The Merlin MTS size-specific 3Al-2.5V tube set provides outstanding performance and comfort | Added stiffness is due to Merlin MTS 1 3/4" downtube | 7/8" butted S-bend chainstays ensure drivetrain stiffness while 3/4" S-bend seatstays enhances vertical compliance | Better braking power with less twist and flex is due to Merlin's center-mounted brake boss design | Disc compatible dropouts allow for choice of brake systems
Submitted by
mountainbikeryk
a Cross Country Rider
from Yellowknife, NT Canada
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2008
Strengths: This bike has endless strengths the shock dampening of Ti, great climbing, great tracking, increadible strength, pressision welds, beutiful finish etc etc etc
Weaknesses: Being on old 1991 frame it has only three weakness 1" head tube, 130mm rear spacing and the interesting old WTB/suntour greasgaurd non standard bottom bracket, but those were the facts in the early days.
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike back in the day (1991). I paid an incredible $2600 for the frame and fork, which took me forever to save. I was so broke after paying for the frame that I traded in my Ritchey Ascent Comp just to cover the cost of the parts. This frame came with a nice set of Ritchey cromo forks. I have been riding this bike for nearly 20 years now and it has never given me an issue. It has eaten up thousands of miles. I just had to replace the original bearings on the bottom bracket. I used Phil Woods and now it is smooth as silk. It was not a big deal and anybody who has this frame feel free to contact me if you need help in replacing the bearings.
I hope to be riding this bike for another 20 years
Submitted by
Gordo
a Weekend Warrior
from NY, NY USA
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2007
Strengths: Tight handling, great climbing, lite weight, smoother ride than steel or aluminium, rust proof, bullet proof
Weaknesses: Customer service is extremely poor.
Bottom Line:
I first reviewed this bike on 8/12/1997 (see way down the page), over 10 years ago, and have owned and ridden this bike for over 14 years. What I said then holds true today - this is the sweetest cross country frame ever made. I also own a Moots YBB and Bontranger Privateer, which are great bikes in there own right but if I had to chose one, it would still be Merlin. I have never ridden a better climbing bike and its handling is unbelievably sharp. It now does daily commuting duty in Manhattan (NYC) and if you have ever seen the roads here, you will understand that they can beat on a bike as least as much as the gnariliest trails. It is now camouflaged with lots of duct tape and the original stickers are all chewed up, yet the Merlin is holding up beautifully, at least structurally. I expect to get at least another 14 years out of this frame and hope my kids will one day be riding it.
Seriously, how many mountain bike frames/parts remain functional, let alone relevant, after 14 years?
If you can find one of these 'old school' (pre-Serotta/Lite Speed acquisitions) frames, snap it up!
Similar Products Used: Moots YBB and Bontranger Privateer
Bike Setup: Avid, SRAM, Mavic, etc and lots of duct tape (see below)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
kristian sullivan
a Weekend Warrior
from maynard ,massachusetts,usa
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2007
Strengths: an absolute dream
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
i was a former employee at merlin in cambridge mass and built this bike myself. it rides the same as the day i brought it home. i have lots of decals if anyone ever needs them, all kinds red,team,road, extralight,xlm...my number is 978 461 0789 or email at scubasully@yahoo.com. i also have some extra rare merlin pins which are impossible to get.
Strengths: Titanium. What can you say. No rust, no paint to chip
Weaknesses: The fact that it only has a 1" steerer. It sucks having to repress a replacement steerer into a brand new set of SID's
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. Its been my trail and road bike since '92, and I see no need to change. I'm glad I bought 5 sets of replacement decals (I'm still to replace the original decals) and I still have the original sales brochure. There's nothing like the feel of titanium. I saved and saved to buy this frame, and I'm damn glad I did.
Bike Setup: '92 Merlin MTN, SID XC's, original '92 XTR drivetrain, with '97 V-brakes and levers. SRP bolt kit, Chris King Hubs and headset, Syncros Ti post, Ibis quill stem, Mcmahon Ti bars. King Ti bottle cage.
Strengths: Handling, construction, finish and design.
Weaknesses: The cost if you buy new.
Bottom Line:
I remember when the first mountain bikes hit the market...I remember when the first shock hit the market..remember the Rockshock with the pink decals??...Alot has change since then in the mountain biking world, some things have remained the same or have gotten better. The first time I saw a Merlin (frameset only) was back in - I think it was 1986 maybe 1987 in a shop in San Francisco - VeloCity -sitting in the window. It had the cleanest welds and finest finish that I have ever seen on a bike to this date. At that time, I was saying I could never afford that price tag, It was 1,200.00 at that time. 15 years later I could afford to buy one but couldn't part with the 3 grand to buy a new one. I was able to locate one used via the Internet for 1,000.00. After cleaning it up and swapping out a few of the components to suite my riding (and ego)I had finally obtained my dream bike. The handling uphill is fantastic because the lightweight -sub 20# and geometry, the downhill is smooth and fast, the flex property of titanium is that noticable when it comes to the control and comfort factor. The neutral geometry is great if you like doing wheelies and getting big air. One of the best bikes ever made..and when I take it out (almost everyday)whether it is on the road, trail, bikeshop etc. no matter what anybody else is riding any brand, any design when they see the Merlin I can see that glint of recognition and admiration (envy?).
