Can this Merlin still conjour up some Magic?

[davidj]

Re:

Finally the brake parts were ready for collection. When I rang the shop they told me they had been there for a week! So they were there the last time I called... Grrrrrrr.

I had to drill out the stripped reservoir cap bolt but it all went well. Rear brake has now been bled but I was surprised at the volume of small bubbles at each lever press. The rear brake doesn't have the bite of my M8000's, but I have never been able to get Hope mini/mono as immediate as Shimano brakes.

I got rained off before I could start on the front brake. Only thing for it was a ride out in the rain to the pub .

 

[davidj]

Re:

Knocked a few things off the list today. The squeaking from the brake levers was really annoying me, I do like the service ability of Hope stuff. The levers came out with ease and with a clean and smear of grease on the pivot points all is now as it should be .


The steerer tube had been previously cut at a quite severe angle, a bit of effort with a file leveled it up with care to prevent any filings damaging the stanchions or fouling bearings.

I was then able to fit a SFN and my Marzocchi top cap, I have had it for a few years but never a situation where I could use it. The Hope Head Doctor was doing a fine job but I wanted to use this one. Head Doctor is in the for sale section if anyone is interested.

 

[icicleboy]

Enjoying the write up. I have always admired the look of these frames as they have a certain skinny elegance. Nice to hear about the odd component getting used that has likely been in the toolbox for years. Use what you have is my motto

 

[dyson]

When I saw the Thomson stem and bar going on I thought it was becoming more than just a pub bike! Enjoyable write up and good to see the Merlin getting a new lease of life.

I just bought back my old 96 Merlin frame as it was such a fun ride and slowly starting to rebuild. Picked up a bargain Marzocchi z2 xfly as no other retro fork comes close. Any other future plans?

 

[corpuschain]

As a fan of Merlin Malts, I love seeing them get some loving use!