Merlin sizing question
 

Hello everyone, I'm thinking about upgrading to a merlin titanium bike. (one of their new merlinworks ones) I currently ride a trek 58cm 2100 triple which was a good starter bike, nevertheless I've built up my fitness and saved some money in order to invest in a titanium bike build project.

What I need to know, regarding the compact frame, is what the correct size would be. I'm 6ft tall.
http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?p...ajor=1&minor=1
Should I go with what ever matches closest with my trek 2100 specs? http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike...id=1444000&f=3 Also, is compact geometry for me? I live in an area with a lot of hills with steep grades and prefer stiffness. I just don't want to sacrifice too much comfort, since the roads here in seattle are bumpy in a lot of random places.

Or if I wanted to go with traditional geometry, what size should I get if they do not sell a 58cm? Would a 57cm or 59 cm differ? http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?p...ajor=1&minor=1

I'm pretty sure I'll love this frame since I've test road a Merlin Extralite already, I just want to get the size closest to the bike I have now. If anyone needs me to take more measurements, i'll pull out a tape measure and do so. Thanks for the help!

I would do two things. It appears that you might be purchasing from Excel. If so give them a call and explain the situation and see what they recommend. You can also call Merlin. Number is 888-5merlin. They actually answer the phone and actually provide good information. I would have those measurements handy before you call.

So you're 6 feet tall. What does that tell anybody? Someone would need many more body measurements, what type of riding you do, and type of profile on a bike you want before anyone could tell you anything.

Try a fit using the wrenchscience.com program and then head on over to your local Merlin dealer with your measurements and run thru their FIT machine. I would suggest buying the frame from them as they will be doing the fitting work.

You are spending a lot of money so get the fit right. I also suggest buying your bike from a local dealer unless you live really too far to make it practical. Even then, I might consider taking a long weekend or a mini-vacation and drive to a dealer. Taking measurements gets you close but there's nothing like an experienced fitter to get it exact. Plus they can see you on a trainer and offer suggestions that a long distance source can't.

Now that you have narrowed down your choices be really sure that the bike fits. The shops are typically interested in the measurements to get you fitted correctly are your inseam (not your pants size) and your torso length or your sternal notch. In most cases though people prefer the sternal notch measurement (barefoot or in cycling socks from the floor to the point where the sternum ends just below the adam's apple) as that is measurement that is more difficult to get wrong versus torso length. Have you checked out our website for the closest local dealer to you?
www.merlinbike.com
On that compact versus traditional geometry question as in CR 3/2.5 Works versus TR 3/2.5 Works, that is really a personal choice question. If you are truly open minded about this, we set up the sizing as such where the compact frame sizes fall inbetween the traditional sizes in terms of toptube length. That basically gives consumers more sizing options.
Cheers,
Herbert

Merlin

FWIW, I'm 6'1" and ride a 59 cm Extralight. I think I could make a 57 fit if I had to. If you're happy with the fit on your Trek, I'd work off those measurements, and see with which frame you can most easily duplicate that fit.

As for compact vs. traditional, I think it really is personal preference. My bias is that comapact was created to make things easier for manufacturers, not necessarily better performers for consumers, and I just like the look of a traditional frame.
By the way, have you thought about springing for the Extralight? this is a long term purchase, amortized over 10 years, the extra coin is no that much.