cool

Have to find a place where I can test one for size as the biggest is 19". Not sure if that is big enough.

What about the shocks.

Are Fox better than Rock shox?


Does anyone know if you can get bike bags (obviously with the bike in it!) in the back of an 03 STI with the fixed rear seat or will I have to use a bike rack?

Phil

 

19" will be plenty big enough mate. MTB's are sized differently to other bikes, so it's hard to compare. But you won't need any bigger. Fine tuning can be done with different stem lengths/angles and seat post heights - that's why it's better to get sized up and try a few different stems etc, until u get it right.

Shock wise, Fox are excellent and all the mags seem to rate them. They are heavier than SIDs, but flex less and maybe more robust. They're a relatively new make, so not sure about spares availability and longevity though. Either are a good bet, each has his preference in the end, so no right or wrong answer here.

As for fitting in the STI, if you take the wheels off, you can easily get a frame or two along the back seat - I've done it in the Evo and it's no problem. Just make sure u put some blankets down or use the bike bag!

Mart.

 

Looks a nice spec, if you're spending that sort of money you really need to ride a few though!

As far as spec is concerned I'd go for some better wheels with that too. Also do some research on components - XTR is good (and you won't go far wrong with it) but there is kit around thats as good and in some cases better. I'm thinking pedals, cranks and brakes in your example.

Things like bars, stem and seatpost are very personal and make a huge difference to the fit of the bike. You may find yourself changing especially stem and bars to get the perfect fit, so unless you're able to 'try before you buy' maybe start off with cheaper bars and stem until you know whats right for you.

 

Don't forget about white brothers forks as well. They have some good reviews as well, for around the same price as Sids or Foxes. Worth a look anyway, and nobody else has them I'd get 'em over the rock shox anyway.
I heard the Fox forks were expensive to service though. Maybe check whether your local place can service them, in fact.

That seems very cheap for a titanium frame though. I'd try & find a few write ups about it before buying tbh. I don't doubt your judgement - it's just that Ti frames tend to be about twice that price....
Don't forget that there's 2 companies called Merlin though. The one listed in MBUK, is in Preston or Ormskirk or around there, and it isn't the same as the American company, which is apparently slightly better, if more expensive. I heard of one instance where the BB casing wasn't threaded straight in the british bikes.
As I keep on saying though, ride one, find one, read about one, before you get it, if you're spending that kind of money I'd do that whatever I was buying

That's going to be a really nice bike though

 

Thanks guys.

I have now read a few reviews and it seems to be a really good frame. It is not the American Merlin. They are £$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!

Can anyone recommend a good bike shop near me. I am in the Enfield, London area and work in Town, just off Carnaby St.

My problem is sizing, I have sat on several bikes from different manufactures and the sizes all seem to be different.
So how do I get to test this frame made up. I can't go to Preston!

Phil

 

Ask Merlin for the geometry measurements of the 19" frame, then find a bike from another manufacturer with similar dimensions, and size yourself up on that?

As we've said though, bar and stem sizes will make a large difference to your ultimate fit.

To be honest, if I were spending that much cash on a bike, I'd be inclined to make a weekend of it and take a trip up to Lancashire and get properly fitted up on the bike. If they know you're serious, I'm sure they'd be more than happy to have u there and tailor make the bike to your needs. You'll end up a lot happier I'd say!

My dads from Preston, so I know the area well. Makes a nice day out mate.

Mart.

 

...

 

Thanks for everyones help

Looking forward to getting this muddy!

• Rock Lobster Team Ti frame
• Mazocchi Marathon SL forks
• Thompson Elite Stem
• Thompson Elite Seatpin
• Selle Italia SLR titanium saddle
• Hope clamp
• Easton Carbon lo riser bars
• Hope Headset
• Hope M4 disc brakes
• Mavic Crossmax XL wheels
• Panaracer FireXCpro tyres
• XTR Chainset
• XTR Cassette
• XTR Chain
• XTR Rear mech
• XTR Front mech
• XTR Shifters
• Candy SL pedals
• ODI Yeti speed grips











Phil

PS No comments about the ornaments

 

Phil, did you study hard at school?

Coz my son would donate a limb for a bike like that, and I need to encourage him in his exams...

 

Yeah, are you single by any chance? I might date you

 

Not too hard

Are you blonde Steve? I'll think about it

 

Well, if a jobs worth doing ...... !

Well done that man ! Nice !

 

I've got a Rock Lobster Team Tig SL with a few upgrades and it is a seriously good bike. Thoroughly recommend it

 

Hair is something I don't do, let alone blonde hair Very nice bike - if you're ever around Hertford on it let me know! I'm looking to upgrade this summer.

 

You and I could play snap with components (even down to the saddle), though I've got Minute 3 forks instead. Otherwise, brakes, wheels, tyres, bars, groupset, pedals (almost) .. it's all the same. And it all works brilliantly well.

Glad to see you went with the M4 option - they're great, though they squeal in the wet. Sintered pads have reduced the problem, though not stopped it entirely. And what size front disc is that - 185?

 

Yes it's a 185 rotor.

You can lock both wheels sitting down!

 

I succumbed, so there's a Team Ti winging its way over to me now