The RSR's class-leading specifications are derived directly from Merlin's Extralight and Road frames. Its geometry, created by Tom Kellogg, is designed for optimum weight distribution. The bike is always balanced, whether in turns, climbs, or descents. Out-of-the-saddle climbs are handled with ease; the bike falls in to a comfortable rhythm, becoming a stable platform to reach the summit.

Much of this solid performance comes form the RSR's race-bred tubing geometry. The RSR boasts an Extralight-inspired 13/8-inch MTS325 straight-gauge titanium downtube, an "oversize" design that confers unmatchable torsional rigidity.

The bike, as a result, is smooth and stable. There is no bottom bracket sway or front derailleur rub when pedaling in the big ring. Speed wobbles, a sign of insufficient head tube stability, are completely banished. And steering inputs are obeyed immediately, almost telepathically, due to the frame's high lateral rigidity. Yet the natural resiliency of our titanium mutes the ride harshness found in conventional oversize frames.

Merlin MTS325 tubing is used in the large-diameter 7/8-inch straight-gauge chainstays as well. Coupled with the monostay rear triangle, these S-Bend stays complete the solid power transmission path to the precision-machined 6-4 titanium vertical dropouts.

The RSR also draws on a design lesson learned from Merlin's championship-winning mountain frames, using S-Bend seatstays for improved vertical compliance. The result is better wheel control and a smoother overall ride.