Eddy Merckx Kessels Team C&A - Classic Steel Road Bike - 1970s - Campagnolo Nuovo Record

History:

Team C&A existed only in the 1978 season and was built around Eddy Merckx for his final years in professional cycling; Merckx ended his career on May 18, 1978. Before Merckx opened his own bicycle factory in 1980, frames carrying his name were produced by selected builders – among them the Belgian company Kessels. Kessels was less a traditional framebuilder and more a coordinator, working with renowned specialists such as Vaneenooghe or Gaston Orlans to produce top-quality frames. Many of the high-end Kessels/Merckx frames of this era were built with Reynolds 531 tubing. The C&A team bikes are often attributed to De Rosa in historical sources, yet Kessels-built C&A Merckx frames are well documented and highly sought after among collectors – a fascinating detail from this transitional period between contracted production and Merckx’s own factory.

Description:

A true late-1970s team look: a slim, brazed steel frame with classic racing geometry, built by Kessels and badged as an Eddy Merckx Team C&A. Characteristic of premium frames of this era are the cleanly finished lugs, elegant fork crown, and precise alignment—responsive under acceleration, direct in handling, and stable at speed. Many period-correct Kessels/Merckx frames were constructed from Reynolds 531 tubing, with geometry clearly designed for racing and endurance.

Condition:

The bicycle has been fully restored. During this process it was completely disassembled, all bearings were cleaned and re-greased, and it was carefully rebuilt with many new parts. The frame is free of cracks, dents, or deformations and remains structurally sound. Overall, the bike presents itself in excellent mechanical and visual condition and is immediately ready to ride – a rare collector’s piece and at the same time a stylish part of cycling history.

Details: