Help identifying retro bike

Leew2011

Retro Newbie
Hi All!

I'm hoping to get some help in identifying a bike frame I've owned for many years. Unfortuantely no real story around it, other than my grandad gave it to me about 15 years ago (sinced passed, so I can't ask him).

I've found out as much as I can with little knowledge so far but i'm at a bit of a dead end so any help would be appreciated. I've added some photos too.

Frame:
- Stickers/Decals: "Merlin" on the downtube, "Syncros", "FSA", "Hope technologies" and "TNT Performance Industries". **I suspect the Merlin sticker has been added and is not acutally a Merlin frame - Most Merlins I beleive were titanium, however the frame is magnetic. Unless Merlin sold steel frames too...i'm unsure
- Tubing: There is a "CR-MO Butted tubing MTB" sticker. The frame is magnetic, not titanium. What i found interesting is that the unpainted frame has a spiral pattern running along the length of the tubing. I've looked this up online and using AI, which suggested it was often a hallmark of "Tange Prestige"?
- Serial: 44631877 Located on the frame, under the crank.
- Brake mounts: Rear V-Brakes ,ounted to what appears to be the original factory mounts.
- Cable routing: Cables are ran along the top of the top tube.
- Dropout: Standard horizontal dropouts.
- Forks: Marzocchi DH3
- Other components: FSA Conix headset, Gipiemme Plus mod F50' titanium rail saddle. Acor Stem.Tranz X handle bar ends. Sachs Power Grip Wavey.

Heres a few photos. I'd really appreciate any help on this.

Thanks

Lee
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Advert scans in this thread - some frames were made by Kinesis.

That rifled top tube looks cool
 
@legrandefromage @markoc thanks for your replies, thats really helpful!

I checked the advert scans and spotted "Lifetime warranty".....I wonder if they can repair my seat post :D

@Gtpulse your message appeared just as I was clicking "post reply" - I briefly remember some numpty drilling the frame because, i quote, "can't weld it, its titanium"

I'm new to bike building although im more than competent. I do wonder how much would be involved in getting it ridable again.
 
Shouldn't take much, though the forks could be toast. Strip, inspect, regrease and reassemble - replacing consumables.

Didn't see that seatpost arrangement first time around (!) - wouldn't have been how I did it.
 
I’m not sure it would be cost effective to repair, but I’m sure a frame builder could weld on the snapped off lug and fill the hole in.

Or….. just maybe, possibly, thinking out loud here….. could the remaining lug be removed and use a seat collar?
 
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