thegruyere

I have a '90 Merlin Titanium road bike and I'm thinking of replacing the original 30+ year Sakae fork and current aluminum stem.

​​​​​​Would you replace the Aluminum fork for safety because of its age, even if there is no visible signs of fatigue?

Any recommendations for a stem and a fork that will keep the vintage look of the bike? Current stem doesn't go well with the bike.

brian3069

It's screaming for a Dura Ace stem.

abdon 

I used to own a Merlin and I miss it

You could not do wrong with a Thomson elite stem in polished aluminum finish.

markwesti

My vote , all carbon fiber .

LesterOfPuppets

I'd probably go with a carbon fork myself.

Columbus Minimal full carbon for about $275

or Ritchey Comp (Alu steerer, carbon legs) for about $240

You'll need a threadless 1" headset also.

pnwgopher

Ouzo pro with a CK threadless headset and you're all set.

GrayJay

I would not have any concern that the aluminum fork would be prone to a sudden failure simply due to its age. I would be more worried if it was known to have massively high miles of hard riding or had been involved in collision. From the pictures, it looks pretty well cared for but a more detailed inspection is probably in order to make that determination. Back in the day, a merlin like this was often paired with a kestrel or time CF fork. A "mtb style" welded tubular steel or ti stem would go well with the raw aesthetics of the merlin frame. If you don't anticipate need for further handlebar height adjustment, going to a threadless aheadset, fork & stem would save a few grams over quill stem.

nlerner

I assume that’s a 1” threaded fork? If so, new replacements are getting hard to come by. I ran my Merlin with a carbon fork, but that’s not a very C&V aesthetic. I also don’t think your alu fork is at risk of fatigue failure unless there’s been a recall or the like. Many dislike the harsher ride of alu forks, but others seem perfectly happy. Or you can have Waltly in China build you one out of Ti: https://www.alibaba.com/product-deta...432718885.html

LesterOfPuppets

I don't think they'll do 1" steerer with a recessed nut brake bolt hole though, unless they have those posted elswhere.

nlerner

They don’t show that on site, but they are a custom fabricator, so might be worth a try—for a price.

smd4

Make that two votes.

thinktubes 

Quill or Threadless stem?

thegruyere

The current stem is a threadless stem on a quill adapter.

thegruyere

nlerner any previous experience with waltly?

nlerner

Had them make a frame for me a bit over three years ago:

thegruyere

Very nice!
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thegruyere

I put a dura ace stem for now until I find a nice Ti or Carbon fork and stem.

smd4

Nice Ti or carbon stem?? There isn't such a thing.

Keep the DA. The nicest quill stem ever made.