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From: Matt Bracken @ Merlin
Product: Select a category...
Date: 08 Jun 1999
Time: 18:38:40
Remote Name: 38.26.2.140
The question is can a rack be put on an XLM? The Merlin Owner's Manual says no under number 5. The truth is yes, but under the right circumstances. Merlin has designed the XLM so it is the lightest production hardtail around. Part of that design calls for the use of 7/8" butted seatstays that are at their limit for weight and durability.
If you want to put a rack on the XLM, you can attach the lower legs at the dropouts where they are already drilled and tapped and attach the top section to the seatpost. That is what we suggest when customers contact us here.
It is possible to attach a rack the same way as above but attach the top section with "surround" clamp to the seatstays. I do not know the long term effects, but have heard from many owners that if done correctly and not used with a great deal of weight on the rack that it works out fine.
BE CAREFUL.. DO NOT OVERWEIGHT THE RACK
Thank you for the question
Matt B
Merlin's Sales Manager