1999 Merlin XLM

Bimdapogs

Dirt Disciple
Hey guys, Just wanted to share my XLM. It's been an ongoing project in the last few months. Got it as a frame only in early spring. I stripped a G.Fisher SAAB :oops: and harvested most of the parts to make the frame rideable. I've just been slowly changing parts on it since..

Here it is now:
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Some specs:
Frame: Merlin XLM (no disc-brake mounts)
Fork: RS SID SL
Headset: CK Sotto Voce
Shifters/Brake levers: M952
Brakes: M951/950
Derailleurs: M750
Crankset: RF Next
Stem and Post: Thomson
Wheelset: Bontrager Race Lite
 
I joined my first ever race last weekend with the XLM (52km point-to-point). Set it up 1x9 with a Grafton Joystix and short-cage M952 rear derailleur. Also used a Fox F90RL fork because the SID isn't as predictable anymore. It rode awesome! :D

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Lovely bike. Im expecting delivery this week of my very own XLM frame. Just starting to think about the build. I hope it rides as well as many say it does.

How did the race go?
 
Race was awesome. Weather turned out nicely, as opposed to 3mm forecasted rain. It would have been difficult with the v-brakes. The gearing was also perfect (36 x 11-32), there were long road sections but lots of hills in the singletrack. Did better than I expected. :cool:
 
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