September 1, 1998

Merlin announces the newest member of the Merlin family, the Aerial, a bike designed specifically for triathletes. Although Merlin has been visible in the multi-sport community for many years, this is the firs time it has specifically designed and offered a bike that takes advantage of the technology created by its sister company, Quintana Roo. "We do a lot of things well," said Merlin Sales Manager Matt Bracken, "But our bailiwick is our workmanship, and the way we spec and manipulate tubes. If you want the straightest, lightest, prettiest, best handling road race bike money can buy, we're here for you. But tri geometry has not been something we're known for. So why not offer the geometry our sister company has made popular, combined with everything else that makes a Merlin a Merlin?"

The Aerial will dress out at a half pound lighter than the titanium multi-sport frames in its competitive set. It will feature seat angles in the neighborhood of 78 degrees, smooth shifting will be ensured by a front derailleur clamp co-designed by Quintana Roo and parts maker Real Design, which places the derailleur in a more relaxed 73 degree position. The Aerial will be sold with QR's Carbonaero fork, and the entire frame/fork/clamp package will sell for $1845. Complete bikes will start in the high $2,000's.

Merlin Metalworks is a division of Saucony, Inc. Merlin builds high-end titanium bicycle frames and complete bikes for the road, off-road, and multi-sport markets, all of which are built in its factory in Cambridge, Massachussetts. Merlin, Quintana Roo, and Real Design are registered trademarks, and together comprise the "hard goods" component of Saucony, Inc.'s bike division. Hind, another Saucony, Inc., company, manufacturers cycling clothing, along with apparel for swimming and running. Saucony, Inc.'s other brands include Saucony footwear for performance running and walking, and Spot-bilt shoes worn by coaches and referees.