I was recently given this Eddy Merckx bike by an uncle, with the mutual understanding that everything would be kept era-correct after giving it a full clean. I’m looking for some help ID’ing the frame model and year, and any DIY restoration tips. I’d also take any recommendations on how to make it more comfortable while keeping it classic.
See photos for BB serial number, what looks like “4G” and “3433” to me at least. I found some online guides to decoding these EM codes but I’m left scratching my head.
My uncle ran a graphic design and printing company that did a lot of bike parts packaging, and traded a job for the bike, so he doesn’t know much about it.
Side note: a previous owner seems to have drilled and tapped the crankset, leaving a hairline crack. Any idea why they’d do that (running a granny?), and how concerned I should be riding it?
by _ucas2