"Extralight" is a branding term that has no technical meaning. Its lineage in the Merlin lineup traces back to the 1990s. At the time, it was a lighter frame than the regular road model they offered. Now, it is the only road model the current iteration of Merlin offers, so there's no point of reference.

You appear to be making up a reference point with a different headtube because you've been fixated on head tube diameter lately, but your question could have been just as easily formulated as "isn't an 'extra light' titanium frame an oxymoron since carbon frames can be made so much lighter?"

Yeah, it's clearly not the lightest possible frame they could have made, but they're making no explicit claims to that effect. It's just a brand name they threw on a frame because they thought it might help it sell better than if they named it the Merlin Crapmachine.

Sad to see those abominations, once names that stood for quality bicycles.

It’s really all I think about lately. Along with what exactly Meat Loaf wouldn’t do for love. Also: "roundabouts," the actress Melanie Laurent, and the color taupe.

Vintage Woodrup Giro-Touring bike - $600
 

12/03/2021

Vintage Woodrup Giro-Touring bike with some Campagnolo Record components - $600 and a TA Crankset
Text 3 0 3 - 5 2 3 - 9 1 9 6.
Built in Leeds England. This great road bike actually has 3 chain rings, and the super low gear(see pic #7) is low enough for any hills you'll encounter ! Beautifully lugged frame. Brand NEW tires have never been ridden on yet, just installed before I listed the bike. Campagnolo hubs, also has Campagnolo brakes, handles, rear derailleur, shift levers, seat post, pedals, etc, etc. Real Brooks saddle that IS broken in so you won't have to!! Really unique vintage bike ! Condition is excellent with NO rust or excessive wear of any kind. Has just small scrapes in the paint.
English
UK

https://denver.craigslist.org/bik/d/...413832688.html
United Kingdom

Davidson Track Bike - $900 59cm
 

You’re assuming a 44mm head tube is significantly heavier than a 1-1/8” head tube - there probably isn’t much in it at all in reality.

I own one of those "abominations" and it's anything but. Merlin still makes a nice ride.

See post here:
https://forums.thepaceline.net/showp...0&postcount=25
Builder estimated it's roughly 100-120g difference in Ti all things considered / being equal, but that was in 2014. Whether the 100-120g difference is worth a noticeable stiffer front end is up to the rider.

Speaking of go-fast Davidsons…how about this Softride for $400…

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/b...410271608.html

I’m guessing this frame was lighter:
https://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=206139

FWIW, I’m not convinced “light” is a good reason to buy a Ti frame, especially with the oversized tubing.

52 cm Engin gravel bike
 

Don't see these everyday on Eastern Shore craigslist

https://easternshore.craigslist.org/...415647064.html

No kidding!

You riding C3 this morning?

Damn!!! Two of my favorite bikes combined into one! I wonder if they'd ship?

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/172120417.jpg

https://pbase.com/jhuddle/image/171970747.jpg

That is pretty funny to me. I thought about you when I saw both of these bikes.
The Davidson is quite eye catching, and I am glad it is too big for me. Saves me the anguish of I want and how can I.

I'm sitting here mocking up the Calfee for fit right now to take my mind off this. I had an email typed up but stopped myself....so far.....Lawd, give me strength!

I've sent a PM to @jamesdak, but if anyone's seriously interested in this one, I could probably facilitate. It's about 20 minutes south of me. I'd have to track down a box so it might take me a week to get it out.