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1989 Merlin:

Merlin, founded in 1986, was one of the earliest maker of titanium mountain bikes.  The early serial numbers are a little sketchy but the folks at Merlin believe this to be from 1989 which makes it relatively early in the history of the brand.  I'd still like to find one of the elevated stay bikes and one of the girder-style forks.

Merlin head badge decal

Head tube weld detail

Rock Shox RS-1 fork crown

Seat area weld detail

Click on thumbnails above for larger image

 

 

Frame Titanium
Fork Rock Shox RS1
Rear Shock NA
Rims Mavic M231
Hubs Bullseye
Spokes Wheelsmith stainless steel
Tires Panaracer Dart Front, Smoke Rear
Pedals Shimano XT
Crank Shimano Deore XT FC-M730
Chain Sedis
Rear Cogs Sachs 7 speed cassette
Bottom Bracket Shimano Deore XT
Front Derailleur Shimano Deore XT
Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore XT
Shifters Shimano Deore XT 7 speed thumb shifter
Handlebars Alloy flat
Stem Tioga T-Bone
Headset Shimano Deore XT
Brake set Shimano Deore XT
Brake levers Shimano Deore XT 2 finger
Saddle Selle Italia Turbo
Seat Post Syncros
Colors Titanium
Size 20"
Serial #   371


Parts marked with as * are known to be non-original parts.  Bikes were often customized at the time of purchase or were different as shown in the catalogs so exact specifications were subject to change.