Mountain Biking - Merlin "vintage" mountain bike frame serial number 2557

I have recently purchased a Merlin mountain bike frame with the serial number in the rear dropout 2557. Merlin has a curious hole in its memory for frame numbers:

1989 serial numbers end at 139
1990 serial numbers start at 3518

I presume mine was fabricated in 1989, but have no further information.

Here are some images of the frame.

Any information on the history of this frame? Any thoughts on how to rebuild it?

Looks like you've got the press-fit cartridge bearing bottom bracket. I hope the you've also got the spindle. Anyway if this is the case, your crankset choices are limited to square-taper ones. Maybe look for a used or NOS Raceface Turbine LP crank or check out Middleburn--I believe that still make a square taper model or two.

Regarding the bike vintage, I don't know.
Maybe ask here:http://forums.mtbr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=33

I call BS. I had a Merlin Mountain bike frame that I purchased new in 1989 or 1990 (i forget) but the serial number was 957. Same pressed in BB bearings with the spindle that had a collar on each end. The frame was made for a short rigid fork with a one inch steer tube. My vote would be a single speed build or 1x9 for trails or city coffee crusing.

Hello, I'm very interesting in this frame...

Finally, how did you rebuild it?
Age?
Actual pics?

Thanks in advance

I just found and bought an old Merlin MTB complete bike. It is said to be from 1989 the serial #1083



It's equipped with the following spec:

Grafton cranks, Shim. oval chain rings

Titanium stem, post, spokes, bolts and handlebar

Bulls eye hubs

Mavic ceramic rims

Flite Ti saddle

XT tumbies and derailleurs

Hollow pin America chain

Dia compe brakes and levers and a strange "knee/canti/ Ubrake" in the rear

Chromo fork



The strange thing is, it's completely unused! Even the Ritchy Megabite Zmax Championchip Series tires still have the grainy white stuff all over them. The brake and gear cables are still not connected.



Since I have owned and loved a Merlin MTB since 1994 I just have to bye this one.

The dilemma is; Should I start use this one? Now I use my old one as a commuter and I love it! But my wife want one as well...



What do you think? Is it a crime to take its virginity?

Is there a market for a bike like this?

Fred

There's a market.

Tell me more about that chain.

Tom

PS - That's a roller brake. Sweet bike, man.

Looks like you've got the press-fit cartridge bearing bottom bracket. I hope the you've also got the spindle. i like it very much. http://www.okhealthy.com/image/18.jpg :crash:

Yes it got the press fit BB, very slender shell and a straight forward souloution. In the box that followed the bike were also an extra CroMo axle ( Titanium fitted), a 8speed Tioga Titanium cassette, an envelobe with two sets of original decals, Ringle Ti scewers, Ringle bottle holder.
The Chain is cromed on all surfaces and came in a cylindrical red tin box.
The rear brake isn't a roller cam, it got a "knee" pointing down and when the wire pull in the knee pivot it presses outward.

Cheers