There are two different bikes in the range, and the main difference is the number of gears.

There is a 14-speed bike that uses the famous Rohloff gear hub. This particular mechanism doesn't need much of an introduction, it is quite simply one of the best integrated gear systems available on the market today. Handmade in Germany, it is pure quality and outstanding functionality.

A fix for the fixies

The other bike has just one gear, and has the option - if the back wheel is flipped - to become a fixed gear bicycle. This type of bicycle has been around on the track for years - all track bikes are fixed gear bikes - but has slowly built up a fan base on the streets.

For those in the know, it's an all or nothing relationship - and it seems the secret is in the permanent link to the road. With a normal pedal bike, you can stop pedalling and free wheel for a little while, and there's always a brake to stop you if you need it. With a fixed gear bike, you're either pedalling or your standing still! There's a tactile connection to the road that fixies love.

Safety first

The Eddy Merckx hybride single speed/fixed gear bikes are made so that they can be driven on the road. There's a hand-controlled brake that helps control speed and stopping. In many countries this is mandatory if you want to go on the streets.

The gear set-up - important when you have just one gear is mid-range: 46 teeth at the front, and 17 at the back. Depending on where you live, you might want to change this.

Flip the wheel and you have a normal single speed bike that can be used as a normal free wheeling bike. Lights are part of the base equipment, and street credibility and style is guaranteed.

This is no ordinary urban bike. It's ideal for those that want the best of both worlds when and where they want it.