What do you know about Rock Lobster team tig 853s?

[averagebiker]

I have acquired a Rock Lobster team tig 853 to build up

Does anyone know how to confirm the age of the frame? I initially thought it would be circa 2007, but now thinking about it having rim and disc break attachment points I am wondering if it is more likely to be circa 2001?

All help appreciated, Rich
PS I will take and post a picture at lunchtime as all threads are better with pictures LOL

 

[FluffyChicken]

Put the pictures up, put a serial number up. Somebody may know from that.

I assume these are the Merlin Cycle Rock Lobsters ?

 

[averagebiker]

Yes I believe it is a Merlin Rocklobster.
Serial #M3120008
Here she is....

 

[averagebiker]

Merlin, to their credit, have responded very quickly to an email suggesting it is from around 2003-5.
Rich.

 

[gtturbo]

Was that one in Camberley. Good score if it was.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Yes I believe it is a Merlin Rocklobster.
Serial #M3120008
Here she is....

I would say 2004 from that as in 2003-Dec frame 8.
(not knowing their serial scheme)
and would seem to now I see it their dating

and lets go digging, give me a while it's always slow...........
....
...

Merlin Cycles Rock Lobster bikes

It be this probably, now in 'red' for 2004.

I think later from a look, they started adding 853 to the name on the top tube. You'd need somebody around at that time, biking. I was still riding a bike from 1991

Merlin Cycles Rock Lobster bikes

So get yourself some nice XT groupset, SID Team, XC717 on Mono4's and some Easton EA70 bars. All for about about 1300 quid.

iirc they measure them centre to centre of the top tube, along the seattube. Not to the top of the seattube (like Kona, Rocky etc).

 

[averagebiker]

Was that one in Camberley. Good score if it was.

Yes it was. The guy was really nice and I am going to make a donation to a charity he nominated.
Rich.

 

[averagebiker]

I am thinking rigid forks and either 1x or even single speed!

 

[idrisrugby]

Looks similar to my 2002 frame with the disc and rim brake mounts.

Get it built up, looking forward to some pics, if you need inspiration here's mine: