-Works Tubing Enhancements-
Here are the two elements of "Magic" that we have worked on these tube sets.

1. The first is Cold Working. In addition to the natural alloy properties which our MTS 3/2.5 & 6/4 tubing have, we have enhanced the tube sets to improve the standard properties of each alloy. Titanium on EPO. Cold working increases the yield strength of both alloys significantly beyond their already high levels.
2. The second is force specific tube shaping. We have applied a Merlinesque approach to higher performance. The Works tube designs are the most refined cycling specific tubes ever developed. No other manufacturer has ever reached this level of functional detail with any material.

1. Top tube- Bending stresses on the top tube are concentrated at the rear of the tube. We have made the Works top tubes much stiffer in that axis of stress in that area. In order to do that, we tapered the top tube toward the rear. The lateral ovalization of the top tube improves the vertical compliance of the front end of the frame as well. The end result is a front triangle which has a tighter feel during hard cornering and descending. Better control, more confidence and more comfort.
2. Down tube-The diameter and gauges of the Works down tubes depend on the frame size. The larger frame sizes get the larger diameter down tubes. Down tube ovalization is done so that we can get the new larger tubes to fit the bottom bracket and head tubes cleanly. The large diameter down tubes' use follows a great deal of prototype testing. They make the Works frames even more comfortable than traditional Merlins while the drive train and front triangle are now even stiffer.
3. Seat tube- All the Works frames have ovalized seat tubes at the bottom bracket. We have used this technique to further stiffen the drive train while reducing the weight of the seat tube with additional butting.
4. Seat stays- The most significant change to the seat stays is in their appearance. The hourglass shape is now narrower, sleeker.
5. Chain stays- The new hourglass chain stays have two purposes; one functional, one aesthetic.

• Merlin's 1.0" chain stays are the stiffest titanium chain stays on the market. We needed to keep the entire chain stay as close to round as possible to retain their lateral and torsional stiffness. In order to fit a full 1.0" chain stay between a tire and a chain ring without significant dimpling, the chain stays need to be very close to parallel as they pass through that tight area. An "S" bend is the most efficient way to accomplish that. The process we have developed to create these stays is well beyond the capabilities of any other titanium frame manufacturer.
• The actual bend specifications for the new chain stays were chosen by our engineers to complement our current hourglass seat stays.

Two Frame Geometries | Two Frame Materials | Works Tubing Enhancements