Dipping a toe in the water .... Merlin Extralight?

[Kestonian]

[checks no-one is looking as I make my first foray into the skinny wheeled side]

Since I've signed up for my first triathlon in 12 years, I rashly promised myself I wouldn't spend any cash on unnecessary kit until I was happy that my single speed Langster was actually holding me back. Having raced on a Yeti FRO with slicks, it feels pretty nippy!

But that's kind of frustrating when I stroll into the LBS out here and there's a used Merlin Extralight, in my size, at a decent price hanging on the wall. Ok it's "only" got Centaur on it, which is plenty good enough for me and gives me room to upgrade later

Of all the bikes I've never had, a Merlin XLM was the one I've kept half an eye out for, even after I snagged a Mountain and built it into a s/s off road carbon / ti snake, so finding an Extralight is quite a nice touch.

The question is ... can I take it for a test ride? I have a feeling it's pretty pointless. If I get that far, I've probably bought it in my head already!

Is there anything I should know about the versions? I know they made a change in 2005 but if anyone has any detailed knowledge, please post here. I'll check the frame number when I'm feeling brave!!

 

[ededwards]

Did you bag this one in the end as sounds great. If so, any photos yet?

 

[Kestonian]

Well, I went in to take her for a spin and walked out ... empty handed

Whenever people ask me which bike they should get, I always tell them to ride all the ones they like for the money, and buy the one that feels "right"

And the Merlin just didn't feel right. I think it was a tad small for me and the Centaur shifters didn't do anything for me - my thumb is just in totally the wrong place.

So, someone else's dream bike is waiting for them.

(I even rode some carbon ones, but it's ok I didn't like them, either)

Back to the Langster for now. Few more miles and I'll get a bigger chainring

 

[fatfixie]

Interested to know price/size if you can remember

Ta

Andy

 

[Kestonian]

It was a 57cm frame. Build was Centaur throughout with Ksyrium SL wheels (I think). Seatpost for Super Record Carbon. I didn't notice the bars. Stem was in line with the build, but I can't recall the make or model.

One thing I spotted was that the cranks were 172.5 which I thought was odd, but having done some reading, it shows how little I know about road bikes!

Anyway, price was 4k Singapore dollars. Overall in very good nick.

Shout if you want more details!

 

[fatfixie]

Thanks for the info. Too big for me sadly :-(

I have a Merlin road bike in a 55 and was looking for the next size down....

See if you can get hold of a Colnago C-40 or C50 for a test ride- still my fav modernish road bike by a long shot..........

Andy

 

[masha]

I have a 57cm Merlin ti Dura Ace road bike - its the greatest bike I have ever had the pleasure to own and ride. sadly back injury means I can't ride it and other bikes as much these days and I am considering selling. It has a full Dura Ace 9 speed group, nice Italian bars/stem/post, top end handmade wheels, and the LEGENDARY Selle Flight CARBON evo mk.1 saddle its quite a classic (and I even have the original full Dura Ace 8 speed group it came with originally if anyone wants it completely original, I upgraded it to 9 speed a year ago) [email protected] for more information.

 

[Kestonian]

It would go nicely with your old Langster that I use most days!

 

[masha]

FAB - glad to hear the langster is still getting regular use - great fun that single speed, its brilliance was in its simplicity - more bikes should be like that. I will send you some details of my Merlin in a few days once I get it out of the garage again and dust it off again