Read the Fine Print
We recommend reading everything when researching custom frames. While others make claims that all of their frames are custom, it may or may not be truly custom. Don't be mislead, there is a tremendous difference between off-the-shelf custom and a true custom. Off-the-shelf custom refers to the practice of using pre-fabricated tube sets that have been cut and mitered in advance, and are then put together to create a frame that most closely meets your individual requirements. A true custom takes your measurements, riding style, and personal preferences into consideration and actually creates a drawing first before ever starting to build the bike. We feel strongly that you should see exactly what it is you are buying before the next step is taken. It eliminates the very real risk of buyer's remorse that is often experienced when custom bikes come up short of expectations. At Merlin we will only build you a "true custom".

Merlin has always set the standard in precision and accuracy in every one of our frame designs. While others will accept 1.5 millimeters as an acceptable tolerance, we live in the world of fractions of millimeters and anything less will be rejected by our obsessive quality-assurance managers. You should accept nothing less than the Merlin level of precision when investing in a custom frame.

What's Next?
We start from scratch and every frame is drawn using Computer Aided Design (CAD) to ensure the highest levels of accuracy. Upon completion of the design, the CAD drawing is then approved by you and your dealer to ensure the accuracy of your frame. After approval, your design is then sent to our custom fabricators to be hand-built. Once your bike has passed the inspections of our quality assurance team, it is delivered your Merlin Dealer. We highly recommend a detailed fit session to ensure that your component selection is tailored to the frame to finalize the overall ride performance of the bike.

What Are My Options?
There are no limits to what we can build. We invite you to bring us whatever you can think of. Whether it's a 29" mountain bike, a track bike, a tandem, a touring bike, or even a cyclocross bike, we'll draw it and build it to your specifications. Of course any bike in the Merlin lineup is also available in custom geometry, including our groundbreaking titanium-lugged carbon bikes, the Lunaris and the Cielo.

Your specifications are not limited. If you need a taller head tube for better fit, or you want to add cable routing, rack mounts, fender mounts, or even an S & S coupling unit to split your bike in two, we're happy to integrate it into your design. Paint is also available in a rainbow of colors, along with different decal options to dress your bike up and make it a true reflection of your personality. Our standard colors are Metallic Black, Pearl White, Pearl Orange, Bright Red, Vibrant Yellow, Bright Green and Deep Green. You can also choose Merlin black or white decals. Or, you can take your bike to a whole other level with custom engraving.

Bikefitting.com
Select Merlin dealers offer very sophisticated tools designed to aid in the Made-to-Measure customization process. Created by the Dutch company Bikefitting.com, the Merlin measuring wall, bike simulator and special software provide the perfect platform to calculate and test the proper fit for your custom Merlin. Concepts can be explored, new geometries evaluated, and the right Merlin frame and tube set can be better defined. Every aspect of your riding choices are factored into the proper fit examination. From crank arm length, to bar width and stem length, to saddle height, and even as far as to brand of shoes, pedals, etc; are added to the fit equation. The outcome is the matching of your new custom frame with the exact group of components to accomplish the perfect and complete fit.