Purchased At: Bob Ward @ REI fremont - Thanks Bob!
Similar Products Used: Ritchey Ultra: Rockshox, Syncro seatpost, RaceFace Cranks,Hyperlite bar, XTR/XT gruppo, etc.
Bike Setup: Mixture of XTR & Suntour drivetrain and braking components, Thomson seatpost, Titec ti bar, Flite, SX-R front shock, SRAM shifters, Salsa, etc
Strengths: Handling, construction, finish and design.
Weaknesses: The cost if you buy new.
Bottom Line:
I remember when the first mountain bikes hit the market...I remember when the first shock hit the market..remember the Rockshock with the pink decals??...Alot has change since then in the mountain biking world, some things have remained the same or have gotten better. The first time I saw a Merlin (frameset only) was back in - I think it was 1986 maybe 1987 in a shop in San Francisco - VeloCity -sitting in the window. It had the cleanest welds and finest finish that I have ever seen on a bike to this date. At that time, I was saying I could never afford that price tag, It was 1,200.00 at that time. 15 years later I could afford to buy one but couldn't part with the 3 grand to buy a new one. I was able to locate one used via the Internet for 1,000.00. After cleaning it up and swapping out a few of the components to suite my riding (and ego)I had finally obtained my dream bike. The handling uphill is fantastic because the lightweight -sub 20# and geometry, the downhill is smooth and fast, the flex property of titanium is that noticable when it comes to the control and comfort factor. The neutral geometry is great if you like doing wheelies and getting big air. One of the best bikes ever made..and when I take it out (almost everyday)whether it is on the road, trail, bikeshop etc. no matter what anybody else is riding any brand, any design when they see the Merlin I can see that glint of recognition and admiration (envy?).
Purchased At: Bob Ward @ REI fremont - Thanks Bob!
Similar Products Used: Ritchey Ultra: Rockshox, Syncro seatpost, RaceFace Cranks,Hyperlite bar, XTR/XT gruppo, etc.
Bike Setup: Mixture of XTR & Suntour drivetrain and braking components, Thomson seatpost, Titec ti bar, Flite, SX-R front shock, SRAM shifters, Salsa, etc
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Cross Country Rider
from Tennessee
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2002
Strengths: durability, weight, resposiveness, customer support
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
This bike is super light, responsive and easy to sling around turns. It can take a beating and I have heard that if it breaks, they'll give you a new one. The only problem I have ever had was with the seat clamp but I wrote them and they sent me a new one in the mail the next day (They said they have fixed this on the newer models.) I would recommend this frame to anyone.
Strengths: Second to none welding! Light weight and the geometry is dialed in with a sloping top tube.
Weaknesses: None so far
Bottom Line:
This is the best hard tail that I've ever laid my eyes on. Those who question the quality of Merlin since the move do not know what they're talking about! Spectrum bicycles would not still be contracting Merlin for their custom ti frames if the Merlin quality has gone down, think about it. The quality of this frame is amazing, from the welds to the tube set. I would be willing to bet that the quality has gone up since the move. I have ridden and owned many high end hard tails, steel and aluminum. Not one of them can compare to the ride of this titanium frame. The bike climbs like a monkey after a ding dong! It also has perfect lateral stiffness for my weight(175lbs). I'm a die hard steel frame fan and really wanted to go with a steel frame on my new bike purchase. Once I finally got on the Merlin Mountain my decision was over. I couldn't get off the bike. My first ride was 50 miles through Hoosier National forest(technical single track and short steep climbs). My bike is set up with full XTR with Rock Shox SID SL fork, everything is flawless! Seven also makes a nice hard tail but the complete would have been $2k more than the Merlin Mountain, I couldn't justify the difference. The bikes felt similar, my Merlin was a little stiffer in the bottom bracket and looked better with the over sized tubing...
Similar Products Used: Seven, IF, S-Works M2 and M4, Cannondale F3000, and various other top end hard tails
Bike Setup: XTR, Thomson seat post and stem, with SID SL
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Tony Rinella
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2002
Strengths: Weight, Durability.
Weaknesses: '92 Frame is presuspension geometry with 1 inch headset (hard to find a suspension fork)
Bottom Line:
I purchased several bikes over the past 10 years hoping to find a more incredible bike than my Merlin. Trendy suspension bikes come and go, aluminum bikes fall apart, steel bikes age pretty quickly. This bike has been one of my most prized possessions for a decade. I have never seen another bike that looks almost brand new after so many years despite negligible maintenance. I weigh 210 lbs and have never minded the flexibility of the metal. It makes for a very comfortable ride. I rated its value "5 Flamin' Chilis" since it has outlived several cheaper bikes that together would cost more than the Merlin. Think of it as an investment.
Similar Products Used: Various Kleins, Cannondales, and Gary Fischers.
