Background:
It was by chance that I stumbled across eBay Poland while looking for a disc version of Eddy Merckx EM525; to have a go at building a disc brake version of my favourite racing bicycle brand.
So I contacted the seller about buying since it is a New Old Stock (NOS) dating back to 2017 but seemingly in good condition. We negotiated and agreed to the deal price, and the bike was shipped to me in pretty quick time in around 2 weeks.
The Components:
- Sensah Empire Pro 12-Speeds Groupset with YBN 12-speeds Chain - TRP Spyre SLC Brake Calipers and Rotors
- Zitto BB86/41 Ceramic Bottom Bracket
- Crankset is the Magene P325CS Kickstarter Powermeter chainset; 170mm, 52T/36T
- Tecmetic 45mm Carbon Clinchers; pictured with TRP TP-29 6-bolts Rotors.
The Build: First, I want to thank Soon Watt Bicycles for building the bike and Entro Cycle for helping me sort out the seatpost binder issue. Without these gem bike shops, the rollout wouldn't have happened so quickly. Finally having completed the build of my latest Eddy Merckx bicycle, this is my first road disc brake bike. I have built it with Sensah Empire Pro 12-speed, TRP Spyre SLC brake calipers, Tecmetic 45mm Carbon clinchers with Continental GP5000x25C tyres. Comfort is provided by the firm and plush fi'zik Aliante R3 open saddle.
The completed bike
The front view of the bike.
The 45mm Carbon Clincher looked solid.
TRP Spyre SLC Flat mount brake caliper with TRP-25 CL Rotors.
The TRP Spyre SLC Brake caliper uses carbon fibre for the cam arm.
Magene P325CS left crank. with Shimano compatible SPD-SL pedals.
Magene P325CS right crankset.
Sensah Empire Pro Front Derailleur
- Sensah Empire Pro Rear Derailleur with carbon fibre cage.
- Ryet 12-speed 11-28T cassette.
fi'zik Aliante R3 Open saddle - 235 grams
Proprietry Eddy Merckx alloy stem 120mm and carbon handle bar.
With the "new" bike completed, it was time to take it on an adventure since acquiring it in January 2021. I decided to go out for a century kilometre ride in honour of my friend, Ms Linda Dupuis who recently passed on due to cancer. She had been an avid Zwift rider despite her medical condition and rode with her heart right up to her final days. Even so, she will always go to the century distance and earn the occasional QOM jersey while riding with our friends online.
This ride is dedicated to you Linda and we shall meet again somewhere.
The Ride Review:
The bike handles power input well without losing control and handling. Out of saddle efforts to sprint or climb were confidently performed without the overt-twitchy feel.
The build is not a lightweight at excess of 8kg due to the heavier powermeter crankset and deep-section wheelsets. Still I could climb up the highest hill in Singapore without much fuss showed that the bike is no slouch performer. I could direct the bike into corners and turns at speed confidently while the Sensah Empire Pro groupset shifted accurately and flawlessly. I have used the same groupset on my Eddy Merckx EMX-525 Mark II in an earlier build.
The shifting via the rear derailleur is responsive and gets into the gear once the setting is tuned correctly. I could use the full spread of the 11-28T cassette without a hitch, even shifting gears on steep climbs. The Front Derailleur shifted the chain between the chain rings efficiently so there is no problem with the quality there.
The wheelset from Tecmetic was solid and rigid which does not flex under pressure. However, the weight reminded me when winding up from dead-stop situations. I had to wind up the wheelset considerably before I can cruise constantly on the go. Maybe a pair of lighter, shallower profile wheels will help the inertia and also reduce weight to the beefy bike.
The TRP Spyre SLC worked pretty fine but need time to wear in the brake pads. The stopping power is satisfactory but can be better. Maybe I need to replace the stock pads with better ones, and i am also considering hybrid disc brake caliper from TRP or Juin-Tech for more powerful braking. Overall, I am satisfied with what I have and will be working to tweak the weight down in the coming months. Meanwhile I will enjoy riding it and get more accustomed to its characteristics.
Ride Photographs
Here are images of the EM525D on the 101km maiden ride journey.
Marina Barrage, Singapore
Marina Barrage with Marina Bay Sands hotel in the background
At the top of Mount Faber.
Across Sentosa Boardwalk, Singapore
Sentosa Boardwalk's panoramic view.
After more than 4 hours on the saddle, home safe despite the searing heat and humidity.
Ride Video Here are the in-ride cam highlights from the EM525D's first ride. Hope you enjoy watching it.