subject: re: Merlin XLM: My new bike!

comments:
: (crossposted to mtb@cycling.org) : Woohoo! : I finally got it! After 2 months of riding and testing ~20 bikes, I splurged and got a Merlin XLM (their top of the line bike). It's essentially ti gray with a sprinkling of red and blue accents. : But now to the important stuff. : I was looking to get back into a hardtail (steel specifically), fitted with a Z2 bomber, but really liked the quality ride of Ti, and the Merlin's heavy duty 7/8" (but light) seat and chain stays. (I'm gravity-challenged) : It's basically XT with a few XTRs (brakes & rear der). I went with quality wheels and headset because those are items that shouldn't be scrimped on. In whole, the bike's somewhere between 21-23 pounds (actually I have no idea, the frame weighs 3lbs, fork 4lbs.) : Now the hard part. Wifey gets a new kitchen (gulp). : ~~~~The specifics~~~~ : Frame : Merlin XLM, 18.75", 3/2.5 Titanium : Fork : Marzocchi Z2 Bomber BAM, Silver : Headset : Chris King (red) : Rims : Mavic 517, 32 hole : Tires (R) : Bontrager Revolt SS-K, Kevlar bead /w Spinskins : Tires (F) : Bontrager Revolt SS-K, Kevlar bead /w Spinskins : Front Hub : Specialized Stout Superfly, 32 hole : Radial Laced : Rear Hub : Shimano XT, 32 hole : Triple Cross Laced : Spokes : DT 14/15 : Nipples : Alternating Red & Blue : Pedals : Shimano M-747 clipless : Chain : Sachs SC-R80 : (meant to get the PC series, doh!) : Derailleur (Front) : Shimano XT Topswing : Derailleur (Rear) : Shimano XTR Rapidrise, 8-speed : Shifters : Shimano XT Rapidfire SL, 8-speed : Cassette : Shimano XT 8-speed, 11-30T : Handlebar : Bontrager : ? : Bar Ends : Icon Durante : ? : Stem : Icon, 6 deg., 135mm : ? : Grips : Team Control (Clear) : Crankset : Shimano XT 42/32/22 : Bottom Bracket : Shimano XT cartridge : Saddle : WTB SST.K : Seat Post : USE XCR Suspension : Seat Post Clamp : ? : Brake Set : Shimano XTR V-Brake w/ Rear brake booster : Brake Levers : Shimano XT V-Brake