posted by Merlin XLM or Seven Sola on february 26, 1998 at 22:11:32:
in reply to: Merlin's Future in Cycling posted by John on february 12, 1998 at 16:28:05:
: Hello all, rumor has it that Merlin was recently purchased by another company - am interested in a response by a Merlin employee, pls confirm/deny rumors and provide information about how this (if true) will impact Merlins future. There has been lots of "rumint" since Rob V. and the boys left - I love my Merlins, but would like to rest (assured) knowing there is still a company in place to provide me services if needed.
: Additionally, is Dan Fox still in your employ??
: Appreciate a response- thanks,
: John
I have the same questions and concerns. I am considering a
high-end titanium hardtail and after much research, I narrowed
the field down to 3: Litespeed Tellico, Seven Sola and Merlin XLM.
After further research and owner opinions, I dropped the Tellico
and focused on the Sola and XLM (more so the XLM after all the
positive feedback I had received from Merlin owners). Then, I
started to get cold feet about Merlin. Why would Rob Vandermark
and company leave Merlin? Is Merlin in trouble? Then, after discussion
with a current Merlin XL and Mountain owner (who, BTW loves them
both) he mentioned that Merlin had been bought out! Now, to me this
doesn't seem good. A lifetime warranty is only as good as the
company which backs it. As such, I have decided to go with the Seven
Sola. I'm just wondering what's up with Merlin and how do they
intend to compete with Vandermark and company who are offering are
offering custom framesets? When spending $2600 US
which is a whopping $4000 CDN (after taxes), I want to be able to
sleep easy knowing that I made the best possible decision. Any comments
from Merlin and/or Merlin owners?
Ride Hard,
Mike