94 Merlin Mountain

[Tsundere]

Still a WIP.


Bought this frame with the Bianchi forks from here a few months ago. I had the minty M739 group already, along with the low mileage King/Ringle hubbed Mavic wheelset (laced by Harry Rowland) and NOS Ritchey tyres.

There are a couple of period incorrect parts, namely the Thompson X4 stem and bars, but with this bike intended to be ridden I've gone for comfort here and I think they suit the build visually too. The ODI grips are a great finishing touch, matching well with the forks.

The Cinelli Volare SLX is my favourite old school perch, had it on a number of bikes over the years. A classic look and comfy.

Just the M739 V Brakes, chain and cables to come, which I hope to get done this week.

This will be my first Ti bike, very excited for that first ride. Here's hoping for a long dry summer!

 

[Tsundere]

Finished putting it together yesterday and took it out for a shake down ride today. It's a perfect day for it and a quick spin round the block turned into a 3 hour trek around the towns parks with a lunchtime beer and sarnie stop.

I love everything about it. The ride is very comfortable, it's light and responsive. It needs some minor adjustment with rear brakes and front derailleur, but apart from that everything feels smooth and crisp.

It's all XT M739, cassette, chainrings and chain are all NOS, cranks, brakes, brifters and wheelset are all very low mileage and it rides like a new bike.

This bike's going to get ridden a lot this summer.