1994 Merlin Titanium

[RockiMtn]

Re: 1994 Merlin Titanium (my Unicorn)

threaded steerer in hand for the IRD fork now. thinking i'll try it out with a Syncros quill stem i have, as i'm desperate to give the fork a try. :twisted:

eventually i'll source an appropriate ti quill stem (Ibis?), or perhaps get a threadless steerer and stick with Race Face ti stem i'm already using on the build.

 

[Mr.Toad]

Re:

Looking great!

 

[RockiMtn]

Re:

finally found some time to swap out the stem and install the fork. decided i needed to temporarily match the black stem with black saddle and seat post to balance the bike out, as it looked too front heavy with just the stem change. glad i kept a minty 27.2x425mm Syncros spare stashed away!

maiden voyage around the neighborhood and feels to ride about the same as before with the bontrager composite fork. didn't notice too much flex and tracked well.

not sure if i've installed the CK GripNut conversion correctly, as i can't seem to figure out how to get it to stick to the steerer without bearing down with too much pressure and making the turning stiff. :? i'll have to revisit and adjust it properly to be sure i have it mounted properly. if any one can provide insight or tips to getting it locked on the steerer properly, please do.

next is to install the ti cassette and triples. i'll also need to source some nice replacement fork leg caps as one is missing.

i'm quite liking the stem, bar and saddle combo on the bike, which is a good thing as i really don't know when i'll be able to score a nice Ibis quill stem with approximately the same length/rise, or get another steerer assembled threadless to put go back to the Race Face ti stem.

 

[Steve_T]

Re:

Absolutely beautiful, my favorite of yours I think!

 

[k-rod]

Re: 1994 Merlin Titanium (my Unicorn)

Wow - those chain-rings are absolutely mesmerizing!

 

[ez054098]

Re:

So glad you got your fork sorted. Merlins with IRD titanium forks are all the rage these days! I love your build!

 

[Seca Blue]

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What a ride - always had a Merlin on the wishlist.
Geometry looks v similar to my Roberts from the pic.

Those cranks and rings look spectacular. I know what you mean about the gold finish but otherwise I'd have those in a flash.

 

[mauricer]

Re:

While the fork "looks" good on the bike, are you sure you want to ride it? From what i have heard and others can share more knowledge on it, that fork is supposed to be a danger to life (exaggerating on purpose) when ridden properly (if that is possible at all).

 

[Steve_T]

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mauricer, truth be told, the Syncros Powerlites also had a high rate of failure back in the day, and this is probably with both types of forks being ridden as intended.

 

[mauricer]

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Well i wouldnt put that on my Merlin either, since a) you are probably right and b) Syncros (IMHO) don't fit Merlins at all, but that is a question of individual preference and taste.