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Looking good! Gil did mine. gil@thecycleshed.co.uk

Cracking is likely the lacquer. I used wet and dry to strip that. A long and dirty job. Chemical dip is cheaper and faster. I then used autosol. That was a few years back mind. This time did a quick rub with 2000 wet and dry then white diamond to finish. I didn't relacquer so that I could...

Thanks idris! I used White Diamond which sounds like a dodgy cider, which smells vile like bad cider but the polish will leave you blinded by your frame in the sun. So just like bad cider really... Share some photos of your build too...

If you look at the top you can see it above the peg.

I've just done this with mine. You need s small screwdriver and at the back where you can see the spring etc there should be a small cutout. Gently prise apart and that should do it. It all pushes back together after. Mine are on the bike so a photo is a bit tricky.

Ah, see what you mean! Ive no idea what model mine is either due to the triangular downtube. Only ever seen one other online. I vaguely remember a Merlin ad with an alloy frame, triangular top and downtube as a special. They probably got lots of various frames, decaled them up and flogged em...

Like your fork idea. There's a photo in the link of an early malt with the same decals as yours. I think yours is pre 95 so maybe 93 or 94? Have you checked some of the scans of early Merlin ads from magazines for info? https://www.merlincycles.com/blog/the-history-of-merlin-cycles/

Looks like the classic mid 90s polished alloy and a yellow fork although it's normally a Judy! Those RSTs get some good reviews from the past. I'd keep them. Look forward to further updates of another Merlin.

Here is the frame number - J97083133 so presuming August 1997. Not much help though with yours sadly.

Many thanks sjc for your kind comments. It really doesnt work with silver rims for sure! I had missed your thread so I will have a read later. Ill dig out the photo too for you of my frame number when I can find it.

Thanks Paul, really appreciate your comment!

So its sort of finished... The Arch Rivals were seized solid on the front adjusters so needed a full strip down of everything to get them working. Getting the Shimano Ceramic pad inserts fitted was an absoulte nightmare. After reading lots of warning online I was super careful not to snap them...

Hi Tom, Are these still for sale?

Thanks! Forks now serviced and just need to get on with sorting the gear and brake cables and it is done. Also XT ceramic pads are proving impossible to fit.

What a build! Enjoyed reading this, hats off for such an amazing effort.

Parcel Arrived today... Gil took out the white insert for me so the polished frame could be seen under the decals. Very pleased with how it looks. There's a pile of bits ready to go on but just waiting on the fork to start.

The paint pops on even a dull day!

Funny that just doing an email to Gil this minute! The build thread is in the 97 readers bikes so keep your eyes peeled.

Seals arrived safely and thanks for the haribo too!

Oil wise I went for this link as my old lbs in Edinburgh - Pedals Eco recommended it. Eco friendly and you can recycle the plastic. Reviews seem positive so went with 7wt. Was a tenner posted for 200ml. robfinger - and there starts many a tale... good to meet you fluffychicken! Enjoyed...