Eddys around the World: Balinese Codi cherishes his Eddy Merckx Fixie
Those lucky enough to be allowed to explore in paradisiacal Bali might bump into a unique Eddy Merckx fixie on a blue Monday. Owner is 28-year-old Wayan Ariawan Codi - we may say Codi - from Denpasar. ‘For me, cycling is the solution to avoid traffic jams. On my Eddy, I unwind,’ he smiles.
Codi is a native Balinese. ‘It is wonderful to live here, because you really live among the beaches, mountains and waterfalls. Of course, I am not surprised that Europeans love coming here, because Bali is a dream destination. In my daily life, I work as a self-employed person and sell second-hand clothes in a kind of thrift shop.’
‘Since childhood, I have been intrigued by cycling and my hobby got a huge boost when I discovered fixed-gear bikes in 2017. It took me a while to understand how the parts of a fixie work, but I learned quickly. Consequently, I started looking for a frame that suited my height and a geometry that would make me feel comfortable.’
From piste frame to fixie
For hours, days, weeks, Codi tracked down the bike of his dreams on search engine sites. ‘I tried many brands, but it was not an easy search. Until I bumped into an Eddy Merckx and saw that the brand also still builds new bikes. I bought a piste frame whose geometry appealed to me and converted it into a fixie. It's a 2005 Eddy Merckx "Racing" track. Made out of Easton double tapered alumunium 7000 tubing and with a carbon fork.
Sure, it's a bit trickier to hang in the corners because I sometimes hit the ground with my shoes, but the geometry fits my cycling style perfectly. I think I'm the only one on the island riding around with a Merckx. I use the bike as a hobby, and have made friends in the fixie community near me through cycling.’
Cycling in Bali is also not as popular as in traditional cycling countries. ‘People don't feel confident on their bikes yet. Also because they see other cyclists buying a more expensive one and they themselves don't want to hit the streets with an older two-wheeler. Still, there are some communities of avid cyclists. It would be nice if we could all form a bit more of a cycling family. Especially as the population here continues to grow and cycling is a nice alternative to heavy traffic. Sometimes I meet other riders on a fixie and that really forges a bond.’
Sure, it's a bit trickier to hang in the corners because I sometimes hit the ground with my shoes, but the geometry fits my cycling style perfectly. I think I'm the only one on the island riding around with a Merckx. I use the bike as a hobby, and have made friends in the fixie community near me through cycling.’
Cycling in Bali is also not as popular as in traditional cycling countries. ‘People don't feel confident on their bikes yet. Also because they see other cyclists buying a more expensive one and they themselves don't want to hit the streets with an older two-wheeler. Still, there are some communities of avid cyclists. It would be nice if we could all form a bit more of a cycling family. Especially as the population here continues to grow and cycling is a nice alternative to heavy traffic. Sometimes I meet other riders on a fixie and that really forges a bond.’
Freedom in the head
Above all, for Codi, his Eddy is above all a way to experience absolute freedom. ‘People should always focus on the positive effects of cycling. If you have a down day, cycling always helps for peace of mind. Hopefully, Eddy Merckx Bikes will continue to come out with new frames, designs and colours in the coming years and the brand will never change its unique features.’
If you have an Eddy Merckx story of your own that you would like to share, please get in touch using this form.
If you have an Eddy Merckx story of your own that you would like to share, please get in touch using this form.
