Quote:
Originally Posted by hud 91gt
Does anyone know anyone who knows anything about old Merlin Ti bikes?
Merlin Titanium bike with Campy group and wheels
I went and looked at this bike this afternoon. I didn't think it would fit me, but it's actually pretty darn close. The thing that sketches me out is the fact the current owner bought it at some Richmond Swap n Shop (I honestly didn't understand the guy that well) from someone who brought it from Hong Kong.
There are no markings on the bike. No serial, no markings whatsoever. It's not like they were ground off, it's just the fact there is none. I'm wondering if this is a chinese built Ti frame. The current owner knows very little about it. Doesn't know what year it could be, nothing. Advice?
I want a Ti frame. I've loved them since I was 15 years old. My riding buddy built up a new Argon, so it's time to move on from my Jamis, and I like to be different.
EDIT: Apparently the serials are on the inside of the rear dropout. I asked the owner if he could check for anything markings there for me. |
Merlin is a US-owned company. They specialized in titanium frames and had a bit of a revival a few years ago where I believe Competitive Cyclist/Backcountry.com had a stake in the company. They are legitimate but not very popular (lacking marketing etc.) and their bikes are not cheap. They are made to specification by the few companies around that still do titanium and steel. Nice bikes, but like I said, not cheap.
I owned a Guru Praemio titanium frameset a while back and sold it to another RS member. I liked the frameset and the Enve fork it came with - it had a different feel that cannot be easily put into words, as compared to aluminum, carbon, and steel.
Ti-frames are rare birds these days. If and when you get a chance to own/ride one, and it's been on your radar? I'd say go for it.