Love the links...but a few things hit me:

1. My Merlin Ti is a 91' and has butted ti tubing. I'm not sure if his claim there is valid.
2. I THINK the earlier Colorado they talked about was OS, but they didn't mention it being shaped. I think that's where we're getting confused.

I also don't think it matters...I can't wait to try it and see how it rides. Particularly curious about the chain stay design.