The Merlin
06-02-07, 05:45 PM
#1
another cat...FAB!
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The Merlin
OK build #2 ~ you know the drill; please help me fill in the missing components. So far
Thanks again to Chris at Planet Bike in East Brunswick for the awesome build jobbies
I have:
Merlin 6/4 traditional geometry Ti Frame:
Easton EC90SL Carbon Fork:
Easton EC90 Equipe Carbon Road
Easton EC70 Carbon/Al Post
Easton EA50 90mm Al Stem
Ksyrium SL
I need help with:
Gruppo
Headset
Spacers
Seat
Tires
Tape
Pedals will be Time RXS Carbon Titan as I am committed on two other bikes...
TIA!
Thanks again to Chris at Planet Bike in East Brunswick for the awesome build jobbies
I have:
Merlin 6/4 traditional geometry Ti Frame:
Easton EC90SL Carbon Fork:
Easton EC90 Equipe Carbon Road
Easton EC70 Carbon/Al Post
Easton EA50 90mm Al Stem
Ksyrium SL
I need help with:
Gruppo
Headset
Spacers
Seat
Tires
Tape
Pedals will be Time RXS Carbon Titan as I am committed on two other bikes...
TIA!
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Last edited by stevesurf; 06-08-07 at 08:17 AM.
06-02-07, 06:28 PM
#2
crotchety young dude
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Originally Posted by stevesurf
I need help with:
Spacers
Seat
Spacers
Seat
And saddle choice is very personal.
06-03-07, 12:59 AM
#3
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That is going to be one awesome bike. Merlin I think made a mistake going away from the Traditional Geometry with their WORKS line of bikes. So that fact you were able to snag one is great.
06-03-07, 03:14 AM
#4
another cat...FAB!
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Originally Posted by vpiuva
You already have the wheelset? Shimano or Campy splined?
Originally Posted by VT Biker
That is going to be one awesome bike. Merlin I think made a mistake going away from the Traditional Geometry with their WORKS line of bikes. So that fact you were able to snag one is great.
Right now I'm trying to decide again between Ultegra and DA...
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06-03-07, 04:22 AM
#5
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Gruppo - Dura Ace everything- except the chain and crankset... FSA K-Force Light for the cranks and a SRAM pc991 hollowpin chain (missing-link easy on/off is invaluable)
Headset - Standard, correct? One choice there- Chris King NoThreadSet
Spacers - Whatever... keep the carbon thing going, I guess
Seat - Veeery personal. Since you asked though- I like Specialized Toupes... Selle Italia SLK's are nice, although if I was in the market I'd probably try the SLC Kit Carbonio... or that SLR Kit Carbonio Flow...
Tires - I'm a Vredestein man. I think they make the best riding clinchers, hands down... can't beat that 145 psi. Go with what I ride... Fortezza TriComps for training, Fortezza SL's for race days if you're not on tubulars.
Tape - RavX Stitch tape. Or if you can't find that, it's better known as Stella Azzurra Eleganza (same company, same tape).
Stem - I know you didn't request opinions here, but that ea50 isn't in the same league with the rest of your setup. If you want to keep the all-Easton thing rolling, go higher-end there... or if you'll venture into other brands, then I can't say enough good things about the Ritchey WCS 4-Axis...
Headset - Standard, correct? One choice there- Chris King NoThreadSet
Spacers - Whatever... keep the carbon thing going, I guess
Seat - Veeery personal. Since you asked though- I like Specialized Toupes... Selle Italia SLK's are nice, although if I was in the market I'd probably try the SLC Kit Carbonio... or that SLR Kit Carbonio Flow...
Tires - I'm a Vredestein man. I think they make the best riding clinchers, hands down... can't beat that 145 psi. Go with what I ride... Fortezza TriComps for training, Fortezza SL's for race days if you're not on tubulars.
Tape - RavX Stitch tape. Or if you can't find that, it's better known as Stella Azzurra Eleganza (same company, same tape).
Stem - I know you didn't request opinions here, but that ea50 isn't in the same league with the rest of your setup. If you want to keep the all-Easton thing rolling, go higher-end there... or if you'll venture into other brands, then I can't say enough good things about the Ritchey WCS 4-Axis...
Last edited by VT to CA; 06-03-07 at 04:28 AM.
06-03-07, 04:47 AM
#6
Have bike. Will travel.
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add drool
06-03-07, 04:58 AM
#7
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Easton EC90 bars have a shallow reach, IMO.
If you were to go for Thompson seatpost, you could gain on the stem length.
If you were to go for Thompson seatpost, you could gain on the stem length.
06-03-07, 05:09 AM
#8
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I may have seen your frame the last time I was at Excel.
I have the same handlebars, fork, and seatpost on my Lynskey.
You'll need to get a compression plug for the fork. The Beartrap device is an eyesore on top of not working very well. You can call Easton and they'll send you a compression plug. Or get an FSA one (Profile and Reynolds don't fit).
In my frame, the seatpost required more torque than usual to keep it from slipping. It also got scratched very easily. It's my first and probably last carbon fiber seatpost.
