posted by chris langlois on february 10, 1998 at 16:06:48:
in reply to: re: Merlin's New Portable Model posted by Dave on october 01, 1997 at 10:34:20:
: Merlin has been making frames with the S&S; BTC for
: years. Check out the S&S; option on their web site.
this may be a bit dated, but i think i picked up one
of the first Merlin's outfitted with S&S; bicycle torque
couplings back in SEP 96. After seeing the S&S; btc's on
an Erickson bike at the Seattle bike show, plus listening
to Maynard Hershon lampoon Merlin's newsboy, but praise
the S&S; btc's i couln't resist.
the S&S; btc's must be titanium to mate with a merlin
Ti frame and the frame must be straight gauge, not butted
due to strength factors associated where its divided. the
frame 'breaks' with two S&S; btc's: one on the top tube and
the other on the down tube. aestetics and frame stiffness
are not compromised. i would say they are improved. the
only problem i have with the whole setup is fitting the
damn disassembled bike and all it's parts into the travel
box. it's a jigzaw puzzle to say the least. make a diagram
of it in the box once you figure it all out and never ever
lose it. chris.