This is why I built it. - by fyxomatosis
I’ve had more Merckx’s than hot breakfasts, but the 7-Eleven and Motorola colourways are standouts. The 7-Eleven team itself was a pioneering move for Jim Ochowicz who began the US based team dynasty. 7-Eleven later became Motorola, and had World Champion success with an ex-triathlete as well as tour stage wins. Ochiwiz’s current team incarnation BMC had an amazing year in 2011, winning the Tour with an Australian aboard.
At the time team riders were riding all variations of Merckx’s frame as shown in this picture. The earlier flat ‘de rosa’ influenced crown, the sloping crown fork, chromed or painted forks, internal or external brake cable routing, STI levers, or the more tradition indexed down tube shifters.
As Phil Anderson said, Sean Yates is probably still riding downtube shifters. Yates was also more of a classics rider, which I was drawn to, rather than a grimpeur like Hampsten.
The bike features columbus SL tubing, complete Dura Ace 7400 7s S.I.S, single pivot front and rear brakes and loose ball bearings for headset, bottom bracket and hubs. Cinelli bar and stem. To me the groupset is as classy today as it was futuristic back then.
- Columbus SL with Shimano 7s SIS Dura-Ace 7400.
- Campagnolo Record Crono tubulars with Clement Servicio Corsa rubber.
- Cinelli XA stem. Cinelli bars.
- Weight with pedals - 9.950kg
[CT] If you’re interested you can go and see this bike and many other cool cycling related things at the FYXO HUB.
