Following on from the Scott Windriver I bought 12 months ago that got me back into the joys of the rigid bike, I set about looking for a new project but this time a hard tail (as my 50 year old bones need a little bit of comfort).
I have never had a Ti bike, but always fancied one. I have always had a soft spot for DB's so started looking for an Axis Tu or Team Ti but couldn't find one in my size.
A few options came up such as Moots, Merlin, DynaTech and Kona. I asked advice from a friend of mine (Wadsy) whose DB Ti I have ridden briefly in the past so it is him I will blame for the eventual purchase of a Merlin XLM.
It came with Fox forks, full XTR and one owner. It was stripped down and the frame refinished using 4 grades of pads (3x using a drill and the final one by hand) to remove the various scratches and marks on the frame. The decals were replaced (from a slightly older model) and MRD R7 forks imported from the USA and given a full service. The calipers were replaced (as the new fork is a post mount) and new XT brifters (as the XTR ones were a little ropey and visually not to my taste). Finished with a new set of amberwalls she is finished at 22.97lb.
Now waiting for slightly better weather to get her on the trails!
I have never had a Ti bike, but always fancied one. I have always had a soft spot for DB's so started looking for an Axis Tu or Team Ti but couldn't find one in my size.
A few options came up such as Moots, Merlin, DynaTech and Kona. I asked advice from a friend of mine (Wadsy) whose DB Ti I have ridden briefly in the past so it is him I will blame for the eventual purchase of a Merlin XLM.
It came with Fox forks, full XTR and one owner. It was stripped down and the frame refinished using 4 grades of pads (3x using a drill and the final one by hand) to remove the various scratches and marks on the frame. The decals were replaced (from a slightly older model) and MRD R7 forks imported from the USA and given a full service. The calipers were replaced (as the new fork is a post mount) and new XT brifters (as the XTR ones were a little ropey and visually not to my taste). Finished with a new set of amberwalls she is finished at 22.97lb.
Now waiting for slightly better weather to get her on the trails!
Attachments
Last edited:
