Named after the number of wins Eddy Merckx took in his professional career, the 525 has always been an unashamedly race focused bike. But the design team at Belgian Cycling Factory, which owns the Eddy Merckx brand, are adamant that the new 525Rs progressive geometry makes this an all-round race bike for riders beyond the pro peloton. Daan Teugels, aero engineer at BCF, says: Wind tunnel data show that the bike contributes to around 20% of aerodynamic drag, whereas the riders position accounts for a massive 80%. With this in mind, Eddy Merckx has perfected its design philosophy. The main goal is to make the rider-bike system as aero as possible, without sacrificing comfort. Read more: New Eddy Merckx 525R is the best aero road bikeIveever ridden New research into ride position Victor Vercouillie riding the 525R at the 2026 Tour of Flanders. Belgian Cycling Factory The tweaked geometry of the Merckx aero bike comes from research into the latest trends in performance bike fit. Conventional road bike geometry tends to position you behind the bottom bracket, but the Merckx engineers noticed that riders are looking to get over the bottom bracket. They claim this new central position gives a more efficient power transfer during longer efforts as you have a more open hip angle. They also say that this gives better weight distribution on the bike, which makes for better handling, while allowing you to sustain an aerodynamic position for much longer. Size-dependent seatpost angles The new 525R is designed to appeal to racers and non-racers alike. Belgian Cycling Factory Road bike geometry can lead riders to use zero-offset seatposts, with the saddle pushed as far forward on the rails as it will go (particularly with taller riders). Pieter Potters, head of product at BCF, told us: Taller riders often struggle to get the desired modern bike fit on bikes with a traditional geometry, having to resort to a seatpost with a more forward saddle clamp combined with moving the saddle forward as much as possible. With this in mind, Merckx has introduced a new size-dependent progressive seat angle on the 525R. Merckx steepens the seat angle across the sizes, so an XS has a 74.5-degree seat angle which increases to 75 degrees on small and medium bikes, and then the largest sizes increase to 76 degrees. Steepening the seat tube yet maintaining typical top tube lengths leads to a longer reach number, without having to resort to long stems. Another factor that makes the progressive seat angles of the 525R particularly relevant is the relaxation of the UCI regulation regarding saddle to bottom bracket setback. Which has been reduced from a minimum of 5cm to 0cm, allowing even more forward positions to be adopted, adds Potters. Merckx's new geometry and sizing fits a wider range of riders better. Traditional bike sizing Merckx has also raised the 525Rs head tube, effectively increasing the bar height. Its a trend weve seen on time trial and triathlon bikes. According to BCFs wind tunnel research this change hasnt had a negative effect on aerodynamics. In fact, the 525R has a 9% reduction in drag compared to the previous 525. The deep headtube was tuned in the windtunnel at the Belgian Cycling Factory. Belgian Cycling Factory The seat clamp is completely hidden. Belgian Cycling Factory The front end of the bike follows the current trend of a deeper profile to the head tube junction, while the fork crown features a diffuser shape that they claim greatly reduces air resistance. Elsewhere, the fork leg profiles are asymmetric to improve stability in crosswinds. At the rear a new hidden seat clamp design and a new aero post shape takes into account the steepening of the seat angle. The 525R Range and prices The launch edition is limited to 100 bikes. Belgian Cycling Factory The 525R can be fully customised using Merckxs online configurator. Available groupsets include SRAM Force, SRAM Red, Shimano Ultegra Di2, Shimano Dura-Ace and Campagnolo Super Record. Prices for a complete bike start from 6,499 / 5,849 / $7,799 with a SRAM Force 1x13-speed groupset. The standard lineup is completed By: 525R Campagnolo Super Record 2 x 13/Campagnolo Bora 12,999 / 11,499 525R Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 2 x 12/DT Swiss ARC1400 10,499 / 9,499 525R Shimano Ultegra Di2 2 x 12/Forza Skiron 6,999 / 6,299 525R Frameset/Forza Nimbus Pro cockpit 4,499 / 3,999 Eddy Merckx has also announced a limited launch edition with only 100 bikes available, priced at 6,199. UK and USA pricing is to be confirmed.