[ Contents | Search | Post | Reply | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Matt B at Merlin
Product: Select a category...
Date: 01 Jun 1999
Time: 02:45:51
Remote Name: 38.26.2.87
Dear Jim,
It is great to hear that you are back into riding and enjoying it too! The Odyssey is Merlin's introduction level Ti frame that uses a mixture of Merlin's MTS 3/2.5 and G/4 tubing. This combination helps us reduce the overall cost. The new Odyssey replaces the older Merlin RSR which used a similar tubeset, but came only in 4 sizes (53-59, all odd. The new Odyssey comes in ten sizes (49-61)and has the same look as the Merlin Extralight, only the tubeset is straight gauge and not butted. The Merlin Extralight uses Merlin MTS throughout the entire tubeset, it is butted, and we change tube dimensions (size specific)(wall thickness and diameter changes) depending on the size.
Whomever said that the Odyssey is similar to the Extralight is close. Because the Odyssey uses a larger diameter downtube and seat tube, the bike accelerates like the Extralight, but has a weight penalty from not having any of the tubes lightened by Merlin's butting process. The G/4 tubes used are located in the top tube, seat tube, and seat stays. These tubes are heavier than the Merlin's MTS (Merlin Tube Spec) because the commercially pure tubes are designed with a heavier wall to increase their strength due to the lack of being alloyed like our standard 3/2.5 tubes.
To compare weight for one minute:
a 56cm Extralight: 2.7 lbs
a 56cm Road 3.2 lbs
a 56cm Odyssey 3.5 lbs
I hope I have helped you. I will be away for the next week visiting Merlin dealers across the country. If you need any more questions answered feel free to ask other owners who have already purchased the Odyssey and see what they have to say, or give someone here a call.
Best regards,
Matthew Bracken Merlin Sales Manager