1993 Merlin Mountain

[Ollie]

Some really nice parts going into this build , looking forward to the finished result :xmas-big-grin: .

 

[Skynet]

Re:

Quick update. Everything has now arrived, hopefully no more hiccups but who knows.

Should get the headset fitted on Tuesday. Went with an IRD Technoglide in the end, didn't fancy paying £130 for a CK or Cane Creek. Only read good reader reviews of it and it's nicely finished, seems to be a good mid price option, cost just under £50.

Flipping over which wheels to use. They both look good but bought a NOS non-suspension WI hub yesterday so if I can find another Araya 395 Team rim we'll use WI on the Merlin as originally planned.

 

[Skynet]

Too dark for photos really but... Headset fitted. Steerer swapped, was slightly worried it would be a bit too short but wasn't. New top tube and down tube decals, the others are OK. That's the Ciussi cage, little bit of light gold on it to go with the saddle.

Will be using Middleburn gold chainring bolts, silly expensive for what they are.

 

[Minifreak]

Looking sweet with those forks can't wait to see more build pics as it progresses.

 

[Ollie]

Those forks look mega against the frame .

 

[Skynet]

They do look good. Wondering why not that many people seem to use them, guess we'll find out soon! Should have version 1 of the build together tomorrow.

 

[Minifreak]

I had a set on a carbon trek I had but never thought to try them on the Merlin, wish I'd not sold them now

 

[Skynet]

They don't even seem to come up for sale too often, but rigids in general don't, so perhaps they didn't sell that many. Still have a feeling they'll look better than they ride.

 

[Minifreak]

Very rigid but extremely direct tracking. Point and shoot!!!

 

[Skynet]

My first proper mountain bike was like that, Trek 8000 with Tange Big Forks. When the ground suited it it was fine but when it didn't it was awful. Before I swapped to suspension I tended to use long bar ends as they flex a fair bit.