For years,
triathletes have depended on the lightweight
efficiency and exceptional shock-absorbing comfort of
the Merlin frame to carry them through the grueling
central leg of their sport. Now we've added a new
weapon to their arsenal: The Merlin Triathlon frame.
Specifically designed for the demands of what has
been called the most demanding sport of all, the
Merlin Tri frame capitalizes on the strengths of its
forebears while adding new features aimed at cutting
split times to the bone.
New Forward
Saddle Position
First among these
is a new forward saddle position. Widely recognized
as the key to sustained power, Merlin's
"rider-forward" location rotates the pilot
over the pedals while maintaining the all-important
flat-back position for good aerodynamics. In this
mode, high levels of sustained energy can be
developed without draining the reserves needed for
the marathon to follow.
Triathlon's
Chainstays
To complement this
geometrical shift, the Triathlon's chainstays have
been cut shorter to maintain proper weight balance.
Merlin's famed large-diameter V-Bend chainstays
(double-butted on Extralight models) are 50 percent
stiffer than the smaller stays used by other
builders, and their high lateral rigidity endows the
Triathlon with superior cornering ability and better
power transmission.
Tri-specific
Front End Geometry
And for
straight-line tracking, especially when coupled with
tri-bars, the Triathlon employs new tri-specific
front end geometry. Head angles have been reworked to
add self-centering steering caster, and bottom
brackets have been dropped slightly for added
stability without compromising pedaling clearance in
corners.
In other respects,
the new Triathlon frame is pure Merlin. Available in
both Extralight (with butted tubing) and Road (with
straight-gauge tubing) styles, each Tri is built with
a size-specific mix of Merlin MTS325 titanium tubing
throughout. Designed and manufactured in the U.S.
exclusively for Merlin, MTS325 boasts greater fatigue
strength-to-weight characteristics than any other
frame material. Indeed, it is the key to Merlin's
reputation for unparalleled lightweight durability,
and the Tri is no exception. Extralight Triathlon
frames start at a mere 2.5 pounds, and every Merlin
frame carries a lifetime warranty to the original
owner.
6-4
Titanium Vertical Dropouts
Also present are
Merlin's machined 6-4 titanium vertical dropouts (the
strongest available anywhere), our reinforced and
welded seat collar, the lightweight three-piece
welded brake bridge that positively eliminates brake
chatter, and our internally relieved bottom bracket
shell, which is machined and threaded after welding
for perfect concentricity and bearing alignment.
In what may be the
world's toughest sport, triathletes have always
depended on Merlin to get them to the finish line
first. With the new Merlin Triathlon frame, our
triathletes have never had it so fast.
Suggested
Retail Price (frame only):
$1999
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