subject: re: re: re: Potential buyer - road bike frame - questions

comments:
: : : : : I'm SERIOUSLY looking at a new Merlin Road frame. : : : I'm a "fast" recreational rider - 70 milers on weekend : : : with an occasional century. : : : Comfort is big concern. Especially road vibration : : : of bars. : : : Tell me your experience. : : : Also - does the Extralight absorb more vibration? : : : Thanks, : : : Clay : : : : Well, I don't know if the XL absorbs shock any better than the Road, but after riding steel up until a couple months ago, I can say that vertical compliance is pretty good on Ti. I also use the Look HSC fork and the combination is a very comfortable one as far as I'm concerned. If you've not ridden Ti before, the ride characteristics are tough to describe accurately; it's comfortable and road shock is muted, but frame flex is pretty minimal (at least on a 51). : : Steel (Prestige) on the other hand, on the same road surface is definitely a "firm" ride, and I definitely feel it through the fork and hbar. : : Ah, what the hell, plunk down whatever you can afford and give it a try; I doubt you'll be disappointed. : : Norman : Norman! Your e-mail of 02/18/'98 was most welcome! i hope my responce to you via e-mail "took" ok. i thought that i recognized your name from the Merlin website! Your reply to Clay's concerns is excellent! keep the faith ! paul