Merlin Titanium - my dream bike
 

Been a member a bit but have yet to post. Picked up this beauty today (thanks craigs list). This is how it came, I will take more photos once I tweak it a bit (not much though). I promise my next photo(s) will be in front of my saarinen dining table! These are the best photos I could take for now - but I don't feel they do this thing justice.

Have enjoyed reading the posts here and looking at everyones bikes -

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...n/100_1840.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...n/100_1835.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...n/100_1831.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...n/100_1843.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3.../corbusier.jpg

Nice looking ride, though I would have preferred a black fork.

I like it. Ti is perfect.

May I ask what such a bike set you back?

I'm curious, too. Not too many Merlins on Craigs around here. Congrats!

Nice bike but that is an awesome chair, seriously!

Very nice find, just scuff down that red fork to the carbon, reclear and replace the tires. Bt leave it if you don't care.

As a sidenote; I've seen three titanium bikes lately that all have those turquoise Michelin's, what's the dealio? Is there soem trend with that?

Nice bike, but I have to say the fork doesn't quite do it aesthetically.

If you upgraded to a threadless setup with a fork with a CF steerer tube, you'd end up about a pound lighter.

It will cost a few dollars, but I did it to my Merlin, and I think its worth the money, particularly considering that its a frame you can use for a long long time.

Thanks for the replys

There were no photos on the posting so I took a leap driving out to see it - the red fork is bold to say the least and I don't know were I stand on it. As for the teal/greenish color of the wheels I did not know that was a popular option with titanium frames and I don't know if the color with the red fork would be my first choice.

Personally I have always liked the straight blade carbon forks and would pick one in black - when it comes time to upgrade.

merlinextraligh - thanks for the tip - I was a bit worried about the steerer tube diameter if and when I wanted to change my fork / stem/ etc etc and it is good to know I can make the conversion to threadless and save some weight should I choose.

As for the price - well before I embarass myself (or possibly bring on cheers) - it is a 1996 vintage with campy record gruppo including wheels (assuming the components are from 96/97 as well) . It might not be obvious in the photos but the frame is in pristine condition - what do you think a bike such as this would sell for - this was definitely not a $300 steal but I think I nonetheless got a good deal. Can't wait for the rain to clear up!

Add some titanium King Cage waterbottle cages and a black carbon fiber fork and you'll be stylin'.

Yep, nice Herman Miller chair.

Very nice bike. I have the 9 speed record group and it was from 97 I think (give or take a year). I don't have the seatpost though. It shifts and works just as good as new, new springs in the shifters and new rubber hoods are all I have ever done to it.

Fantastic looking bike. Red fork? not sure. But yes if you change it you could get a 1 inch threadless fork and headset and a threadless stem, it will make it "look" modern. The tires will wear out and you'll change them one day anyway.

I think it has a timeless look and as long as you are happy with the price, that is all that matters.

That used bike is definitely worth the hassle. Who finds such things on CL? The red fork is ugly, but I think it gives the bike character. You should keep it. Same goes for the quill stem.

I almost laughed out loud because I just ditched my old ti flite the other day. Same exact saddle except mine was white. It'll last you 10+ years.

You seem to be a man of good taste for sure.
Is the Eames authentic?

And with any luck your Merlin won't crack in two places once you get about 40K miles on it (if that day ever comes). And the company won't tell you that 'we can't honor the warranty you're not the original owner'.

I left my broken Merlin frame out with the trash in 1997. It was mushy anyway. Moreso than my 1995 Ibis Titanium Road. The Ibis is still on the road. But take heart: Ti frames can fail, but it's pretty rare.

My cannondale r1000 lasted maybe 8k. They gave me the same line even though I bought directly from them via a shop form!

Beautiful bike. I have not ridden a Titanium frame but I wish I would have considered it for my last bike.

I have a steel Serotta Fierte that I like very much but I am tired of having to worry about paint scratches. My last frame will be a titanium Serotta, Roark, Seven, Merlin, Moots, or custom, etc. I guess that I will have to decide what type of finish. But I like the idea of being able to smooth out scratches and not having to ever worry about rust.

Pretty sure that's an Eames, or at least an Eames replica. I have one of the copies... fantastic, comfortable.

Bike looks nice too :)

Nice.

I have a circa '94 Merlin Mountain that I was riding regularly until last fall (Asylum OCD brought me into the 21st century). I think every component has been replaced 3X. It sits in the basement, waiting for replacement grouppo #4.

I met a guy on the trail who paid $400 for a well set up late '90s Merlin XLM recently. Some people have all the luck. :)

Pasqually: I really like the group - I wish I could have provided more details - it is very "classic" to me and I don't plan on upgrading any time soon. - I agree with the timeless look - when I saw a merlin for sale I became interested and the previous owner really knew how to put it together IMO.

v1k1ng1001: I really like the quill stem as well - a nitto - a great looking quill - which will make the wait easier if and when I decide to upgrade the stem/fork.

dekindy: besides its perks regarding ride and weight - I was doubly interested in a titanium frame because of the qualities you speak of - no paint to chip, no corrosion to worry about, if I scratch it up I can buff it out if I so choose. that piece of mind adds to my overall enjoyment when riding (if that gives you an idea of my personality type)


The chair is an authentic Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller 670/671 lounge and ottoman in a rosewood veneer - beautiful chair that my parents gave me for graduation this spring - they found it for $270 dollars at a consigment store!! Before I got the cycling bug I spent most of my free time studying and collecting mid-century modern furniture - my 'escape' from my future career as an auditor. Like I said I will post a photo of the bike in front of an eero saarinen table I have - waiting in the mail for some nitto R water bottle cages!!

Thanks for all the replies.

Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain. He has a cronically bad back which keeps him irritable and grouchy . . . cynical in short.

Nice bike . . . GO MERLIN!!!

He's right, that chair is awesome.
And yea, the bike is great!
(I'm biased, I own two Merlins).