'90 Merlin Titanium

[Factorycol]

I believe its a frame that's been bouncing around this forum with a variety of builds over the years.

It's now mine woo hoo!

I thought I'd start a build thread so I can keep a record of how it progresses over the coming months.



The frame number is 2960 and its a bike / frame I've always wanted to own, so I'm super happy I now have one.

 

[BlackCat]

I believe its a frame that's been bouncing around this forum with a variety of builds over the years.

It's now mine woo hoo!

I thought I'd start a build thread so I can keep a record of how it progresses over the coming months.

View attachment 611578

The frame number is 2960 and its a bike / frame I've always wanted to own, so I'm super happy I now have one.

The village bike, in other words?

 

[vtwinvince]

LOL, everyone's had a ride?

 

[Rog]

great frame! What groupset did the Merlin originally come with?

 

[Factorycol]

I'm trying to find the old brochure, but I do like to build bikes as me at the time would have wanted, rather than factory spec. Partly because I can't remember every buying a full bike in the 90s, I always bought frames and built them the way I wanted.

I've found Pat's thread on how he had the bike, and I see its won a BOTM, with his build. So now I have a challenge to try to match the quality of that one.

https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/1990-ish-merlin-titanium-dirt-drop-build.420968/
I've put Manitou 1 forks in it already, I had them "in stock" and it was why I was searching for an interesting 1" frame. I've also put a set of purple bullseye wheels on Mavic rims... and that's all so far.

 

[pw_pw_la]

I'm really looking forward to watching this one develop.

If it's on par with all your others, which I'm sure it will be, it'll be an absolute beaut!

Interesting this one's had a few owners and builds over the years! Some pedigree...

I actually might just have my own magic titanium project incoming.

In fact, UPS says it should be out for delivery tomorrow...

So I'll keep tabs on yours with interest and aim to steal all your best ideas! ; )

 

[Factorycol]

Tiny bit of progress on project Merlin.

Some of the bits I had that needed the 1" frame have gone on... The Manitou 1, and XT headset fitted perfectly. I think I like the purple bullseyes on this frame so they will stay too.

The purple grafton brake isn't staying.

More as and when I get some time.