1999 Merlin XLM

[Bimdapogs]

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 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:

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

 

[Bimdapogs]

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!

 

[HastobeKona]

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?

 

[Bimdapogs]

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.

 

[marker]

What are the wheels in the second photos?

 

[Bimdapogs]

They're an earlier set of red metal zero from fulcrum.

 

[HastobeKona]

hey, whats your serial number please? Im trying to date my frame ....

 

[Bimdapogs]

Mine's 177xx. Have you checked the timeline at the mombat site?