I think I found “THE ONE” for me – Merlin Extralight
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I think I found “THE ONE” for me – Merlin Extralight
Yup, it was that good! It is THE ONE. I never expected a Ti ride, but this popped up in the local classifieds for a very good price. Full Campy Record Ti group except it has Ksyrium rear wheel. They can be matched later, I’m still undecided whether to get a matching Ksyrium SL, or match the original Open Pro with Record hubs. Cinelli Grammo stem and AmClassic Ti seatpost.
Now, of course I have a question. One for now - can anybody tell me how Merlin’s Grease Guard BB look like? I read about it and my Xlight looks like it has press fit Campy Record BB. Can someone post a pic, please? Thanks in advance!
Now, of course I have a question. One for now - can anybody tell me how Merlin’s Grease Guard BB look like? I read about it and my Xlight looks like it has press fit Campy Record BB. Can someone post a pic, please? Thanks in advance!
Last edited by Bimdapogs; 05-22-13 at 07:56 PM.
#3
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Those bikes are sooooo nice!
I rode one for a long,long time!
When I wanted a custom frame, I went to Tom Kellogg @ Spectrum to build me one.
He designed the Merlin frames!
Enjoy the ride.
I rode one for a long,long time!
When I wanted a custom frame, I went to Tom Kellogg @ Spectrum to build me one.
He designed the Merlin frames!
Enjoy the ride.
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So, how light did the Extralight turn out to be??
Chombi
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Can you tell me the serial number on your Merlin? If you want to date it, the man to talk to is Tom kellogg at Spectrum Bikes. I have a 1991 Merlin (before the extra light model) and it was one of the first butted ti frames...for the time, this was THE "it" bike...it was the frame all serious riders aspired to and few could afford (about $3200 in 1990 dollars!!!). Merlin moved production to Tenn. in, I think, 1998 and some of the original founders jumped ship. Later on they were bought by Litespeed/ABG and were just recently sold off again earlier this year. The consensus is that the pre-98' bikes are the ones to own.
Mine has a press in grease guard BB shell, which is the only negative to the bike - it limits me on cranks, which further limits upgrading it. I'm currently running mostly 9sp DA with an 8sp tricolor crank. I'm not familiar with a campy grease guard BB - I know Phil Woods and Suntour made one. I am curious as to your BB because I don't recall Campy 9sp being a square cut crank - meaning it shouldn't work with a GG BB.
As far as ride quality - my Merlin was love at first pedal. I've put a fair bit of mileage on it in the past few years and it was my go to bike before the custom Marnati. Tom Kellogg designed the geometry on them, partially explaining their amazing ride quality. Ti pretty much never looks anything other than new...they aren't the prettiest bikes around, but damn they work well - and no more worries about paint or corrosion.
Mine has a press in grease guard BB shell, which is the only negative to the bike - it limits me on cranks, which further limits upgrading it. I'm currently running mostly 9sp DA with an 8sp tricolor crank. I'm not familiar with a campy grease guard BB - I know Phil Woods and Suntour made one. I am curious as to your BB because I don't recall Campy 9sp being a square cut crank - meaning it shouldn't work with a GG BB.
As far as ride quality - my Merlin was love at first pedal. I've put a fair bit of mileage on it in the past few years and it was my go to bike before the custom Marnati. Tom Kellogg designed the geometry on them, partially explaining their amazing ride quality. Ti pretty much never looks anything other than new...they aren't the prettiest bikes around, but damn they work well - and no more worries about paint or corrosion.
#6
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This one is by Rob Vandermark, according to a decal on the left chainstay. Still a nice ride! Thanks.
Last edited by Bimdapogs; 10-18-11 at 12:33 PM.
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Love the bike, love the group. Congrats, that's definitely a keeper.
My advice is Record hub laced to OP rim to match the front. I have silver Campy hubs laced to OPs on my ti bike and love the look, they ride well and they're bulletproof.
My advice is Record hub laced to OP rim to match the front. I have silver Campy hubs laced to OPs on my ti bike and love the look, they ride well and they're bulletproof.
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Rob Vandermark was one of the original founders, and you can't put too much stock in most Merlin decals because most/many riders removed them and tossed on decals from whenever later. You can still buy Merlin decals! I think that Merlin ALWAYS used TK geometry charts and he continued a relationship with them even after the ABG years.
The serial number on my bike is inside the drive side DO.
The serial number on my bike is inside the drive side DO.
Last edited by KonAaron Snake; 10-18-11 at 12:33 PM.
#10
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I think this is early-mid 90s. 15 years and older, right? Please let me post her here, this is the only part of BF where I post aside from the Mechanics section.
The Ksyrium does look "Eh" on the bike. I guess it will depend on what I stumble on first. I definitely don't like the decals on the Ksyrium, I plan to peel them off I ever go that route.
I'll confirm the serial number later tonight. I think it read XL891, but I'll confirm later. I'll also snap some pics of the BB/crank arms while I'm at it.
Rob Vandermark was one of the original founders, and you can't put too much stock in most Merlin decals because most/many riders removed them and tossed on decals from whenever later. You can still buy Merlin decals! I think that Merlin ALWAYS used TK geometry charts and he continued a relationship with them even after the ABG years.
The serial number on my bike is inside the drive side DO.
The serial number on my bike is inside the drive side DO.
