posted by Dan Fox on august 25, 1997 at 23:12:28:
in reply to: Rumors behind Vandermark's departure from Merlin to Seven posted by Neil Boone on august 24, 1997 at 15:17:59:
Hi Neil,
First let me say that rumors are bad, but rumors
in the bike industry are terrible. I'm not sure if
it has to do with bicycles themselves or just the
size of the industry, but rumors are alway rampant in our industry
and rarely accurate.
It is true, Rob Vandermark left Merlin about 9 months
ago to start his own business. He had been at Merlin
from the time he was a finisher until many years
later when he worked his way up and became a mtn. bike
frame designer, and he wanted to start a business of his own.
I think most people would like to own their own business
someday and it is no surprise that an intelligent guy like
Rob would like to do the same. Merlin wishes him the best
luck in a very difficult industry.
As far as Merlin is concerned, we have just shipped
off our crates for the Anaheim trade show, where we
will be displaying for the first time in many years
a full suspension Mountain bike, a new City bicycle
and some other surprises that you will have to wait
to hear about. These new designs have been made possible
by the influx of new people to Merlin with fresh ideas
and new energy. Merlin is poised for its greatest year
ever, and it because of the many people that form
the company of Merlin, not any single individual.
Don't believe the rumor mongerers and doomsayers.
And for that matter, don't believe every nitwit who
leave messages on internet bulletin boards. If you
want the truth, call Merlin the company (617) 661-
6688. If you have to see for yourself, call and make
an appointment to come for a tour (HOWEVER, PLEASE
WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE TRADE SHOWS!!).