Bike Setup: XTR components, custom wheels, Syncros cranks and seatpost
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
David Treviño
a Racer
from Monterrey, N.L. México
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2002
Strengths: Weight 23 pounds in a 20" frame. Titanium is the best material I´ve ever ride, absorbs and damps a lot of vibration and makes rough trails look like snow. Incredible weldings. Geometry. Handling and fits perefect. Well job don by Chris Brown and Joe.
Weaknesses: None by the moment, by the way the front Vbrake is hard to adjust. It squeeks a lot
Bottom Line:
The frame and setup is quite expensive but I think its worth the money. A bike that could and should last more than any other common material as Al. and OCLV. The handling and feeling you get once your are hard on it is great. The support you receive from the selling guys for you to fit perfect is very good. I´m looking to pedal this frame for a long time and DEfinitly I recommend the frame if you got the cash for it but forget it if you are on a budget looking for tortillas.
Geometry is dialed in - nice long top tube combined with neutral seat and head angles allow for a comfortable yet powerful position on the bike
Welding is second to none. Superb attention to detail
Frame feels like an extension of your body. Handles like a dream. Shows its true colors when climbing as the angles/top tube keep your weight centered. Downhill or over the rough stuff, the Ti frame does a great job of dampening trail noise
Don't notice any significant flex at the bottom bracket
Weaknesses: Stickers chip and peel easily - but that's why they sell replacements
Bottom Line:
Frame fits like a glove Most comfortable bike I've ever been on - never ceases to amaze me Have everyting dialed in - wouldn't change a thing Should last a lifetime
Similar Products Used: Klein Pinacle - another great frame - similar geometry Santa Cruz Superlight (2nd Bike - similar set-up) Litespeed Classic Road Bike w/Campy Super Record throughout
Bike Setup: 96 Med Frame 1" Head Tube Last of the Vandermarks
King Headset Specialized 6/4 Ti stem (125mm) Easton Carbon bars with WTB Grips Precision Billet Levers and Brakes XTR 8sp Shifters w/o gear display 98 SID SL with Ti Studs (Thanks Jason) RaceFace Next Cranks w/ActionTec Ti granny ring + SRP Bolts ActionTec Bottom Bracket + SRP Crank Bolts Shimano 858's w/Ti spindles SRAM PC68 Precision Billet FD XTR RD with SRP Ti/Al bolts Syncros Ti Seatpost w/SRP Ti Bolts Terry Super Fly Saddle (the best) Mavic CrossMax wheels Performance Lunar Light Tubes Panaracer Fire XC's (2.1's) Salsa Ti Skewers and Seatpost QR
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from Hull, PQ
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2001
Strengths: Durability (mine is a '91), handling, weight
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
Simply the best hardtail frame available. I ride with a group of experienced and fast guys, who own high end new hardtails or full suspension bikes (Santa Cruz and the like), and their equipment doesn't give them any advantage. You won't see too many '91 bikes still hammering rough and technical trails like the ones in the Gatineau region, except for a couple of Merlins. This bike flies in the single track, and titanium is forgiving in the rough. My frame still looks great when I clean it. I'd definitely buy another if I had to, but this is probably the last hardtail I'll ever own simply because there is no need for anything else. Merlins are the best.
Similar Products Used: I've ridden many bikes in the last 20 years
Bike Setup: '99 Z2 BAM, XTR 9 speed, Cook Bros. cranks, Syncros stem and post, Sella Italia seat, Deore DX headset, rear 987 canti, front XT V-brake, WTB rims on XT hubs, Specialized riser bar, Panaracer Fire XC pro
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
SCOTT BRAIDY
a Cross Country Rider
from SINFIN
Date Reviewed: November 6, 2001
Strengths: NONE BECAUSE ME AND THE BIKE ARE UGLY
Weaknesses: SCOTT RIDES IT
Bottom Line:
THE BIKE IS GOD DAM UGLY BUT SO AM I BUT I HAVE NEVER RODE ENYTHING AS CRAP AS THIS MERLIN DO NOT BUY
Strengths: SWEEEEET. Supple, and forgiving on your ass, while ripping every trail apart. Dream handeling climbs like a monkey on crack and light as hell
Weaknesses: I dont have a road Merlin
Bottom Line:
You cannot get a better ride for the money. I ahve a 96 an dit rules the taril especially after giving up a F/S rig that was awesome. Takes everything i ever rode and makes it faster and better control on the trail. This bike will change your perspective on what u r riding now. After 8 yrs of riding i hope to own this bike for at leat 10 more years.
I won this bike at auction and completely over-hauled it. I upgraded many of the original parts with classic XTR parts I have been collecting over the years. For me this bike represents the years I fell in love with the sport. I took the bike out for it maiden voyage this past Sunday, and all I can say is wow. It climbs like a goat. Decents are sketchy, but there is no suspension. The experiance was classic and pure. Your line selection had to be dead on, but if it wasn't the frame and wheels did their best to smooth it out as best as they could. I am glad I have a chance to own and ride such a nice bike.
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