Readers’ Rigs: Eddy Merckx AXM

Today’s Readers’ Rig is a bike that may be a few years old now but still gets many dreaming about it – a 2009 Eddy Merckx AXM. Decked out in full Campagnolo Record with Bora wheels to complement this classic European machine – but it comes to us from a reader in Hong Kong.

Name: Timothy Redel
Location: Hong Kong
Bike: Eddy Merckx AXM
Groupset: Campagnolo Record 11 Speed
Wheels: Campagnolo Bora One Tubulars, Continental GP4000
Pedals: Dura Ace 9000 SPD-SL Carbon
Saddle: Selle Italia SL
Other: Deda Elementi Presta Carbon Handlebar, Deda Zero 100 Stem, Deda Carbon Bottle Cages
Weight: 7.5 Kg (16.5lbs)

When did you buy it?
Spring 2009.

What made you choose this bike?
Love at first sight! The brand is like Ferrari, it has a pedigree that has no equal. The AXM was introduced in 2005 as a 25th Anniversary model. It was the first all carbon (monocoque) model that Eddy Merckx made. And was the top model that the Belgium factory made before Eddy Merckx sold the company in 2009.

What modifications/additions have you done?
I bought the frameset in the U.S. before we moved to Hong Kong and built the bike myself. And the biggest challenge for a professional photographer – and not bike mechanic like me (www.timothyredel.com) was cutting the carbon steerer tube. I’ve also changed the stock Eddy Merckx seatpost to an Easton EC 90 Zero.

What components are you running?
Campagnolo Record 11 Speed Groupset, Campagnolo gear & brake cables, 53/39 carbon crank, 170mm crankarms, 12-29 Campagnolo Record Cassette.

How many miles/kilometers do you do a year?
During 2014 I rode 8500km (5300 miles).

Favorite riding area?
Hong Kong.

Favorite riding experience on your bike?
Hong Kong is such a beautiful and diverse city: you can start out riding in the city traffic and ride to the top of the mountain along narrow windy roads that take you high above the city where you can see over and beyond the city and harbor and into mainland China. From there you have just enough time to catch your breath at the top and then quickly blast down the other side along more narrow switch back roads to a beautiful beach village with casual restaurants and shops. And enjoy a cup of coffee while relaxing to the sounds of waves and the breeze from the nearby sea.

Future upgrades?
I recently bought a set of Camapagnolo Hyperon Ultra Tubulars, and installed Continental GP4000’s. They have a 23mm sidewall and are light and made for going uphill or when it’s very windy. I might also change to the new Super Record mechanical…

Campagnolo Record – for the moment!

Last words?
Riding this bike gives me such simple pleasure. But being a dad is the greatest reward in life.

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Thanks to Timothy for sharing his ride with us. Got a bike that deserves some glory? Send us a Readers’ Rigs submission direct to [email protected] and your bike could be featured in all its glory here on the pages of PEZ.