posted by paul empringham on february 02, 1998 at 09:20:15:
in reply to: re: Hmmmmm...wondering about an Extra-Light....... posted by John on february 01, 1998 at 23:26:10:
: Don, I'll bite and offer MY opinion- I hope it helps:
: I ride a 1996 Merlin Extralite, 51 cm., Time carbon fork, DuraAce 8 sp. STI, Flite saddle, SRP bolts, Ti Speedplay's, Control Tech and '97 Spinergy Xtralites with Michilin Super Comp HD's. I am 37 yrs, 5' 9.5", 160 lbs - sold a Serotta (sorry Ben) CRL to get the Merlin. Owned 2 steel (SL/SLX) Marinoni's before that. Race Cat. 4 (havent given up my day job..!!), when i'm not traveling with work.
: i DECIDED ON TITANIUM after weeks of investigative research (I'm an engineer, aka "geek"). I decided on Ti due to weight, strength, rigidity and "longevity". I've replaced steel bikes every 3 years (just because), and finally decided to just INVEST in what I thought was the best bike frame material (ti).
: i DECIDED ON MERLIN because I thought they offered the best product on the market (no rebuttals required). Price wasnt a criteria. I researched manufacturing, experience, design, fabrication, and geometry; once I narrowed the search to Merlin, I spoke with every Merlin cyclist I could find. I also called (several times) each Ti manufacturer and asked tons of questions - at Merlin I had the pleasure of speaking with the very patient, and knowledgeable DAN FOX. Dan represented Merlin very well, and I reviewed my "research" and made my decision. I could not be happier. Additionally, there are 5 Merlin owners on my team and we all love our bikes.
: The frame is very stiff (but, its only a 51 cm.), yet forgiving (carbon fork and wheels). I rode Pedal the Peaks in Colorado in '96 and it climbed quickly and comfortably (10-20 mile climbs), and descended at 55 mph solidly. It's geometry is aggressive for short, fast crits, yet comfortable on centuries (several completed a year). I enjoy the combination of comfort, fit, acceleration, weight, stiffness and material - oh, very high "stylin" points....chicks dig it. (read: H U M O R).
: Call Ti framebuilders (they are happy to talk to you), obtain literature (compare apples to apples), and ride (if you can) before you buy. I saved some money on the purchase of the Extralight frameset by calling several Merlin dealers (I live in Virginia) and negotiating the price. Liken your titanium purchase to that of a EXPENSIVE car purchase - trust me, everything is negotiable and you'd "haggle" with a Lexus dealer wouldnt you? You have leverage if the bike is in a dealers inventory (vs ordering). I bought my frameset in May '96 and found the dealer very willing to work with me - he moved an expensive frameset (big-buck inventory collects the same amount of dust) and I paid less than anyone else sells 'em for (including mail order...). Frameset was UPS'ed to my local bike shop (team co-sponser) who ordered the groupo and built the bike.
: Wow, long reply - I hope the info is helpful (yawn). Merlin has been a great, GREAT, experience for me and I wish you luck in your decision.
: John
: PS, last month Santa brought me a new Merlin Taiga with XTR/XT and Ti Manitou.
John! Now this is the kind of reply that says it all! If Don hasn't been persuaded by your responce to go Merlin then he never will! It's nice to see another completely satisfied Merlin owner take the time to reply like You did. I also have been treated very well by Dan Fox & the Folks at Merlin. Paul