91 Merlin retro/modern/custom build (aka the Merlingham)

[classen]

This is going to be a slow one, but might as well get the thread started.

I bought this frame in the summer of 1992 and built it up with maximum 3DV. I found some serial number information on http://www.merlinbike.com (The site is a bit flakey so you may or may not actually see anything if you go there), which indicates this frame was made in 1991.

1-59 (198
60-139 (1989)
3518-3604 (1990)
3605- 6353 (1991)
6354-8150 (1992)
8151-9948 (1993)
9949-10757 and C002-C039 (1994)
10758-11568 and XM009-XM033 plus C040-c081 (1995)
11569-13111 and C082-C235 plus XM 034-XM268 (1996)
13112-14352 (1997)
14353-16702 (199
16703-19096 (1999)
19097-19782 (2000)

It's seen several upgrades and downgrades and served as my go-to commuter for many years, but it is now slated for a retrobike-worthy rebuild.

Here's an old snap shot:

Tentative spec sheet.... as you can see most of it is blank or has a question mark. My current vision is a bit blurry, but I'm leaning towards WTB dirt drop bars, front and rear custom roller cam brakes (I'm calling these Classen Speedmaster Brakes). Since the genuine Cunningham rollercams routinely fetch $900-$1000USD on ebay I thought I'd make my own (more details to follow).

I think I'll call it a "Merlinham" or maybe a "Merlingham"

Frame: Merlin Mountain
Year: 1991 (serial #3899)
Size: M
Fork: Potts type II

Headset: Black 1" Chris King
Stem: Clockwork Bikes reproduction LD
Handlebar: Specialized/WTB Dirt Drop
Bar Tape:

Brakes: Classen Speedmaster (my custom take on the classic WTB Speedmaster)
Brake Pads: ?
Brake Cables: ?
Cantilever cable hangers: n
Brake Levers:

Shifters:
Front Derailleur: M-900 XTR
Rear Derailleur: M-900 XTR
Derailleur Cables:
Cassette:
Chain:
Cranks: Morati Titanium
Crank Bolts: Ritchey Titanium
Chainrings: Blackspire
Chainring bolts: SRP
Bottom Bracket: WTB Integrated Grease Guard (new Phill Wood Titanium spindle and bearing installed by Mike @BMC)
Pedals:

Hub Skewers:
Rims:
Hubs:
Nipples:
Spokes:
Tyres:
Tubes:

Saddle: WTB
Seatpost: 27.2 x 400 mm IRD
Seatpost Binder: Black Ringle

Weight: TBD

 

[classen]

Here are some recent shots:

I had a new Phil Wood Ti spindle and bearings installed by Mike at Black Mountain Cycles.

I've had this IRD seat post since 1992 and it has been the one component that has survived every rebuild of this bike... so it stays.

please refrain from the disparaging remarks regarding Morati cranks.

 

[AmberGambler]

Chair pulled up and will follow with interest! I have a similar build going on

 

[GT-Steve]

Hard to beat a good Merlin, so I'm watching on with interest too....

mmmmmm.......morati Ti cranks..

 

[Rio]

merlin = cool so must follow

 

[treacle]

Showing a shared interest!

 

[mbkot]

This frame 49 frames younger than mine. Mine, No. 3850, was purchased in SFco, also in 1992. Strangely yours don't have the noodle. I am also planning to replace my Rock Shox with a Type II or a Ti rigid. Good luck with the rebuild.

 

[RockiMtn]

oh scott! ya gonna start on the Merlin, sweet!!!

omg, where'd you score thos Morati cranks! :shock: jealous!!!

may i suggest a CK Ti headset as part of your build?

 

[classen]

I haven't made much real progress lately so I started playing around with the bike CAD program at www.bikecad.ca trying to get an idea of the required stem dimensions for my dirt drop Merlingham. It's a pretty fun program to use and you can certainly waste a lot of time mucking around with every conceivable dimension on your virtual bike.

 

[ez054098]

I want that IRD seatpost!