subject: re: 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) : Brian! I saw nipples like you have somewhere before--- Hooters, if i recall correctly!! Seriously, Congrats on your new Merlin! i have the 747 peddles on my road Merlin and love em. You can't miss "hooking up"! Also as i use a rock shox ruby i have the same "head set as you ( not red ) & 1 inch of course. May you enjoy many happy miles ahead!! pje : : 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