I made the mistake of getting a Cane Creek headset after always having Chris Kings on my bikes. After a few weeks, a knock developed that I couldn't adjust out. The CC headset cups were very difficult to remove. I had to bang away at them for 2 hours even with the proper tools. I've never had that much difficulty removing headset cups.
As for spacers, carbon fiber ones have never lined up flush with each other. I haven't had this problem with Al spacers. The solution is to just use one big spacer.
I have the same handlebars, fork, and seatpost on my Lynskey.
You'll need to get a compression plug for the fork. The Beartrap device is an eyesore on top of not working very well. You can call Easton and they'll send you a compression plug. Or get an FSA one (Profile and Reynolds don't fit).
In my frame, the seatpost required more torque than usual to keep it from slipping. It also got scratched very easily. It's my first and probably last carbon fiber seatpost.
I made the mistake of getting a Cane Creek headset after always having Chris Kings on my bikes. After a few weeks, a knock developed that I couldn't adjust out. The CC headset cups were very difficult to remove. I had to bang away at them for 2 hours even with the proper tools. I've never had that much difficulty removing headset cups.
As for spacers, carbon fiber ones have never lined up flush with each other. I haven't had this problem with Al spacers. The solution is to just use one big spacer.
06-03-07, 10:35 AM
#10
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Here's what I did:
Merlin CR 6/4 Works (same sale at Excel)
EC70 stem
EC90 seat post
EC90 Equipe Pro bars (they are non-ergo)
EC90 SLX fork
Easton Orion II wheels
Zero gravity SS brakes
DA 10
Oh - and Shimano Flight Deck
Merlin CR 6/4 Works (same sale at Excel)
EC70 stem
EC90 seat post
EC90 Equipe Pro bars (they are non-ergo)
EC90 SLX fork
Easton Orion II wheels
Zero gravity SS brakes
DA 10
Oh - and Shimano Flight Deck
Last edited by Markedoc; 06-03-07 at 11:16 AM.
06-03-07, 10:44 AM
#11
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Originally Posted by unbelievably
Easton EC90 bars have a shallow reach, IMO.
If you were to go for Thompson seatpost, you could gain on the stem length.
If you were to go for Thompson seatpost, you could gain on the stem length.
Regarding the crank, stay with Shimano. Shifting is flawless and crank arms don't fall off like FSA.
06-03-07, 01:46 PM
#12
another cat...FAB!
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Originally Posted by VT to CA
Gruppo - Dura Ace everything- except the chain and crankset... FSA K-Force Light for the cranks and a SRAM pc991 hollowpin chain (missing-link easy on/off is invaluable)
Headset - Standard, correct? One choice there- Chris King NoThreadSet
Spacers - Whatever... keep the carbon thing going, I guess
Seat - Veeery personal. Since you asked though- I like Specialized Toupes... Selle Italia SLK's are nice, although if I was in the market I'd probably try the SLC Kit Carbonio... or that SLR Kit Carbonio Flow...
Tires - I'm a Vredestein man. I think they make the best riding clinchers, hands down... can't beat that 145 psi. Go with what I ride... Fortezza TriComps for training, Fortezza SL's for race days if you're not on tubulars.
Tape - RavX Stitch tape. Or if you can't find that, it's better known as Stella Azzurra Eleganza (same company, same tape).
Stem - I know you didn't request opinions here, but that ea50 isn't in the same league with the rest of your setup. If you want to keep the all-Easton thing rolling, go higher-end there... or if you'll venture into other brands, then I can't say enough good things about the Ritchey WCS 4-Axis...
Headset - Standard, correct? One choice there- Chris King NoThreadSet
Spacers - Whatever... keep the carbon thing going, I guess
Seat - Veeery personal. Since you asked though- I like Specialized Toupes... Selle Italia SLK's are nice, although if I was in the market I'd probably try the SLC Kit Carbonio... or that SLR Kit Carbonio Flow...
Tires - I'm a Vredestein man. I think they make the best riding clinchers, hands down... can't beat that 145 psi. Go with what I ride... Fortezza TriComps for training, Fortezza SL's for race days if you're not on tubulars.
Tape - RavX Stitch tape. Or if you can't find that, it's better known as Stella Azzurra Eleganza (same company, same tape).
Stem - I know you didn't request opinions here, but that ea50 isn't in the same league with the rest of your setup. If you want to keep the all-Easton thing rolling, go higher-end there... or if you'll venture into other brands, then I can't say enough good things about the Ritchey WCS 4-Axis...
Originally Posted by Squint
I may have seen your frame the last time I was at Excel.
I have the same handlebars, fork, and seatpost on my Lynskey.
You'll need to get a compression plug for the fork. The Beartrap device is an eyesore on top of not working very well. You can call Easton and they'll send you a compression plug. Or get an FSA one (Profile and Reynolds don't fit).
In my frame, the seatpost required more torque than usual to keep it from slipping. It also got scratched very easily. It's my first and probably last carbon fiber seatpost.
I made the mistake of getting a Cane Creek headset after always having Chris Kings on my bikes. After a few weeks, a knock developed that I couldn't adjust out. The CC headset cups were very difficult to remove. I had to bang away at them for 2 hours even with the proper tools. I've never had that much difficulty removing headset cups.
