Can this Merlin still conjour up some Magic?

[davidj]

Re: Re:

you said it was a pub bike.
Love to see you hang it up in the constricted space after a lengthy visit to the pub.

The beauty of having a pub specific bike is you need to test it in its natural environment after you have been working on it.

You may get to see your wish later today pigman, if I can get my wife to record me hanging it up LOL.

Made it to the pub without anything falling off, let's see if I can say the same on the return journey....

 

[davidj]

Re:

I wonder if the good condition of the lower headset bearing is due to this neoprene protector? It wraps around and secures with Velcro.

I won't be doing any grimey rides on this bike so it is free to anyone who wants it for the price of a stamp - 70p

 

[davidj]

Re:

I don't mind getting rained on, not bothered if the Merlin gets rained on but I hate my tools getting wet!

Riding around on modern bikes I now find the narrow bars a little odd. In a short pause in the rain I managed to swap in a wider bar with a shorter stem. Looks like a test ride to the pub is coming up .

 

[davidj]

Re:

The brake pads I ordered yesterday arrived today, awesome service. I have only fitted the back ones so far as I didn't want to end up with no brakes!

Rear pads bedded in nicely and I can now do skids and wheelies again . I whipped the pads back out, when I got home, to ensure there were no leaks from the caliper. I am pleased to report everything was dry.

 

[davidj]

Re:

A few years back I moved halfway across the country and found myself with no cycling buddies. It can be hard to motivate yourself especially in less than ideal weather.

A turbo trainer filled the gap for me, I actually quite enjoy using one. Then low and behold I had a cycling buddy again and no need for the trainer.

Sadly last year he had a heart attack . After a few false starts my cycling buddy has decided to sell up and take up fishing. Back to the trainer for me then. I bought a second set of 29" wheels and slick tyres for my Clockwork to use on the trainer, but I didn't enjoy the slicks out on my rides and swapping wheels is a pain! Especially as my trainer was obviously designed before 29" wheels and 2" plus tyres! Let's just say it is a tighter than ideal fit.

Merlin just cast a new spell but this time it isn't just to be a winter bike, no this spell is long term!

I suspected the the Mach SS tyre centre would be smooth enough for the trainer but the side knobblys would make it unusable. Not so, they are great on the trainer. I can now sell on my spare 29" Wheelset for the Clockwork and not have to mess around changing wheels when I need a trainer session (most days). And Merlin digs his claws in a little deeper.....

 

[davidj]

Re:

During my time off work the weather has not been as kind as I would have hoped for August. I had hoped to get the hubs rebuilt, dishing and spoke tension checked/corrected along with any buckles or flat spots on the rims. Leaving me just the transmission to sort.

Oh well plenty of time till winter, although the last few days have been pretty much autumnal, cold, windy and wet...

 

[MR OX]

Re:

Loving your build, a Merlin saved my bacon after a huge long term build failed. I built it in a very short time from a tip find & it restored my mojo. I also didn't realise what a great ride they were, after 10 -20 miles I really rated it & knew it's new owner would. Yours is coming along really nicely & looks like it'll be your "go to" ride.

 

[davidj]

Re:

MrOX, funny you should say that this will be my "go to" bike. I was just sat here thinking - I have an expensive Cube eBike and an Orange Clockwork built to a desirable spec. Since getting this Merlin neither have been out!

I really wanted to service the wheels before working on the transmission, but as I posted earlier time is running short and my schedule of work has been delayed by weather and brake parts that are still on order!

I had a search through my parts and confirmed I had all I needed to go to 10 speed with a wider range cassette. I intended going 1x but think I will keep it 3x for now, this bike needs to be versatile.

 

[davidj]

Re:

Today was a gardening day, I can post photos of the hedges I have cut - really, no one interested?....

Despite gardening duty it looks like I have been truly enchanted by this bikes magic, just placed an order for a Brooks Cambium C15 saddle. Looks like this old knacker of a bike is sticking around!

The 10 speed upgrade was a success, I even got a pub visit in ,( no photo but see previous pub photo and imagine a 10 speed upgrade ). Bit of "graunch" on the top gear, I suspect the derailleur travel stop is the cause.

 

[davidj]

Re:

12 hour night shifts and a 105 mile round trip commute really does mess up your bike time!

I finished work this morning full of plans, but only managed to mow the lawn and fit my new Brooks saddle. A short bike ride to test it out with an obligatory pub stop and that's me beat.

I did change the qr seat post clamp for a fixed UNO one I have owned since the 90s. Nice to have it back in use .