Mystery Merlin Frame???

mrmgmg

Dirt Disciple
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Hello all. Fairly new around here and fairly new to bike building in general, apologies in advance if I say anything stupid! Anyhow, I have a frame which I bought to strip the Deore groupset parts off for a commuter / pub bike that I am currently building. The frame is too small for me - 17.5" from centre to top and I'm wandering if anyone can help me identify / price it before I think about moving it on.

From the weight - around 2kg and the lack of rust, I'm guessing it's some kind of aluminium or alloy. At some point in the past it has been painted red - evidenced by the visible metal where I've removed the rear mech hanger, and stickered up (badly) as some kind of a Merlin. I have my doubts as to whether it is, although equally cannot fathom why someone would do this if it isn't. There is a serial number running under the BB shell, AC904B0849, which doesn't correspond with any Merlin numbers discussed on here or other websites.

It's obviously been ridden, and was quite muddy when I received it, no cracks or serious damage as far as I can tell. Anyone could shed some light on this would be much appreciated? Cheers
 

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It is most likely a good honest Merlin (malt 1/2/3), as in the shop, that badged up respectable but not special far east manufactured aluminium frames, nothing what so ever to do with the Titanium wonders of the USA Merlin.


Value: £15-25 (if you had the derailleur hanger to go with it.)

http://www.merlincycles.com/
 
Re:

Hi there, cheers for the reply. Yep that would make sense, I would've been looking at the serials for the USA Merlins. If it's a Malt is there any way to tell the difference between the 1/2/3 or was that more to do with the components etc?
 
I think there was a difference, but I cant really remember. They used to sell them in the magazines where you select frame, group and wheels from a matrix. Always looked great value, but I never got one.
 
I had a malt. It does look like a 1. Think latter versions all had the sway stays.

They are capable frames and ride well.

Its sadly not worth much. Sold my 3 for about £30.

Although this thread is 9 years old!
 
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