merlin titanium frame
Discussion
Good morning just wondering of someone could help. Ever since I was young I have been interested in cycling and always fancied a merlin. I am now in the position where I can afford the bike and am about to take the plunge. However as befall me many times I am starting to have second thoughts, are they worth the money as I notice non of these bikes being used by the pros and also it appears as though they cannot be custom fit. If they are of a reasonably similar value to others ie give or take a few hundred then fulfilling the dream would make it worthwhile just didn't want to waste my money.
Last question, I am a bit of a giffer at the moment at around 95kg would this pose a problem for the frame?
Thanks for any advice including lay off the burgers and have a good day.
Last question, I am a bit of a giffer at the moment at around 95kg would this pose a problem for the frame?
Thanks for any advice including lay off the burgers and have a good day.
Sorry I meant this company, http://www.merlinbike.com/bike.aspx?content=RD-ext...
If you are after a Merlin but it doesn't need to be the full titanium one then I would recommend the Carbon one with Ti lugs.
I've had a Merlin Proteus as my main bike for the past 3 years and I can't fault it.
I'm not an expert by any means but I see the main advantage of titanium as being the long life span that they have, if you want a bike that will last you a long long time then titanium is great but if you plan to change it in a few years then you can't go wrong with a high end carbon fibre frame, Pinarello are an obvious choice.
All imho.
I've had a Merlin Proteus as my main bike for the past 3 years and I can't fault it.
I'm not an expert by any means but I see the main advantage of titanium as being the long life span that they have, if you want a bike that will last you a long long time then titanium is great but if you plan to change it in a few years then you can't go wrong with a high end carbon fibre frame, Pinarello are an obvious choice.
All imho.
I've run a Merlin Extralight for the last 5 years and still think its superb. I chose ti as I grew up drooling over the original Merlins, Litespeeds, Deans, etc. Admitedly, thesedays you can easily get a lighter frame in carbon but I do wonder about their longevity, especially if you're no lightweight like me.
My bike has been used all year round, irrespective of weather and still looks as good today as the day it left the factory. Moreover, if it does get scratched or damaged it can be repaired or refurbished reasonably easily.
I've not ridden many carbon frames so cannot give a true comparison as to ride quality, but it does feel much smoother than my alu Specialed Allez.
Hope this helps!
My bike has been used all year round, irrespective of weather and still looks as good today as the day it left the factory. Moreover, if it does get scratched or damaged it can be repaired or refurbished reasonably easily.
I've not ridden many carbon frames so cannot give a true comparison as to ride quality, but it does feel much smoother than my alu Specialed Allez.
Hope this helps!
hondafanatic said:
Ha...You're not in your early/mid 30s are you?
This was my dream bikes when I was kid, I always wanted a Merlin Ti MTB.
Haha yes just turned 30!This was my dream bikes when I was kid, I always wanted a Merlin Ti MTB.
If you think my choice of road bike is nostalgic you should see the mtb collection. Orange patriot, gt sts,yeti, and Santa Cruz chameleon. Oh how I wish I was young and fit again!
Don't want to go overboard on components for the frame but also want to do it justice. Would 105 be okay and what wheels, would ideally be looking at.less than £700 for wheelset.
kazste said:
less than £700 for wheelset.
You could get a set of carbon cosmics for £760 from Wiggle. I have a pair for the past 2 years and they are great. link
Its funny you mention the bike nostalgia. I turned thirty last month.
I've got a Markus Klausman Hot Chilli from the mid 90's, its an awesome looking maching, horrible to ride though.
kazste said:
hondafanatic said:
Ha...You're not in your early/mid 30s are you?
This was my dream bikes when I was kid, I always wanted a Merlin Ti MTB.
Haha yes just turned 30!This was my dream bikes when I was kid, I always wanted a Merlin Ti MTB.
If you think my choice of road bike is nostalgic you should see the mtb collection. Orange patriot, gt sts,yeti, and Santa Cruz chameleon. Oh how I wish I was young and fit again!
Don't want to go overboard on components for the frame but also want to do it justice. Would 105 be okay and what wheels, would ideally be looking at.less than £700 for wheelset.
ewenm said:
kazste said:
hondafanatic said:
Ha...You're not in your early/mid 30s are you?
This was my dream bikes when I was kid, I always wanted a Merlin Ti MTB.
Haha yes just turned 30!This was my dream bikes when I was kid, I always wanted a Merlin Ti MTB.
If you think my choice of road bike is nostalgic you should see the mtb collection. Orange patriot, gt sts,yeti, and Santa Cruz chameleon. Oh how I wish I was young and fit again!
Don't want to go overboard on components for the frame but also want to do it justice. Would 105 be okay and what wheels, would ideally be looking at.less than £700 for wheelset.
I'd do some serious research on that. One of the mountain bike mags tested a Merlin a while ago and did'nt like it, said it was overpriced and didn't really "work" with regards to geometry and suspension. Not sure how the roadies shape up as presumably it's an easier thing to get right, but have a good look round first.
Have to say I'd love a TI bike...
Have to say I'd love a TI bike...
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