Classic & Vintage - What year is this classic merlin???

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wrey
02-26-05, 11:54 PM
It is a Joe Murray designed Merlin that i aquired in 1991. It has a U-brake, and I havent been able to find another like it on the web with a u-brake. the bottom bracket is threadless, and has sealed bearings pressed in. I think they started making frames in 1986. Mu guess is 1988 or 1989. Does anyone have any info??

T-Mar
02-27-05, 12:48 PM
Shimano offered the U_brake form 1987-1993, inclusive. Originally, most manufacturers mounted them under the chain stays. I have a review of the 1988 model and it shows a chainstay mounted U-brake. It also has a thinner downtube than yours and lacks the gusset under the front of the downtube. A 1988 MBS catalog also shows the chainstay mounted U-brake and mentions a "cartridge-sealed bottom bracket". This makes me suspect yours is 1989 or later. I've got several more old magazines to go through, If I uncover anything else, I'll post it.