kanerdog1x1
Senior Retro Guru
So, it appears I have a Merlin fetish. This is Merlin number 4, of a current stable of 5x titanium bikes. As advertised on eBay a few weeks ago:-
It had a high starting price and no interest. I contacted the seller and managed to chip the price right down.
I'm not going to lie, the moment I saw the package, the disappointment started. It appeared to be wrapped in some old curtains and a tent.
In fairness, the packing was ok, I think it had protected the bike well.
I set about stripping the entire bike down that evening, simply to asses the condition of everything. As it turns out, although some parts are good condition and serviceable, others are not. This leaves me with the task of finding a suitable fork, easier said than done 10 years on. Most forks from this period weren't particularly well made, and most have had a hard time.
The stripped frame. Very grubby. Most decals damaged, but thats no problem, as I can get decals made.
Of note, one of the bottle cage bosses was seized, so I carefully drilled it out and have ordered some replacement inserts as I cant seem to find my stash. The headtube, dropouts and BB shell are engraved, similarly to my Oreas but with the 'Works' logo.
I have 3 to 4 hours invested in cleaning and preparing this frame so far. It had quite a few deep scratches and the down tube was pretty pebble dashed, obviously it has had a good life. In my care it will undoubtedly have an easier time. New decals will make it look fantastic.
I didn't like these when they first came out, and I particularly chose to have an older Oreas frame as I strongly disliked the shouty Merlin logos. But, as time has passed, I have grown to appreciate and quite like them. Plans include cleaning and making good the usable parts from the bike, and sourcing some new/better condition components to complete the bike, including the forks.
Any top condition 100mm forks out there from 2009/2010?
It had a high starting price and no interest. I contacted the seller and managed to chip the price right down.
I'm not going to lie, the moment I saw the package, the disappointment started. It appeared to be wrapped in some old curtains and a tent.
In fairness, the packing was ok, I think it had protected the bike well.
I set about stripping the entire bike down that evening, simply to asses the condition of everything. As it turns out, although some parts are good condition and serviceable, others are not. This leaves me with the task of finding a suitable fork, easier said than done 10 years on. Most forks from this period weren't particularly well made, and most have had a hard time.
The stripped frame. Very grubby. Most decals damaged, but thats no problem, as I can get decals made.
Of note, one of the bottle cage bosses was seized, so I carefully drilled it out and have ordered some replacement inserts as I cant seem to find my stash. The headtube, dropouts and BB shell are engraved, similarly to my Oreas but with the 'Works' logo.
I have 3 to 4 hours invested in cleaning and preparing this frame so far. It had quite a few deep scratches and the down tube was pretty pebble dashed, obviously it has had a good life. In my care it will undoubtedly have an easier time. New decals will make it look fantastic.
I didn't like these when they first came out, and I particularly chose to have an older Oreas frame as I strongly disliked the shouty Merlin logos. But, as time has passed, I have grown to appreciate and quite like them. Plans include cleaning and making good the usable parts from the bike, and sourcing some new/better condition components to complete the bike, including the forks.
Any top condition 100mm forks out there from 2009/2010?
