The Eddy Merckx Pévèle is a remarkable road bike that impresses both aesthetically and functionally. With the combination of a Shimano 105 Di2 group and Vittoria Corsa Pro 26 mm tyres, this bike offers a balanced mix of modern technology and traditional racing features. In this review by editor Ralph Ornelis, we go into detail about this bike. Different aspects such as frame construction, drive system, tyre performance, and riding experience will be covered.
Text: Ralph Ornelis - photos: Eddy Merckx Cycles - Belgian Cycling Factory
Frame and Frame
The frame of the Eddy Merckx Pévêle is made of high-quality carbon, which is both lightweight and stiff. This ensures optimal power transfer during pedalling and offers a responsive riding experience. The frame's geometry is designed for endurance riding, meaning it offers comfort for long rides without compromising on performance.
The frame's finish is impeccable, with clean lines and a refined paint job that pays tribute to the iconic Eddy Merckx brand. The internal cable routing adds to the sleek look and reduces drag, improving aerodynamics.
Equipped with Shimano Di2
The Shimano 105 Di2 group is a key component of this bike, offering electronic shifting that is both precise and reliable. Shimano's electronic shifting systems are renowned for their accuracy and speed, and the 105 Di2 electronic is no exception. Shifting is smooth and without hiccups, which is a great advantage during intense rides or races.
The 105 Di2 group offers 12 gears, providing enough range for different terrains, from flat roads to steep climbs. The shifters fit comfortably in the hand and operation is intuitive, even for riders new to electronic shifting systems.
Nice rubber: Vittoria Corsa 26/38mm tyres
The Vittoria Corsa Pro tyres in 26 mm width are an excellent choice for this bike. They offer a good balance of speed, grip and comfort. The tyres are manufactured using Vittoria's graphene 2.0 technology, which provides improved durability and lower rolling resistance.
The 26 mm width offers extra comfort on rough roads without significant drawbacks in terms of aerodynamics or weight. This makes the bike suitable for a wide range of road conditions, from smooth asphalt to light gravel.
Driving experience
The riding experience on the Eddy Merckx Pévèle is impressive. The combination of the stiff, lightweight frame and the reliable Shimano 105 Di2 group ensures a smooth and efficient ride. The bike accelerates quickly and maintains speed well, making it suitable for both recreational rides and competitive scenarios.
The comfort of the frame and tyres makes long rides less tiring, and the stable geometry offers confidence on descents and at higher speeds. The responsiveness of the bike makes it easy to change pace quickly, which is a big advantage in variable conditions.
But then the question: buy yes or no?
The Eddy Merckx Pévèle with Shimano 105 Di2 and Vittoria Corsa Pro 26 mm tyres is an excellent example of a modern road bike that combines tradition and innovation. The carbon frame is light and stiff, the electronic shifting of the 105 Di2 group is fast and reliable, and the tyres offer a good mix of comfort and performance.
For riders looking for a versatile, reliable and high-performance road bike, the Eddy Merckx Pevele comes highly recommended. It is a bike suitable for long, comfortable rides as well as fast, competitive races. Its attention to detail and high-quality components make it a worthwhile investment for serious cyclists.
It is already available in carbon variant from €3299. You can also order it in steel variant or in aluminium. Frame sets are available from €2999, which almost logically makes you want to buy a complete bike. Via the configurator, you can have your bike assembled entirely to your own taste. The choice of colours is also endless. Not everything is included, but everything is possible!