Merlin un-boxing- close ups (stay calm,it's only a bike)
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I'm guessing you bought it from this guy - http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=196803
What's the serial number on it? There was some discussion on the other thread about the actual age of the frame, not that it really matters much. Gorgeous bike regardless
What's the serial number on it? There was some discussion on the other thread about the actual age of the frame, not that it really matters much. Gorgeous bike regardless
ez054098
Senior Retro Guru
Fudd":1zqekz43 said:I'm guessing you bought it from this guy - http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=196803
What's the serial number on it? There was some discussion on the other thread about the actual age of the frame, not that it really matters much. Gorgeous bike regardless
That is the thread I was thinking of.
Yes that is the guy.
I agree with a lot of the comments on there about then age of the bike and the components.
Maybe the experts on here can shed some light on the age subject.
9 speed XTR
Crossmax wheels.
I know the fork is approx. 2001
Frame has 1-1/8 steerer but no disk mount #8869
There was some speculation the steerer had been changed at Merlin but that smacks of B.S. to me.
If this bike is later than 1997(litespeed era I think) it will change everything.
I will most likely fit all new components,have a disk mount fitted and ride the hell out of it.
I agree with a lot of the comments on there about then age of the bike and the components.
Maybe the experts on here can shed some light on the age subject.
9 speed XTR
Crossmax wheels.
I know the fork is approx. 2001
Frame has 1-1/8 steerer but no disk mount #8869
There was some speculation the steerer had been changed at Merlin but that smacks of B.S. to me.
If this bike is later than 1997(litespeed era I think) it will change everything.
I will most likely fit all new components,have a disk mount fitted and ride the hell out of it.
Frame number says it was built in 1993 - http://mombat.org/MOMBAT/BikeHistoryPages/Merlin.html
Ok I think I have a definitive history.
Frame number is not as previously published and I have checked the actual number.(the tag on the bike was incorrect)
The frame is definitely a 1994 but with a newer head tube fitted.(almost definitely done by Merlin).
This was confirmed by a very experienced mechanic who looked at the bike today.
The bike was built up in 2000 and are all parts are correct for that time.
The bike was priced up at $4999.99 U.S. and stored/displayed at Bicycle Pedaler in Wichita,U.S.A.
In early 2012 a road rider saw the bike and bought it with the intention of keeping it on a display stand in his basement.
This owner changed his mind and listed the bike on Ebay.
This is where is come in.
I bought the bike and imported it to N.Z.in early July 2012.
The bike is currently in for a full service and will be used and cherished by me for the foreseeable future.
I just love it.
Frame number is not as previously published and I have checked the actual number.(the tag on the bike was incorrect)
The frame is definitely a 1994 but with a newer head tube fitted.(almost definitely done by Merlin).
This was confirmed by a very experienced mechanic who looked at the bike today.
The bike was built up in 2000 and are all parts are correct for that time.
The bike was priced up at $4999.99 U.S. and stored/displayed at Bicycle Pedaler in Wichita,U.S.A.
In early 2012 a road rider saw the bike and bought it with the intention of keeping it on a display stand in his basement.
This owner changed his mind and listed the bike on Ebay.
This is where is come in.
I bought the bike and imported it to N.Z.in early July 2012.
The bike is currently in for a full service and will be used and cherished by me for the foreseeable future.
I just love it.
Wold Ranger
Old School Grand Master
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Lovely frame, but I always dislike Vee brakes on bike's built for Canti's, which would look more period correct and operate just as well.
The rear hangers always look awful just laid there redundant! :cry: Will you eventually build it with period parts? (it'll be much lighter too)
Lovely frame, but I always dislike Vee brakes on bike's built for Canti's, which would look more period correct and operate just as well.
The rear hangers always look awful just laid there redundant! :cry: Will you eventually build it with period parts? (it'll be much lighter too)
