1996 Merlin Extralight Value
12-06-09, 10:35 PM
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1996 Merlin Extralight Value
I have a line on a 1996 Merlin Extralight, full Dura-Ace. They are asking $975. I haven't taken a look at it yet, but given that there are no major issues with it, what would be a fair offer? Are there any known issues with 1996 Extralights?
12-07-09, 06:39 AM
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Merlins last forever. Subaru Montgomery (eventually USPS etc) rode the same frames for 3 years, unlike most teams that would go through 2-3-4 frames a year.
Geometry from that era was pretty standard compared to today, so unless it was a custom Extralight, it should be fine too. I think the frames were just a touch less "racy".
You can refinish the frames with Scotchbrite and decals, or send it to Merlin (wait, are they still around?) to get it refinished. Since they can take that time to do whatever you want, you can get "braze-ons" installed. You can even get different tubes put in place. A friend had his frame refinished, the old press BB shell replaced with a threaded one (a 96 EL should have a threaded BB), and the downtube replaced with a wider, lighter, stiffer one.
So, yeah, the frames are good for a long, long time.
cdr
Geometry from that era was pretty standard compared to today, so unless it was a custom Extralight, it should be fine too. I think the frames were just a touch less "racy".
You can refinish the frames with Scotchbrite and decals, or send it to Merlin (wait, are they still around?) to get it refinished. Since they can take that time to do whatever you want, you can get "braze-ons" installed. You can even get different tubes put in place. A friend had his frame refinished, the old press BB shell replaced with a threaded one (a 96 EL should have a threaded BB), and the downtube replaced with a wider, lighter, stiffer one.
So, yeah, the frames are good for a long, long time.
cdr
12-07-09, 10:37 AM
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I have a 1998 Merlin Extralight, which was my main ride for 9 years. It still gets occassional use, and is as good as new.
I also had a 1996 Merlin Extralight that was stolen in 1998.
I don't believe the 96 had the beefier chainstays that the new Extralights have, which might make it a tad less stiff. Also they've redsigned the seat collar, but I don't think that should make any practical difference.
In all likelyhood you should get years of great riding out of it. Depending on what wheels, it has, and what kind of shape the components are in , $975 may not be too far off the mark for the bike.
I would consider paying $500-$750 just for the frame, if its in good shape. Of course I'm biased.
I also had a 1996 Merlin Extralight that was stolen in 1998.
I don't believe the 96 had the beefier chainstays that the new Extralights have, which might make it a tad less stiff. Also they've redsigned the seat collar, but I don't think that should make any practical difference.
In all likelyhood you should get years of great riding out of it. Depending on what wheels, it has, and what kind of shape the components are in , $975 may not be too far off the mark for the bike.
I would consider paying $500-$750 just for the frame, if its in good shape. Of course I'm biased.
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12-07-09, 10:39 AM
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And, yes, I agree that they are a "forever" bike.
Bob
12-09-09, 04:08 AM
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12-09-09, 04:18 AM
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Yeah, but that's because of the awesome power you generate out of those cast iron quads, Pcaddy.....NO bike on earth can withstand that sort of stress!!
12-09-09, 04:27 AM
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12-09-09, 06:26 AM
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When ABG bought Merlin, I believe their manufacturing facilities were moved from Mass to Tenn.
I got a more recent Extralight frame with slight use for $750. Which in my opinion is a fantastic deal. So considering the 96 is fully built up w/ dura ace nonetheless, that price doesn't seem bad at all, provided the bike isn't beat up real bad.
12-09-09, 07:58 AM
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Extralights of that vintage have been showing up with cracks where the tubes are welded to the bottom bracket. Look it over very closely in that area.
duke
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12-09-09, 10:58 PM
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12-09-09, 11:05 PM
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I've met two riders locally who have cracked Merlins at the bottom bracket. One is a rider who I know, the other was someone who I just met during a rest stop at a local convenience store. I wouldn't say that the problem was particular to the 1996 model year, but I would second the vote for inspecting the BB area closely.
Of course every manufacturer has bikes that break. When you crank out enough of them, the odds will catch up sooner or later. The examples I mentioned above would not prevent me from considering a Merlin in the future.
Of course every manufacturer has bikes that break. When you crank out enough of them, the odds will catch up sooner or later. The examples I mentioned above would not prevent me from considering a Merlin in the future.
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12-10-09, 01:42 AM
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12-10-09, 03:43 AM
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12-10-09, 05:55 AM
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Merlins are excellent, but like any used bike you should inspect it carefully.
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