Our bikes all over the world: "Among cyclists in Brazil, Eddy Merckx's name rings a bell."
In Belgium, cycling is part of the culture, but that's not the case everywhere in the world. Nevertheless, Eddy Merckx bikes are popping up in every corner of the globe. Recently, we received a message from Diego Da Vinha in Brazil about one of our bikes. We wanted to know what his story would be.
Of course, we all know Brazil for samba football or carnival. As a cycling country, Brazil is less known, but cycling is indeed practiced there. Belgians have a good reputation there, especially after Greg Van Avermaet's Olympic title at Copacabana. Between Rio and Sao Paulo lives Diogo, who usually takes his rides on a Milano 72.
"I bought the bike at a Merlin bike shop," he tells us. "I did that when I was in London in 2018. Then I brought the bike to my home country. Fortunately, financially, it was still manageable," he laughs.
Of course, we all know Brazil for samba football or carnival. As a cycling country, Brazil is less known, but cycling is indeed practiced there. Belgians have a good reputation there, especially after Greg Van Avermaet's Olympic title at Copacabana. Between Rio and Sao Paulo lives Diogo, who usually takes his rides on a Milano 72.
"I bought the bike at a Merlin bike shop," he tells us. "I did that when I was in London in 2018. Then I brought the bike to my home country. Fortunately, financially, it was still manageable," he laughs.
Striking design
"The bike catches my eye because of the design. There are really interesting details. Think of the rear triangle and the seatpost lock. Besides, the bike is made from the best carbon fibers, and I already have hydraulic brakes. That was becoming very popular at the time, so I was immediately up to date with the latest gadgets."
A Brazilian on an Eddy Merckx. Then, of course, we wonder how popular 'The Cannibal' is in South America. "Non-cyclists here don't know the legend of Eddy Merckx," says Diogo, laughing. "Fortunately, there are also enthusiasts who follow road cycling. They are mainly fans of the Tour de France, and then Merckx does ring a bell."
Diogo loves different terrains. "As you can see in the photo, there are also steep climbs here. In the historic town of Paraty, I ride one of the toughest climbs in the country. The Pedra de Macela is the highest point in the region, reaching almost 2,000 meters above sea level. I have to climb 17 kilometers to the top, and if you want, you can add a final 2-kilometer climb at 15%. In return, you get a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. On my Eddy Merckx, I like to try to regularly beat my best time on Strava there!"
"The bike catches my eye because of the design. There are really interesting details. Think of the rear triangle and the seatpost lock. Besides, the bike is made from the best carbon fibers, and I already have hydraulic brakes. That was becoming very popular at the time, so I was immediately up to date with the latest gadgets."
A Brazilian on an Eddy Merckx. Then, of course, we wonder how popular 'The Cannibal' is in South America. "Non-cyclists here don't know the legend of Eddy Merckx," says Diogo, laughing. "Fortunately, there are also enthusiasts who follow road cycling. They are mainly fans of the Tour de France, and then Merckx does ring a bell."
Diogo loves different terrains. "As you can see in the photo, there are also steep climbs here. In the historic town of Paraty, I ride one of the toughest climbs in the country. The Pedra de Macela is the highest point in the region, reaching almost 2,000 meters above sea level. I have to climb 17 kilometers to the top, and if you want, you can add a final 2-kilometer climb at 15%. In return, you get a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. On my Eddy Merckx, I like to try to regularly beat my best time on Strava there!"
