2003 Merlin Solis Restoration Thread
 

2003 is C&V, right?:innocent:

Here's the story behind how I got this bike... I got her for free, in an exchange for my computer aid services. It was sitting in my high school's college counselor's basement. I went over to her house to help her husband with his computer one day, and after telling him that I am into cycling, he asked if I want to take a look at some bikes he had in his basement. I said sure, not expecting for a Titanium bike being sitting in disuse. There was also an aluminum bike (can't remember manufacturer) with 105 5500 on it. He had me take the Merlin home and test ride it before I made a decision on whether or not I would keep it. This happened about 5 weeks ago. Last week, I asked my college counselor if her husband decided he wanted to sell me the bike or give it to me, and she told me that they decided it would be an exchange of services. I'm perfectly happy giving up my time for such a great bike!

She rides beautifully. The only thing I don't really like is the flexible bb area of the frame, but I can deal with that. The finish on the Ti is a little messed up, so I plan on stripping the frame of all its components, stripping the decals, and refinishing it with scotchbrite pads. Then I'll put on reproduction decals, but I may go for a newer style.

Any advice on fixing the scratches in the clearcoat on the cf seatstays? I'm thinking some sort of automotive headlight rubbing compound..?

Here's what she looks like!
http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/x...psc04becfd.jpg

The decals are decent, but I'd prefer them to be better.
http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/x...sbb858ddc.jpeg

http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/x...ps3cc63199.jpg

http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/x...s298db3f2.jpeg

The reproduction decals I'm looking at come in two styles...
Original to my bike...
http://www.bikesdecals.com/images/Me...kers%20set.jpg

And a newer style (which I find to be way more aesthetically pleasing).
http://www.bikesdecals.com/images/Me...S%20DECALS.jpg

I'll continually update this thread as my efforts progress. I'd like to know what you guys think!

Just put in an email to Merlin to see if I can get genuine decals. I'll call them if required.

If I can get them free or cheap through Merlin, that'd be great. If not, I'll probably go with the "Merlin TR 6/4" decals pictured above.

2003 is not vintage.

Your bicycle is not female.

Replacing decals is not "restoration".

That is all. :p

So this should go in Bicycle Mechanics? I wasn't sure whether to post here or there, but I chose here. How would you know my bike isn't female? It doesn't have any dangly bits... And I don't ride males. So yes, it's female.

You can ignore me. I'm just having a bit of fun.

Just remember to wear protection, unless you're planning on marrying the thing. :lol:

You get a free Ti bike and you want free advice?

BB not stiff enough? On a 2003 Merlin?
You're obviously riding newer and more modern bikes.
C&V definitely isn't for you. I smell Road Forumite.
Here, we're into smooooooooooooooooooooooooooth.

A CF fork can be sanded and clear coated with DupliColor spray clear.

AutoZone, etc sells Duplicolor touchup for clear coat, also.
It can be applied and then rubbed down with compound and waxed.

Craft stores sell white paint pens in fine and extra fine point.
Then can carefully be used to "touch up" decals.
Sometimes, you need to take an Exacto knife and trim wrinkled decal away.

Craft stores sell black paint pens in extra fine point.
They can be used to carefully touch up that decal outline.

If you need to replace them all, get a hand hair dryer.
Heat them up, peel with a fingernail or an old driver's license, etc.
Use Mineral spirits to clean up residue.
As far as scratches in the Ti, if it's not cleared, you can leave it or sand lightly.
Ti's oxidation heals the scratch, anyway, so it would just be a cosmetic difference.

That''ll be $350.00, you lucky bastid.

Lucky dog :) Very nice bicycle, not sure if C&V, but very nice anyway. The newer decals look rather tacky to me.

And bikes are its. Not he, not she, just it.

True, but they can still be sexy!

... and therefore, their gender is inline with your persuasion!

There are Merlin decals on eBay and Tom Kellogg @ Spectrum has them available (or did when I inquired in 2010). Merlin has been out of production for a bit (and the brand has been sold a few times since its founding)...I've heard the brand is being revived again, but I don't know if they'll have past decals.

Personally I'd take the decals off and ride it bare...or put decals from a different brand on it.

I got an email back from merlin saying that they bought the name a few years ago and don't have access to any older decal sets. I responded asking if they could get me newer ones. I'll keep you guys updated.

Like??? IDK....errr...maybe Huffy or something!

Got an email back and they have nothing. They referred me to litespeed for Merlin decals. :wtf:

Maybe ;)

Alpha - I told you how to proceed - talk to Tom Kellogg @ Spectrum. There are also several sets available on eBay, but not sure if they have your model.

He referred you to Litespeed because ABG bought both Litespeed and Merlin. They sold Merlin a few years back. I doubt ABG/Litespeed will assist - talk to Tom.

I just spoke with Tom Kellogg on the phone and he was not willing to sell me decals. He said they're a frame refinishing company and won't just sell decals.

Weird - he sold them to me a bit ago. Maybe because mine were from a period of time where he was involved with Merlin whereas yours is later. Another option is to talk to this guy: http://www.velocals.com/servlet/StoreFront

He can make them for you and he does fine work, albeit slowly.

But they're so expensive! I'm not willing to pay more than $30 for them.

I paid more than $30 as I recall.

Another option is to have fun with it...for example:

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/a...d/photo-48.jpg

I just put in the order for the newer style of Merlin decals I pictured in the original post. Well that's $40.49 out the window.

Dude...you got a 2003 Merlin for free. Please tell me you're not whining or expecting sympathy! :lol:

I'm not.. I'm just expressing discontent towards the fact that I put in an order to ****ing Uruguay and it'll take 3-4 weeks to arrive

2003 is not C&V yet, but I'm sure the knowledge base from members in this forum will gladly help you with your restoration questions.
Why not try to barter your computer aid services to fellow college students that might be taking commercial graphics arts who might be interested in also taking on your decal project as part of their school portfolio? Maybe, the fellow student might just charge you for just the material costs. You can put up a notice on bulletin boards or in your school of fine arts building or in Campus intranets and you might get a number of replies to pick from. You should mention in your ad that the person has to have access to decal making/printing.
Just a suggestion to get around the high cost for new decals.

Chombi

I'm in high school.

High schoolers with Merlins - gosh the world has changed.
Treat it well. Congrats on the good deal & computer skills.
BTW - you don't have a flexy BB, it's called "lively". The "rebound" keeps you fresh on longer rides. That's the "truth".

Sorry about that. Your mention of "college counselor" in your post kinda confused me, I guess....
Well then maybe you can hunt down a fellow high school student that can help you similarly......or wait to put on the graphics when you get to college which might be soon enough? Much more resources to do that there compared to Highschool ....but remember keep the bike at home as most college/university campuses tend to immediately eat up nice bikes like that the first time you park and lock it on campus.....

Chombi