Is it normal to have to chase the threads on a new frame? Mine is a Merlin CR ti. I haven't tried threading either side yet, bike isn't even with me at the moment.

Depends on the maker, surely. I'm away to order a new frame from Thorn, and specifically asked about this among other things. They assured me that the frame is ready to fit the BB and headset. All chased, faced and everything ready to be assembled.

Tony S

A good quality frame should be properly threaded and faced by the manufacturer. A Merlin is certainly expensive enough that this is to be expected. I've built up two Litespeeds (same owners as Merlin) in the past two years and both were threaded cleanly and faced accurately.

I'm sure the threading will be ok but the facing will have to be confirmed. If you are going to install an external bearing bottom bracket you will get immediate feedback as to whether the facing is accurate when you slide in the crank spindle. If the facing is good, the spindle will line up perfectly with both bearing bores. If it's isn't, the spindle will have to be forced through the nds bearing. If that happens, have the shell faced.