2017 Eddy Merckx EM525 Disc Performance first look

<source media="(max-width: 320px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=320%2C416 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=480%2C624 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=640%2C832 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 375px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=190%2C247, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=380%2C494 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=570%2C741 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=752%2C977 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 425px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=215%2C279, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=430%2C559 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=645%2C838 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=752%2C977 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 768px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=295%2C383, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=590%2C767 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=752%2C977 3x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(max-width: 992px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=136%2C176, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=272%2C353 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=408%2C530 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=544%2C707 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <source media="(min-width: 993px)" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=155%2C201, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=310%2C403 2x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=465%2C604 3x, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C806 4x" type="image/jpeg"> <img class="wp-image-124856 size-portrait_thumbnail image-handler__image image-handler__image--aspect no-wrap js-gallery-grid-src-image" src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def.jpg?quality=90&resize=295%2C383" width="295" height="383" data-crop-width="" data-crop-height="" alt="This is Eddy Merckx's EM525 Disc Performance race bike for 2017" title="1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148107-97om2m82bd43-b149def" style="width: auto; height: 100%;"> This is Eddy Merckx’s EM525 Disc Performance race bike for 2017 Russell Eich / Immediate Media

There will always be a lot to say about Eddy Merckx. He is regarded as the greatest road cyclist in history. With that type of pedigree, racing bikes with his name on the them are held to the highest standards. Here’s the latest road race machine to bear the Cannibal’s moniker, the EM525 Disc Performance.

BikeRadar’s 2016 Interbike coverage Merckx Sallanches 64 blends race and endurance characteristics Eddy Merckx relaunches in the US Inside: Eddy Merckx Cycles There are two EM525 Discs available: Performance and Endurance. In addition to the differing geometries, the weight, stiffness and compliance also differ slightly.

No matter what angle you view it, the EM525 is a striking machine For the Performance series, Merckx designs its bikes with four guiding principles. In order they are: geometry, it has to be an aerodynamic position; stiffness, for power transfer and handling; lightweight, for acceleration and climbing; and system integration, for clean lines.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/7_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148130-1060mmquwdx74-e0b197e.jpg?quality=90&lb=1955,1099&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/7_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148130-1060mmquwdx74-e0b197e.jpg?quality=90&lb=1880,1056&background=white 1880w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/7_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148130-1060mmquwdx74-e0b197e.jpg?quality=90&lb=1456,818&background=white 1456w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/7_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148130-1060mmquwdx74-e0b197e.jpg?quality=90&lb=1112,625&background=white 1112w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/7_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148130-1060mmquwdx74-e0b197e.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/7_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148130-1060mmquwdx74-e0b197e.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/7_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148130-1060mmquwdx74-e0b197e.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/7_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148130-1060mmquwdx74-e0b197e.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/7_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148130-1060mmquwdx74-e0b197e.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/7_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148130-1060mmquwdx74-e0b197e.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1955" height="1099" class="wp-image-124889 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="With that name on the down tube, this race bike has a lot to live up to" title="7_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148130-1060mmquwdx74-e0b197e" data-source-name="Russell Eich / Immediate Media"> With that name on the down tube, this race bike has a lot to live up to Russell Eich / Immediate Media The EM525 Disc will be offered as frameset and with three build kits: Ultegra, Ultegra Di2, and Dura-Ace Di2.

