Eddy Merckx 525 balances aerodynamics, weight, & comfort for ultimate all ’rounder

Written by Zach Overholt Sep 05, 2019 8:00 a.m. ET

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525. That’s the number of victories in Eddy Merckx’ storied career. Let that sink in for a moment. Even compared to today’s best riders, Eddy seems to be on another level. Because of that, 525 has been chosen for the name of their newest top end model. And just like Eddy, the bike seeks to strike a near perfect balance of speed on the flats, climbing ability, and comfort to tackle the worst cobbles.

Starting at the front, a stunning integrated bar and stem starts the 525 down its path to aerodynamic efficiency. Any hoses and wires are completely hidden in the bar, through the stem, and down into the aero spacer stack where they route through the frame and fork.

The front of the bike is also focused on stiffness with a squared tubing profiles and a massive head tube.

In contrast, the back of the bike is heavily slanted towards comfort with pencil thin seat stays and two flex zones to smooth out the rough stuff.

Available in rim or disc brake models and mechanical or electronic drivetrains, the bike will fit up to 700c x 28mm tires. Along with the Stockeu69, AG2R La Mondiale will be racing this bike in the coming season. Pricing starts at €4,999.00 for the rim brake model or €6,499.00 for disc.

Specs

Weight
- Rim: 860 grams (frame size SMALL, painted) and 330 grams (fork, painted)
- Disc: 925 grams (frame size SMALL, painted) and 360 grams (fork, painted)
Available in sizes XS to XL
Handlebar – stem combinations available from 38 cm to 44 cm and 9 cm to 14 cm
Three balance designs: the two stripes were chosen deliberately. The front line is clearly wider than the rear. The front therefore represents the strength and stiffness that the bicycle has at the front, while the left, rear line underlines the comfort of the rear stays. Available designs:
- Glossy Black / Matt Black / Red
- Burgundy Red Metallic / Gunmetal Grey (glossy finish)
- AG2R Replica Design
Available in rim and disc
Available with electronic and mechanical groupsets
Stock collection is available in the Ultegra Di2 and Ultegra. The MyMerckx Dream Builder is available for the 525 (other groupsets can be configured)
Tyre clearance up to 28 mm
Choose your own unique colours and design through MyMerckx

eddymerckx.com

Zach Overholt

5,633 articles

Zach Overholt is the Editor in Chief of Bikerumor. He has been writing about what’s new in the bicycle world for 12+ years. Prior to that, Zach spent many years in the back of a bicycle shop building and repairing nearly every type of bike, while figuring out how to (occasionally) ride them.

Based in Ohio, Zach is now slowly introducing a new generation to cycling and still trying to figure out how to fit the most rides into a busy schedule as a new dad.

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Velo Kitty

4 years ago

1. Integrated bar and stem are so 2015 People want to be able to change their stem length and bar width independently.
2. This is another one of these pseudo -aero bikes that copy aero features, but really aren’t that aero.
3. The 28 mm max tire clearance is several years behind.
4. The front center distance is too short for 28 mm tires.
5. No details about the hidden cable routing?

adilosnave

4 years ago

Reply to Velo Kitty

Being upset that it only fits up to a 28mm tire is like criticizing a Porsche for not having more ground clearance. 28mm is more than enough for general road riding which is exactly what this is aimed at.

Not sure about the integrated bar and stem comment either. They do seem very popular these days, love them or hate them. And you know what? If it fits you, awesome. And if not, then just get a separate bar and stem. Everyone is happy.

Bill B

4 years ago

Reply to adilosnave

Agree. Without knowing the spec, a 1500 euro difference seems high for “starting” prices. Frame and fork seem a bit heavy for size small, too.

Velo Kitty

4 years ago

Reply to adilosnave

> Being upset that it only fits up to a 28mm tire is like
> criticizing a Porsche for not having more ground clearance.

Ground clearance is often an issue for sports cars. They may look like race cars, but they spent 99.9% of their time on public roads.

The Specialized Tarmac is a racy bike, but it supports 30 mm tires. (Keep in mind that a 28 mm tire is a 25 mm tire on a wide rim.)

> Not sure about the integrated bar and stem comment either.
> They do seem very popular these days,

Nope. Almost all manufactures have moved away from them.

Buster

1 year ago

There is very little feedback available from folks who own a 525 that I felt compelled to share my perspectives. As a 525 owner I find this review to be extremely accurate. The bike is fast, comfortable and carves turns remarkably. When I get back on the non-aero bikes in my stable I do feel that I’m at a speed disadvantage and working harder for the same speed. I find it to be very comfortable…both from the perspective of geometry and carbon layup. In fact, it is one of those bikes that makes me have to remember to stand every so often to relieve the pressure and muscle tension. Otherwise, I could remain seated for five mile clips like it was nothing.

As for the cons that I have noticed, the seatpost slippage and binder is real. The author soft pedals this issue, but I find it a constant annoyance. Plus, the internal binder bolt is sensitive and very hard to source. Mine is out of commission now because the binder insert is stripped, and they are not easy to find. Moreover, the binder is limited to 8-10NM of torque, which does not seem adequate…hence, over torquing it is easier than would be imagined. I just ordered three out of concern that it will inevitably happen again, repeatedly, and I will not be able to find the part…rendering the frame useless. For the record, it uses the same binder as the Ridley Noah range, but this is not known or stated by most retailers.

As far as weight goes, it rides lighter than it feels in the hand. Mine is a size large frame built up with campy chorus 12 speed, WTO 45 wheels, and comes in at about 17.6 pounds…which is not light. However, on the road it does not feel any heavier than the mid 16 pound bikes that I also ride. It climbs fine and whizzes around merrily as the author wrote. It is a happy riding bike with plenty of stability. It Carries its’ weight low on the frame. So, you don’t feel it on the flats at all, and on the climbs that weight seems offset by the geometry and stiffness. It is not a climbers bike, but climbing is not its’ Achilles heal either.

All-in-all, I like the bike but the seat post binder/slippage issue is a killer. Hopefully, some carbon paste and roughing up the internal seat tube and binder surfaces will help. If not, it will ruin an otherwise highly credible product. I am a big rider – 6’2” and 250 pounds/115Kg., but I have not had this problem with any other frames through 30 years of riding (other than a mid 90’s Steel Pinarello Stelvio).