanium tubing, ovalized top tube, down tube and seat tube, oversized chain stays, 6/4 titanium rear semi-horizontal drop outs, seat post binder and Campagnolo bolt, double water bottle cage mounts, Italian thread bottom bracket, Litespeed craftsmanship and Eddy Merckx design. The frame weighs 4 pounds 7 ounces (2.02 kg) as shown. The serial number on the bottom of the bottom bracket shell reads 687303. The serial number on the fork reads 870317. No seat post included. 1 1/8 inch steer tube shim included. Please see 80 additional images of the frame at Frame and Wheel’s Flickr page. Please see the Frame and Wheel website for more information about the service.

Review of condition

The frame set is in very good condition. It is clean and ready for build. There are no dents, bends or bulges that raise concerns about the structural integrity of the frame. There are no cracks, flaking or flexing that raise concerns about the structural integrity of the fork. The rear drop outs are in alignment with the centerline of the frame. There is no wear on the bottom of the down tube or on the back of the seat tube from road grit. The cable stops are secured firmly and clear of obstructions and corrosion. The down tube bosses are not damaged and not missing screws. The head set races are not corroded and the external cups are not damaged. The bottom bracket threads are not stripped or corroded. The stickers are not scratched or peeling. The steer tube is not cracked or showing any bulges. The front drop outs are in alignment with each other. The crown race is mounted securely on the front fork. The cartridge bearings move smoothly and the headset is not missing any parts. There is no corrosion in the rear drop outs. The cable guides on the bottom of the bottom bracket shell is not missing.

Frame and Wheel notes the following. There are four 5 x 10 mm blemishes on the top of the seat stays. There is a 5 x 15 mm abrasion on the inside of the non drive-side chain stay from a tire. There is a 20 x 40 mm area of abrasion on the outside of the drive-side chain stay. There is a 5 x 5 mm abrasion on the bottom of the top tube near the front cable stop. There is a 5 x 5 mm abrasion on the bottom of the top tube near the rear cable stop. The adjustment pins for the rear drop outs are missing. There is wear on the  rear and front drop outs. There is wear under the crown of the front fork. There is wear around the bolt hole for the rear brake. There is corrosion around the water bolt holes.

Frame and Wheel conclusion

Frame and Wheel’s view is that this Eddy Merckx EX Pro Titanium will appeal to the cyclist who seeks a light and strong frame set that will endure season after season of training and racing. The frames distinctive oval tubes and oversized chain stays reflect Mr. Merckx’s profound knowledge of all things bicycle and the titanium material alludes to the man’s legendary strength. The frame set has led a sheltered life and has yet to tap into its cannibal spirit. The new owner will have great fun building this frame set up into a beautiful bicycle that has a powerful and classic voice.This is a rare and excellent opportunity to obtain a very nice and very unique frame set at an excellent valuation. 

Specifications:

Brand: Eddy Merckx

Model: EX Pro Titanium

Year: 1998

Size: 53 cm

Color: unpainted titanium

Frame material: Titanium

Frame serial number: 16808

Fork material: carbon

Fork model: Reynolds Ouzo Pro

Design: traditional road

Wheel size: 700c

Frame and Wheel rating: Very good condition

Following measurements are by Frame and Wheel

Total weight: 2.02 kg / 4 pounds 7 ounces (frame: 1,550 g fork with star nut: 380 g headset: 90 g)

Center of BB to top of seat tube: 55.5 cm (c-t) 

Effective top tube length: 54.5 cm (c-c)

Head tube length: 11.0 cm

Bottom bracket shell: 69 mm

Chain stay length: 42.5 cm (c-c)

Down tube: 62.0 cm (c-c)

Seat stays: 51.0 cm (c-c)

Front fork length: 37.5 cm (from center of drop outs to crown race)

Following measurements are by Gita

Seat tube: 53.0 cm

Top tube length: 54.3 cm

Setback: 15.0 cm

Head tube angle: 73.5 degrees

Seat tube angle: 73.6 degrees

Fork rake: 4.3 inches

Front center: 57.1 cm

Front fork

Brand: Reynolds

Model: Ouzo Pro

Year: 2009

Finish: gray / nude carbon

Weight: 380 g

Front fork length: 37.5 cm

Steer tube serial number: 870317

Steer tube material: carbon

Steer tube diameter: 1 inch

Steer tube length: 20.0 cm (base of crown race to top) previously cut

Crown race diameter: 30 mm

Safety tabs: no

Drop outs: Alloy

Brake type mount: caliper recessed

Other specifications

Seat post diameter: 27.2 mm

Seat post binder bolt: Campagnolo

Bottom bracket: Italian standard 70 mm (36 mm x 24 threads per inch)

Headset: Cane Creek S2 for 1 inch steer tube 2 sealed cartridge bearings external 1 1/8 inch shim included

Spacers: 28 mm (2 x 10 mm 1 x 5 mm 1 x 3 mm)

Drop outs: rear: semi horizontal front: standard alloy

Rear derailleur hanger: 6/4 titanium non replaceable

Front derailleur hanger: clamp-on

Cabling: external

Rear fork spacing: 130 mm

Front fork spacing: 100 mm