Ridgeback Titanium MTB circa 1992

masha

Kona Fan
Can anyone confirm whether the Ridgeback Titanium MTB from the early '90s was in fact a re-badged Merlin Metalworks frame.

Moreover has anyone ever seen one of these - know of any about today. - I believe they had a rear U-Brake on the frame and were sold as a complete DeoreXTII bike with 'Switchblade' forks (a Tange Prestige-based triple-clamp composite fork).
 
I can't confirm but I do remember seeing it in one of the catalogues (madison probably). I'm sure it had switchblades & XTII
 
Freewheel catalouge

Interesting. Like that story about the pre-retro retro raffle!

I think the ridgeback featured in the old madison Freewheel catalouge, alongside those early Kestrel carbon bikes. The Merlin metalworks idea seem very plausible on shape / geometry, and curious little cable guide round the the seat cluster (uncertain memory here!).
 
You should be able to look at the drop-outs, BB shell and (most importantly) welds. Merlins give themselves away pretty easily.
 
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