titanium fork?

[Andrewlcox]

Hey guys,

My buddy is still hunting for a titanium frame and found this one on eBay. (http://www.ebay.com/itm/270827638910?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_500wt_1202) The seller measured it at 23_1/4" which is actually 59cm not the 56cm he listed. Also, he says the fork is titanium. How many Merlins came with titanium forks? Could it be aluminum and the seller is mistaken? How would one test it to be sure since it's painted?

Thanks,
Andy

[rockdude]

I am no expert but it looks to be steel to me.... I have never seen a Ti fork with that type of tubing.

[Peter P.]

That is definitely not a titanium fork otherwise it would be flexier than overcooked spaghetti. Titanium legs would need to be oversized to provide adequate resistance to flex.

It's likely aluminum as I recall seeing some early Merlins with aluminum forks. VERY few titanium frames were paired with steel forks; the first generation Serotta titanium being one example.

That bike was possibly a Mavic Neutral Support bike because to the decals (the Mavic decals are readily visible, the Merlin decal is discreet).

Otherwise, it could have belonged to Paul Stanley of KISS fame because of the name on the head tube. Either that would be a hoot or at least a good story to tell!

[dekindy]

What Peter P. said summarizes what I have read regarding applying titanium to forks.

[Kirk Pacenti]

That is an SR aluminum fork.

Cheers,

KP

[jr59]

It looks like the Kenniess (spelling) fork most Merlins came with.

I know mine did!

[Fixed]

That is an SR aluminum fork.

Cheers,

KP
this is what it is
cheers

[Andrewlcox]

The seller said he checked the fork again and it says its made in Japan by Sakae. Is that SR? He says it looks like ti and is convinced it is titanium.

For the record, I believe you guys. I am only trying to protect my buddy and maybe educate the seller.

Thanks for the help,
Andy

[Fixed]

yes the same
cheers

[Kirk Pacenti]

The seller said he checked the fork again and it says its made in Japan by Sakae. Is that SR? He says it looks like ti and is convinced it is titanium.

For the record, I believe you guys. I am only trying to protect my buddy and maybe educate the seller.

Thanks for the help,
Andy


Yes, Sakae is SR. The fork is aluminum.

Cheers,
KP

[Andrewlcox]

Good job everyone! I learn something new every day I visit the forum.

Thanks,
Andy

[djg21]

Hey guys,

My buddy is still hunting for a titanium frame and found this one on eBay. (http://www.ebay.com/itm/270827638910?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_500wt_1202) The seller measured it at 23_1/4" which is actually 59cm not the 56cm he listed. Also, he says the fork is titanium. How many Merlins came with titanium forks? Could it be aluminum and the seller is mistaken? How would one test it to be sure since it's painted?

Thanks,
Andy


I don't think Merlin ever sold frames with Ti forks. The earliest ones came with Sakae or Kinesis Aluminum, and later frames had the option of various Carbon forks.

[Ahneida Ride]

The little I know about materials ... tells me that Ti is a rather
bad choice for a fork.

[tuscanyswe]

I have experienced different. Id say the Ti-fork i had was very nice. I wouldent choose it for racing tho. Was a very nice ride imo.