As for spacers, carbon fiber ones have never lined up flush with each other. I haven't had this problem with Al spacers. The solution is to just use one big spacer.
I have the same handlebars, fork, and seatpost on my Lynskey.
You'll need to get a compression plug for the fork. The Beartrap device is an eyesore on top of not working very well. You can call Easton and they'll send you a compression plug. Or get an FSA one (Profile and Reynolds don't fit).
In my frame, the seatpost required more torque than usual to keep it from slipping. It also got scratched very easily. It's my first and probably last carbon fiber seatpost.
I made the mistake of getting a Cane Creek headset after always having Chris Kings on my bikes. After a few weeks, a knock developed that I couldn't adjust out. The CC headset cups were very difficult to remove. I had to bang away at them for 2 hours even with the proper tools. I've never had that much difficulty removing headset cups.
As for spacers, carbon fiber ones have never lined up flush with each other. I haven't had this problem with Al spacers. The solution is to just use one big spacer.
Originally Posted by w0lffian
I think your build is the perfect canadate for the new Ultegra sl, little lighter than the original, and it would look hot against the ti
Originally Posted by Markedoc
Here's what I did:
Merlin CR 6/4 Works (same sale at Excel)
EC70 stem
EC90 seat post
EC90 Equipe Pro bars (they are non-ergo)
EC90 SLX fork
Easton Orion II wheels
Zero gravity SS brakes
DA 10
Oh - and Shimano Flight Deck
Merlin CR 6/4 Works (same sale at Excel)
EC70 stem
EC90 seat post
EC90 Equipe Pro bars (they are non-ergo)
EC90 SLX fork
Easton Orion II wheels
Zero gravity SS brakes
DA 10
Oh - and Shimano Flight Deck
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Change the course of the Epidemic | The Merlin | Merlin XLM | Bianchi Ti | CyclePeople
Don't take it off until there's a cure LIVESTRONG | pay it forward | Cats | NEW Gallery
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06-03-07, 02:45 PM
#13
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I like that frame... but the decals on the seat tube and the seat stays are a little overkill.
looking forward to some completed pics.
looking forward to some completed pics.
06-03-07, 02:45 PM
#14
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Looks magical. 
06-03-07, 06:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Nessism
Never adjust reach to the bars via saddle position. Saddle position is set relative to the bottom bracket. Reach is set up after establishing proper saddle position.
06-03-07, 07:03 PM
#16
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Originally Posted by Squint
In my frame, the seatpost required more torque than usual to keep it from slipping. It also got scratched very easily. It's my first and probably last carbon fiber seatpost.
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"I am a courageous cyclist." (SpongeDad)
06-03-07, 07:43 PM
#17
base training heretic
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Originally Posted by SpongeDad
Had same problem with my EC70 seatpost in my Merlin. Maybe it's just this post. I can't believe everyone else puts up with this.
06-03-07, 09:05 PM
#18
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Gruppo- Campy
Headset- Something Black
Spacers- Something Black (carbon)
Seat- Something Black. Whatever feels good on your bum.
Tires- Something black.
Tape- Again, something black.
You got all those nice lightweight carbon bits, and then an alloy stem?
There's something wrong with you.
btw, beautiful frame.
Headset- Something Black
Spacers- Something Black (carbon)
Seat- Something Black. Whatever feels good on your bum.
Tires- Something black.
Tape- Again, something black.
You got all those nice lightweight carbon bits, and then an alloy stem?
There's something wrong with you.
btw, beautiful frame.
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06-04-07, 01:01 AM
#19
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Originally Posted by Patriot
You got all those nice lightweight carbon bits, and then an alloy stem?
06-04-07, 03:59 AM
#20
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Originally Posted by Squint
In my frame, the seatpost required more torque than usual to keep it from slipping. It also got scratched very easily. It's my first and probably last carbon fiber seatpost.
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...MODE=&TFC=TRUE
06-11-07, 01:09 PM
#21
another cat...FAB!
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Update: I had ordered a EA70, not a EA50; I really don't see any reason to get a carbon stem, unless you folks tell me otherwise. I think a EA70 will work with the EC90 bars.
I really would like to keep the parts interchangeable with the other build, so I'm leaning toward Ultegra, unless Ultegra SL comes out soon. Any updates on it?
I tried out and like this crazy saddle:
I really would like to keep the parts interchangeable with the other build, so I'm leaning toward Ultegra, unless Ultegra SL comes out soon. Any updates on it?
I tried out and like this crazy saddle:
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06-11-07, 03:18 PM
#22
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Originally Posted by Markedoc
06-11-07, 05:13 PM
#23
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Originally Posted by Squint
It might be due to the non-round shape (the fore and aft relief areas) designed to resist crushing. Instead, we have to use more torque to keep the post from slipping which increases the risk of crushing the post...
09-04-07, 09:59 PM
#24
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Steve..
u need to get Velo Plugs.. there great for the weight weenie...an easy to install pops right in
u need to get Velo Plugs.. there great for the weight weenie...an easy to install pops right in