Originally Posted by
KonAaron Snake
What's funny is that I recently passed up a Merlin at your budget because I have one. They really are exceptional bikes...it's nice to see someone as knowledgeable as nlerner...and GMG...concur. I have been disappointed with the other ti roadies I've ridden - but my Merlin sings. The Merlin isn't the lightest ti I've had (the main difference being build, not frame), but it's the most comfortable and the best handling.
Mine is nothing much to look at, but its beauty comes when it's being ridden.
I am planning on converting it over to campy 10 soon - with a cook bros. crank. Honestly - I am shocked that these aren't more desirable given how desired they were at the time and how well they hold up.
I'm pretty sure why these bikes ride so well is who designed them. Tom Kellogg is VERY well respected designer, fitter, and bike builder and painter. He is also pretty darn quick riding a bike as well. I sold my Merlin when I broke my back and it looked as if I would never ride again. I recovered and could not find the Merlin I wanted, so after looking at all the new Ti bikes being built. I called TK and had him build a Spectrum for me. VERY GLAD I DID!