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Hi,
I also have an early (1991 I believe, possibly 1992) Merlin Titanium. I actually have a question that I'd also like to throw into this discussion that I'm hoping Aaron or someone else can answer and that may help with the Merlin edit: Bimdapogs just picked up. My bottom bracket is pressed in like a Grease Guard BB, but the shell doesn't have the grease port that I've seen in photos of other early Merlins. Any ideas on whether this is a variation or another type of pressed BB?
I also have an early (1991 I believe, possibly 1992) Merlin Titanium. I actually have a question that I'd also like to throw into this discussion that I'm hoping Aaron or someone else can answer and that may help with the Merlin edit: Bimdapogs just picked up. My bottom bracket is pressed in like a Grease Guard BB, but the shell doesn't have the grease port that I've seen in photos of other early Merlins. Any ideas on whether this is a variation or another type of pressed BB?
Last edited by 5cagm; 10-18-11 at 02:43 PM.
#12
incazzare.
This is an American Merlin, yes? I don't think they make the British ones anymore, do they?
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#13
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Give Tom a call. He is one of the good guys and knows more about old merlins than anyone.
https://www.spectrum-cycles.com/
https://www.spectrum-cycles.com/
#14
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Hi,
I also have an early (1991 I believe, possibly 1992) Merlin Titanium. I actually have a question that I'd also like to throw into this discussion that I'm hoping Aaron or someone else can answer and that may help with the Merlin jr59 just picked up. My bottom bracket is pressed in like a Grease Guard BB, but the shell doesn't have the grease port that I've seen in photos of other early Merlins. Any ideas on whether this is a variation or another type of pressed BB?
I also have an early (1991 I believe, possibly 1992) Merlin Titanium. I actually have a question that I'd also like to throw into this discussion that I'm hoping Aaron or someone else can answer and that may help with the Merlin jr59 just picked up. My bottom bracket is pressed in like a Grease Guard BB, but the shell doesn't have the grease port that I've seen in photos of other early Merlins. Any ideas on whether this is a variation or another type of pressed BB?
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You are correct, in this area, there are TRUE BICYCLE LOVERS, that really appreciate fine bikes. That is why I hang out here...
Waiting to see a good picture of that beauty too...
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I haven't heard of an alternate BB either...though it's possible a customer or employee might have spec'd one (maybe a Suntour). The GG BBs were propietary.
Rob V. left Merlin in 97' if I recall...he formed Seven, who are now building frames for Kelogg's Spectrums. They moved to Tenn. in 2000...but apparently build quality began deteriorating before that (a little after Rob V left).
Rob V. left Merlin in 97' if I recall...he formed Seven, who are now building frames for Kelogg's Spectrums. They moved to Tenn. in 2000...but apparently build quality began deteriorating before that (a little after Rob V left).
#17
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I haven't heard of an alternate BB either...though it's possible a customer or employee might have spec'd one (maybe a Suntour). The GG BBs were propietary.
Rob V. left Merlin in 97' if I recall...he formed Seven, who are now building frames for Kelogg's Spectrums. They moved to Tenn. in 2000...but apparently build quality began deteriorating before that (a little after Rob V left).
Rob V. left Merlin in 97' if I recall...he formed Seven, who are now building frames for Kelogg's Spectrums. They moved to Tenn. in 2000...but apparently build quality began deteriorating before that (a little after Rob V left).
And even if it's not vintage!
Thats what the extra light grew up to be!
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That is a nice looking bike.
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#19
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5cagm's description seems to fit mine as well. But I can't be 100% sure until I see what a GG BB looks like. Would love to see a pic...
That's a stunner jr59!
That's a stunner jr59!
#20
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I have a friend with a Spectrum that might be making its way to me soon...it's too big for him and my Look would fit him better...as well as being more modern and with clinchers. He'll get to upgrade to SRAM Force.
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Some day I'll get a custom ti spectrum...some day.
I have a friend with a Spectrum that might be making its way to me soon...it's too big for him and my Look would fit him better...as well as being more modern and with clinchers. He'll get to upgrade to SRAM Force.
I have a friend with a Spectrum that might be making its way to me soon...it's too big for him and my Look would fit him better...as well as being more modern and with clinchers. He'll get to upgrade to SRAM Force.
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Thanks for the info guys. I've emailed TK in the past, maybe he'll have an answer. Like Bimdapogs, I'd love to see some photos of other members' BB shells. Cheers!
#23
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lol@ Aaron, with Steve Bauers Merckx, A Primato, a Marnati, AND TWO SACHS!
BTW; you can not even order a Sachs. Richard has closed his books and if you are not one of his customers, you can't get on his 7 year waiting list!
LOL... to funny!
BTW; you can not even order a Sachs. Richard has closed his books and if you are not one of his customers, you can't get on his 7 year waiting list!
LOL... to funny!
#24
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I'll send out some photos later tonight.
What you said about Sachs isn't 100% accurate AFAIK. He'll put you on the list for a cyclocross bike, just not a road bike. He'll also put you on if you're military, a vet, clergy or a teacher.
BTW, even with some of the cool bikes I've been lucky enough to play with, the Merlin holds its own against pretty much anything. I absolutely love that bike and it changed my standards.
PS - Picchio has nicer stuff than I have (though he's less of a show off) - and he feels the same way. That gives some insight into how well regarded TK is.
Last edited by KonAaron Snake; 10-18-11 at 02:58 PM.