2017 Eddy Merckx EM525 Disc Performance highlights Highest stiffness to weight Constant stiffness for each frame size 900gr/380gr (frame/fork) Monocoque front triangle Monocoque fork Integration of fork and seatpost Powerbox, asymmetric chainstays Kink compliance seatstays Syntace 12mm thru-axles Seven frame sizes 20mm offset seatpost Internal cable routing for mechanical and electronic Internal disc brake cable routing Flat mount disc Tapered 1.5 inch integrated headset BB86 Integrated seatpost clamp Clearance for 30mm tires <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/13_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148171-1gze0ed00o4jd-c2c6488.jpg?quality=90&lb=1878,1056&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/13_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148171-1gze0ed00o4jd-c2c6488.jpg?quality=90&lb=1456,818&background=white 1456w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/13_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148171-1gze0ed00o4jd-c2c6488.jpg?quality=90&lb=1112,625&background=white 1112w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/13_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148171-1gze0ed00o4jd-c2c6488.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/13_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148171-1gze0ed00o4jd-c2c6488.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/13_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148171-1gze0ed00o4jd-c2c6488.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/13_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148171-1gze0ed00o4jd-c2c6488.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/13_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148171-1gze0ed00o4jd-c2c6488.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/13_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148171-1gze0ed00o4jd-c2c6488.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1878" height="1056" class="wp-image-124932 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="Belgian Design Engineering, look closely" title="13_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148171-1gze0ed00o4jd-c2c6488" data-source-name="Russell Eich / Immediate Media"> Belgian Design Engineering, look closely Russell Eich / Immediate Media Oversize and aero Upon first glance, the EM525’s head tube looks massive. The frame and fork junction are beautifully and seamlessly integrated, but it did have me questioning if another new head tube “standard” was about to be unveiled. Luckily no, the mammoth front end is used to run the cables internally, right from the start of the frame under the stem, and the fork is still a standard 1.5in taper. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/3_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148111-13yzq1zk6ufez-6389469.jpg?quality=90&lb=1389,781&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/3_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148111-13yzq1zk6ufez-6389469.jpg?quality=90&lb=1112,625&background=white 1112w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/3_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148111-13yzq1zk6ufez-6389469.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/3_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148111-13yzq1zk6ufez-6389469.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/3_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148111-13yzq1zk6ufez-6389469.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/3_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148111-13yzq1zk6ufez-6389469.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/3_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148111-13yzq1zk6ufez-6389469.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/3_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148111-13yzq1zk6ufez-6389469.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1389" height="781" class="wp-image-124870 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="Clean from the start, cables and hoses run through the head tube" title="3_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148111-13yzq1zk6ufez-6389469" data-source-name="Russell Eich / Immediate Media"> Clean from the start, cables and hoses run through the head tube Russell Eich / Immediate Media Moving down the bike, a seriously large diameter carbon down tube flows into the bottom bracket area. It’s a BB86 press fit affair between the cranks, and it’s surrounded by plenty of watt-channeling carbon aiming all your power at the chunky chainstays. From there, the kinked seatstays grabbed my attention. They are flat and give a nod at a modicum of compliance out back.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/8_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148133-1fffdpopzfci-60e6820.jpg?quality=90&lb=1867,1050&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/8_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148133-1fffdpopzfci-60e6820.jpg?quality=90&lb=1456,818&background=white 1456w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/8_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148133-1fffdpopzfci-60e6820.jpg?quality=90&lb=1112,625&background=white 1112w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/8_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148133-1fffdpopzfci-60e6820.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/8_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148133-1fffdpopzfci-60e6820.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/8_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148133-1fffdpopzfci-60e6820.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/8_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148133-1fffdpopzfci-60e6820.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/8_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148133-1fffdpopzfci-60e6820.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/8_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148133-1fffdpopzfci-60e6820.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1867" height="1050" class="wp-image-124892 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="A wide BB86 bottom bracket and large square chainstays are not so subtle reminders that this is a performance machine" title="8_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148133-1fffdpopzfci-60e6820" data-source-name="Russell Eich / Immediate Media"> A wide BB86 bottom bracket and large square chainstays are not so subtle reminders that this is a performance machine Russell Eich / Immediate Media Taking a step back, the cleanliness of the design stands out. Beyond just the hidden Di2 wires and hydraulic brake hoses, the aero seatpost features an integrated clamp that’s accessed from under the top tube. The top tube itself is curved upwards ever so slightly and arcs gracefully into the seatstays with their distinctive dog leg kink. Even those somewhat abrupt seatstay lines work nicely with the aero seat tube and its cutout for the rear wheel.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/12.1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148164-1emtt2rbs9gzu-9920cf1.jpg?quality=90&lb=1952,1098&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/12.1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148164-1emtt2rbs9gzu-9920cf1.jpg?quality=90&lb=1880,1057&background=white 1880w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/12.1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148164-1emtt2rbs9gzu-9920cf1.jpg?quality=90&lb=1456,819&background=white 1456w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/12.1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148164-1emtt2rbs9gzu-9920cf1.jpg?quality=90&lb=1112,625&background=white 1112w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/12.1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148164-1emtt2rbs9gzu-9920cf1.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/12.1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148164-1emtt2rbs9gzu-9920cf1.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/12.1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148164-1emtt2rbs9gzu-9920cf1.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/12.1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148164-1emtt2rbs9gzu-9920cf1.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/12.1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148164-1emtt2rbs9gzu-9920cf1.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/12.1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148164-1emtt2rbs9gzu-9920cf1.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,180&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1952" height="1098" class="wp-image-124923 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="A bit of aerodynamics from the seat tube" title="12.1_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148164-1emtt2rbs9gzu-9920cf1" data-source-name="Russell Eich / Immediate Media"> A bit of aerodynamics from the seat tube Russell Eich / Immediate Media Up front, the fork has a bit of curve which tapers elegantly into the aforementioned massive lower head tube. No matter what angle you view it, the EM525 is a striking machine.

2017 Eddy Merckx EM525 Disc Performance pricing The frameset retails at US$4,499, Ultegra US$6,999, Ultegra Di2 US$7,999, and Dura-Ace Di2 US$10,999. UK and Australian pricing not available.

<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/18_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148189-111m6u59pnt7d-357fcc5.jpg?quality=90&lb=1937,1089&background=white" srcset="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/18_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148189-111m6u59pnt7d-357fcc5.jpg?quality=90&lb=1880,1056&background=white 1880w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/18_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148189-111m6u59pnt7d-357fcc5.jpg?quality=90&lb=1456,818&background=white 1456w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/18_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148189-111m6u59pnt7d-357fcc5.jpg?quality=90&lb=1112,625&background=white 1112w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/18_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148189-111m6u59pnt7d-357fcc5.jpg?quality=90&lb=940,528&background=white 940w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/18_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148189-111m6u59pnt7d-357fcc5.jpg?quality=90&lb=728,409&background=white 728w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/18_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148189-111m6u59pnt7d-357fcc5.jpg?quality=90&lb=556,312&background=white 556w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/18_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148189-111m6u59pnt7d-357fcc5.jpg?quality=90&lb=355,199&background=white 355w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/18_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148189-111m6u59pnt7d-357fcc5.jpg?quality=90&lb=340,191&background=white 340w, https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2019/03/18_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148189-111m6u59pnt7d-357fcc5.jpg?quality=90&lb=320,179&background=white 320w, " sizes="(min-width: 992px) 940px, (min-width: 768px) 728px, (min-width: 576px) 556px, calc(100vw - 20px)" width="1937" height="1089" class="wp-image-124957 alignnone size-full img-container__image" alt="There's a little cover for the stem's face plate" title="18_merckx_em525_2017-1474416148189-111m6u59pnt7d-357fcc5" data-source-name="Russell Eich / Immediate Media"> There’s a little cover for the stem’s face plate Russell Eich / Immediate Media