Merlin goes carbon

[mvrider]

Going the way of Litespeed?

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/merlin-empire-road-frameset-2014?ti=UExQIFJ1bGUgQmFzZWQ6SW50cm9kdWNpbmcgdGhlIE 1lcmxpbiBFbXBpcmU6MToyOmNhdDEwMDIwNTU5MA&skidn=MLN000C-RMBW-S50CM

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/images/items/900/MLN/MLN000C/RMBW.jpg

[Mark McM]

I think they might have to go back to the drawing board on the front derailleur. Not only is this the first carbon frame I can remember that uses a clamp-on front derailleur, but the cable routing requires an awfully sharp right angle bend to go from the rear under-BB shell cable guide up into the BB shell and through the seat tube. I don't think the cable hole in the front of the seat tube is particularly well lined up with the derailleur cable clamp position either. This frame may only be suitable for electronic shifting, although they imply it can be used for cable shifting as well.

[thegunner]

I think they might have to go back to the drawing board on the front derailleur. Not only is this the first carbon frame I can remember that uses a clamp-on front derailleur, but the cable routing requires an awfully sharp right angle bend to go from the rear under-BB shell cable guide up into the BB shell and through the seat tube. I don't think the cable hole in the front of the seat tube is particularly well lined up with the derailleur cable clamp position either.

ridley damocles uses an FD clamp :)

[kramnnim]

Clamp on FDs aren't that uncommon, are they? My 585 and my Z5 both use them...

Anyway, back to the Merlin- what person with $4k to spend is going to spend it on this? Or am I missing something?

[EDS]

Looks nice, but wow is that frameset expensive.

[happycampyer]

Cyfac, Parlee and pretty much all of the boutique custom carbon builders' frames require a fd clamp. That attribute is the least of this frame's worries in terms of marketability. The move is predictable, and shows that there really isn't any substance behind Merlin other than name recognition.

[54ny77]

http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m50w7bZNrz1qm6oc3o1_500.gif

[pitcrew]

Guess they didn't spend too much time on the "Empire" script....come on CC.

[AngryScientist]

Cyfac, Parlee and pretty much all of the boutique custom carbon builders' frames require a fd clamp. That attribute is the least of this frame's worries in terms of marketability. The move is predictable, and shows that there really isn't any substance behind Merlin other than name recognition.

agreed on all counts.

[54ny77]

coming soon to a closeout special on cc within 12-18 months: ultegra-equipped carbon merlin for $1,499....

[Chris]

No wonder Brendan left.

[AngryScientist]

that kind of money for a frame opens up some very, very exciting possibilities.

[sandyrs]

What a disgrace.

[velotrack]

They're not going to be selling many of these. The market for carbon frames is saturated enough already, and a frame that brings little to nothing new to the table for over 4 grand simply won't get customers, even for those fond of the Merlin namesake. At least Litespeed is selling bikes at relatively reasonable costs. Oh, and the description screams trying too hard - a little too poetic for a brand that's slightly past its prime. I do like their current Ti frames, they're not horrible.

[eBAUMANN]

snore

[IJWS]

Does anybody know if the large size will have enough clearance in the front triangle to fit a bottle of gatorade? Does Shimano make a BB86 crankset with 3 rings (preferably compact)? Wouldn't one of the all-black ones look cool with a set of Mad Fibers, and a Brooks Cambium saddle? Can't wait to start seeing these babies pop up in the "Custom Bikes" gallery...

[dnades]

Is there a ride review anywhere yet? I can't see them making a mediocre frame. Well, I hope not anyway.

[54ny77]

I believe that it rides like a bird-of-prey hell-bent on paying homage to one of the most difficult climbs in North America, with tuned-compliance, torsional rigidity and an ultra-stiff platform with rock-solid tracking and stability at speed. Oh and it comes fully armed as well. ;)

[bewheels]

If you want a carbon Merlin and don't mind new wold stock...
Take a look.

http://racycles.com/outlet/road-bikes/merlin-proteus-2005-bike

[merlinmurph]

If it's not from Cambridge, it's not a Merlin.

Just sayin'

[avalonracing]

If it's not from Cambridge, it's not a Merlin.

Just sayin'

Yeah, it might be a Super-Merlin like my Merlin Works

[tiretrax]

Does CC own Litespeed, too? Headed straight to Filene's basement.

[sandyrs]

Does CC own Litespeed, too? Headed straight to Filene's basement.

No, Litespeed is part of American Bicycle Group, which also owns Quintana Roo.

[FastforaSlowGuy]

Holy crap, CC's review is defensive!
http://m.competitivecyclist.com/learn/reviewed-the-merlin-empire


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[enr1co]

coming soon to a closeout special on cc within 12-18 months: ultegra-equipped carbon merlin for $1,499....

You've called it...get that Chainlove alert set up ;)