1992 Merlin Titanium - 15 inch

After seeing all the nice builds in person and on this site, I decided it was time to build one myself. This is my first build.

I always wanted a titanium bike and the one I wanted was a Merlin. So I decided to get a nice frame and build it up using as many period and NOS parts as possible.

Looking around for quite a while I decided on the route I was going to take. Once settled and pictured in my mind I set about trying to collect the bits. It took me the good part of 2 years to get everything.

It also took 3 frames before I was happy with what I had. The first one was a 18 inch and arrived poorly packed and had a small dent in it. That one was cancelled. The next one was a nearly NOS frame 16 inch that was absolutely beautiful but ended up being too big for me. (I am trying to sell that 16 inch Merlin bike and/or frame, contact me if interested).

Third time lucky, by chance I bought a 15 inch complete bike intending that one to be for my wife. But once I tried the fit on the larger frame it didn’t feel right. I then tried the smaller one (this one) and it fit very nicely. So finally I was sorted with a nice frame.

Specifications:

> Frame: Merlin Titanium 1992 – 15 inches - Used
> Fork: Ritchey Logic – Black Chrome Finish – NOS
> Rims: Araya – RM 20 – Black Finished - NOS
> Hubs: Shimano Deore XT- M730 – Black – 135mm Rear 100mm Front - NOS
> Skewers: Shimano Deore XT - NOS
> Spokes: DT Stainless - Double Butted – New
> Tires: Ritchey Mega Bite Z Max 1.9 - Kevlar Folding - NOS
> Pedals: Shimano Deore XT – M735 - NOS
> Crank: Shimano Deore XT – M730 – 170mm – Black - NOS
> Chain: Shimano Hyperglide – HG90 - NOS
> Rear Cogs: Shimano 7 speed ( 12-28 ) Hyperglide – HG90 - NOS
> Bottom Bracket: WTB Grease Guard – 123mm Phil Wood Titanium - New
> Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT – M735 – 31.8mm - NOS
> Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT – M735 – Short Cage – NOS
> Shifters: Shimano Deore XT – M732 – NOS
> Handlebars: Merlin Titanium – Used
> Grips: Grab On - NOS
> Stem: Ibis Titanium – 1inch x 120mm 10 degree rise - Used
> Headset: Shimano Deore XT – M735 – 1 inch – NOS
> Brake Set: Shimano Deore XT – M732 – Cantilevers - Black – NOS
> Brake Levers: Shimano Deore XT SLR – M732 - 2 finger – NOS
> Saddle: Selle – Italia Flite Titanium - NOS
> Seat Post: Syncros - Hardcore Aluminum – 27.2mm – Black – NOS
> Seat Clamp: Shimano Deore XT - M730 - NOS
> Frame Color: Titanium Natural
> Frame Size: Seat Tube - CTC -15 Inch
> Weight: 21.7 pounds/8.09 kg

The first photo shows the exploded view of the frame and the collection of parts that were used on the bike. NOTE: The frame shown is the larger one that I did not use and obviously the BB was not needed.

The second photo is the finished bike.

The rest are detail photos.

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Rocco that is simply amazing

Where did you manage to get all that nos kit from?

Chris.

That's an INSPIRING bike!

Amazing....great build

That´s a very cool bike! And they ride really well, one of my favorite ti frames

oh my....what a gorgeous Merlin and it looks hard as nails with the rim / tyre combo

That is one of the most stunning builds I've seen here on Retrobike. I'm gobsmacked that you managed to hang on for 2 years waiting to get everything just right.

Well done sir, I salute you.

I still fall in love in front of such Merlin !
(I had quite the same frame, in 15" but 1993-94
I was lucky to swap it for a smaller 13,5" , and same year of yours, with the grease card an an rear U brake bosses.)

These frames are amazing, and under time.
Yo made a great job, with a lot of good taste.

I didn't know the "grease card" decal

Super clean build with stunning attention to detail. B.O.T.M winning material.

WOW ! Love it ! You must be a patient guy to wait 2 years to get the exact parts you wanted. Stunning build

You are sure for "Kellogg's design" ?
I thought it was Rob vandermark for the MTB frame, an Tom Kellogg for the road bike.
You should have the decal on the left chainstay