posted by Dan Hertlein on january 06, 1998 at 02:18:11:
in reply to: Any Info For a Future XLM Owner posted by Adam Williams on january 04, 1998 at 18:53:51:
: Hi, I am planning to buy a 98' Merlin XLM in about two
: months from now (Jan 98') and I was wondering if any
: of you guys out there who own an XLM could tell me how
: you like your bike and maybe mention a few things you
: think I should know about this bike
: Thanks, your replys will be greatly appreciated.
: P.S- KEEP ON RIDE'IN
: Adam Williams
Adam,
I purchased my XL frame in Sept. I got a 55cm frame with a 56.5cm top tube (which is the 57cm frames top tube measurement). I hung the Campy Chorus 9-speed grupo with a Syncros road stem and a Wound Up Carbon fork. My bike is great. A couple of things that I'd like to mention however. Since I'm at 200 lbs., I noticed flex at the BB. I switched out the Campy BB for Phil Wood and noticed a marked improvement. Maybe I should cut back on the Burrito's as well, huh? Also, being I'm not a racer, but just a guy who loves to ride all the time (I've logged 1600 miles on my XL since 9/30/97) I'd go for a Carbon fork like a Time or a Kestrel that has a rake to it. The Wound Up is a great fork, but probably unnecessary for us non-racer types. Well that's my two cents. I do love my bike. It's well worth every penny!!
Happy riding.