Eddy Merckx bike

Looking at a single speed built around an Eddy Merckx TDF from the 70s.

I'm looking for something to get around London but don't know much about Eddy Merckx frames and had been looking for something with a Reynolds 531 frame.

Any thoughts on this type of frame appreciated.

i think most EM frames are columbus, maybe the very old ones can come in reynolds, not sure tho, there are lot's around, one for sale on the forum too i think

Gas pipe Falcon made most probably, avoid.

That was my thought but do t know much about them.

Think I'll keep looking for something in 531 that doesn't cost the earth or need too much repair.

Many thanks for coming back so quickly :-))

You don't state your size.

Falcon did some Eddy Merckx 531 versions. A bit rare.

Or get a kessels (also a bit rare) and buy some merckx decals
from gerry on Ebay.

Here's a kessels that would make a great Merckx-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/kessels-eddy-merckx-molteni-campagnolo-reynolds-/151061198366?ViewItem=&item=151061198366&nma=true&si=opKjhJMBcCOzeioKkabzkAyZAVc%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Sorry I'm 6'2" 33" leg so I'm looking about a 59-60 I think. Never had a road bike before so don't really know.

Also wondering if I'd be better off buying a frame and taking the time to build it up. Wouldn't fix the immediate need for something to get around London Town but might be interesting.

I'm hijacking my own post but any thoughts on how much it'd cost to start from nothing and build up based on a 531 frame? Wouldn't need exotic parts just serviceable.

Are you loaded?

http://www.steel-vintage.com/eddy-merckx-professional-detail

Genuine Merckx 531's were made in the mid 80's and as you can see, are quite pricey.

http://www.retrospectivecycles.com/page/showroom/

Bit cheaper....

That's a Kessles.

You can spend as much or as little as you like. My first 531 cost me about £200 total but the frame came with headset, stem, bars and BB, so I only really had to buy wheels, crankset, seatpost and seat, bar tape and brakes.
If you are more interested in looks than money double that estimate, I bought bottom-of-the-range everything.
Then there's tools, they always add up.
It will almost certainly cost a bit more than whatever you estimate, there's always something.

Looking at a single speed built around an Eddy Merckx TDF from the 70s.

I'm looking for something to get around London but don't know much about Eddy Merckx frames and had been looking for something with a Reynolds 531 frame.

Any thoughts on this type of frame appreciated.

Unless you are short I'd not bother with 531 these days.. Up until the 1970s it was what was available.. Merckx was one of the tallest but still only 6'.. My old 531 Gitane you can literally see flex under me during a hard sprint as if it was made of pasta.. Modern oversized, multi-shaped frames of steel, alu, carbon etc.. Solid! That's why I think we've seen so many tall riders over the past 20 years... Indurain (6'2"), Axel Merckx (6'3"), George Hincapie (6'3"), Mario Cippolini (6'2"), Bernd Gröne (6'5").... But even if you are of average middle European height (6' in Denmark, 5'11 1/2" in Germany, 5'11" in CZ ) the difference between a 531 and modern tubes is great... If you really want 1" tubes and something old school then look for some of the old roadster frames... heavy but ...

Hey..

Take a look at this!

If it was my size I wouldn't be sharing!!!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Kessels-Main-DOr-Reynolds-531-steel-Campagnolo-frame-frameset-Merckx-/390633941864?pt=UK_Health_Beauty_Fragrances_Women_s_Fragrances_PP&hash=item5af398eb68&clk_rvr_id=505050646591