The Merlin
Mountain Frame...
Have mountain bikes
become too specialized? As the rising tide of
downhill-only bikes, suspension-only bikes, trail
bikes, cross-country bikes, wilderness bikes,
dual-slalom bikes, and fragile, one-race World Cup
bikes threatens to overwhelm us, it's a legitimate
question.
Our answer: The
Merlin Mountain frame. Purposefully designed,
admirably built, and brilliantly executed, its
mission is consistent with the origins and true to
the sport: It was created to do everything well.
The Mountain's
racing heritage is evident in the countless NORBA
victories it has accumulated over the years. Yet its
reputation for bulletproof reliability has made it
the choice of numerous wilderness touring
organizations and round-the-world expeditions.
Each Mountain frame
employs a custom-sized tubeset to minimize weight
without compromising strength, rigidity, or
durability. Suspension-adjusted geometry is tailored
to each frame size to maintain precise handling
characteristics. And all models have sloping top
tubes for less weight and better standover clearance.
Merlin's
S-Bend Chainstays...
In addition, all
frames feature Merlin's S-Bend chainstays for maximum
efficiency and better tire and crank clearance. These
oft-copied asymmetric stays are 50 percent stiffer
than the 3/4-inch stays used by other builders, and
the advantage of their added lateral rigidity becomes
clear in climbing and cornering. The S-Bends fully
accommodate 2.5-inch knobbies, with extra space to
minimize mud build-up. A third bend in the right-hand
stay permits the use of low-profile cranksets.
Despite the
additional rigidity of the large-diameter chainstays,
the rear triangle boasts superior vertical compliance
due to the use of specially made thinwall S-Bend
seatstays. The result: better traction, precise wheel
control, and improved performance in climbs and
descents, regardless of terrain.
Unique
Seatstay Design...
The unique seatstay
design also contributes to more efficient braking,
because the S-Bends bring the stays closer to the
wheel. Merlin's lightweight Centermount cantilever
bosses resist twist and flex for firm, controlled
response.
These practical
details guarantee unbeatable performance, whether
through a rock-strewn NORBA singletrack, across miles
of uncharted wilderness, or simply plonking along
local fire roads. With the Merlin Mountain, the bike
is no longer the question. It is the answer.
Suggested
Retail Price (frame only):
$1999
Find a Dealer | Other
Mountain Bikes
