+1
Hot!!!

thanx!

there're a couple more changes on the mail...

needs black chainrings, otherwise HOT

No.

http://i.imgur.com/x6ZzE.jpg

the merlin definitely deserves a proper picture

i was under the assumption that it wasn't in stock form. But I guess it could.

Decent looking at least. In fact, that frame looks pretty sick. In terms of it being decent, OP, I would be curious to see how it compares to other bikes you've ridden, if you have any basis for comparion. If it performs as well as it looks their bikes deserve a look.

^its hot... and the best part is that it can look even hotter naked if you ever strip her down bare.

After the build was finished it weighed 16.1 with pedals, minus cages. Not sure on original bike weight as it was never assembled, but Ultegra is only marginally heavier than Force, and the stock Easton Aero wheels are surprisingly light. I can get a weight on those tonight vs the Elites. I also changed seatposts from stock aluminum EA70 for an EC70 post. (Picture has a temporary cannondale post).

First complete day with it was yesterday, and of course it was 90+ degrees out all day. Aside from the minor case of heat exhaustion i'm trying to recover from, the ride itself is fantastic. I'm coming off of a Giant Defy 1, which I still have as well. I must say the ride is very very smooth, and it feels super responsive. I'm a little shaky on handling, but I need to work out some kinks in the fit which will happen tonight. Overall I'm very pleased. Of course, SRAM Force parts working like a charm, a little less clunky than the Shimano 105 I was coming from.

Suhhhweeet! :thumb:

As a fellow Merlin owner, I very much approve! As a fellow Merlin owner with Campy Record 10 on it, even more so!

Those handlebars sure have a hell of a drop!

It seems I'm breaking so many rules... no garage door, water bottle in cage, bag under seat. Be kind.

http://dclubine.smugmug.com/Things/S...1000305-XL.jpg

are those decals removable? They are quite busy. White handlebar tape would be slick.

I don't know, haven't tried to peel them off. I kind of like them, though you're right, they are busy. White tape would look good, I'll keep that in mind if I wreck this tape or swap bars.

I agree, I kind of like them on that bike. Not a Trek fan per se, something about their head tubes I don't like, but I like the look (other than the head tube) of this bike. White bar tap and black cranks would look good.

I like the wheel decals. The white stem on top of the black stack of spacers looks weird, I would swap to a black stem and either red tape that matches the frame or white tape. Nice looking bike!

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=257685

Just washed her.
Also, for those that care, stem may drop in the near future.

Not

Not

Post a better pic without all the accessories and artsy stuff then we'll talk.

The newest steed in my stable...

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k1...O/8cce6353.jpg
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k1...O/d3ba382b.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k1...O/740d7158.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k1...O/48315a4f.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k1...O/7d0177bf.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k1...O/ae9f91f6.jpg

Made in Italy!

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k1...O/58d799bd.jpg

The Maestro’s signature!

Figured I'd post a pic while the bar tape was still fresh. :) I installed the Deda Newton shallow-drop bars and thought I'd try something different w/ the white tape. I also de-stickered the wheels because I wasn't a big fan of the massive white Campagnolo stickers that basically turned the black rims white. The frame lettering and bar tape is already enough white IMO. I'd really like to get some 303s on this thing, but that isn't happening any time soon.

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n...whitetape1.jpg

Hot is an understatement!!!