| 1986 |
Merlin Metalworks is founded in Cambridge, MA by Gwyn Jones,
Gary Helfrich, and Mike Augspurger. Merlin builds its first mountain
bike frame for Joe Murray, the reigning National Mountain Bike
Champion. |
| 1987 |
Merlin begins its long relationship with master frame builder,
Tom Kellogg and introduces the first 3/2.5 titanium road bike. |
| 1990 |
The Subaru Montgomery Team, including Lance Armstrong, Steve
Hegg, and Ken Carpenter, begin a three year association with Merlin
and go on to win numerous national titles. |
| 1991 |
Merlin introduces the S-bend chain stay and seat stay into its
mountain bike line. The S-Bend goes on to be one of the most copied
rear triangle designs in the industry. |
| 1992 |
Greg Lemond purchases Merlin frames for his "Z" Team, and the
team goes on to ride the Tour de France on their "camouflaged"
Merlins. |
| 1994 |
Merlin introduces the first titanium cruiser called Newsboy , to
rave reviews. |
| 1995 |
Merlin rider Rob Kish wins the Race Across America, for the
third time, on his 59 cm Merlin Extralight. |
| 1996 |
Merlin introduces the S & S coupling option on all frames,
revolutionizing bike travel for thousands. Roman Dial and friends
complete their epic Ride Across Alaska aboard a fleet of Merlin
mountain bikes. |
| 1999 |
Merlin introduces three new mountain bikes offering Cannondale's
patented HeadShok front-suspension. |
| 2000 |
Merlin relocates to Chattanooga, TN. The Agilis, Merlin's first
compact road frame, is designed by Tom Kellogg and introduced with
the 2001 product line. |
| 2002 |
Merlin re-introduces the Newsboy with front-suspension,
disc-brakes and two sets of wheels. Mark Scanlon wins the Irish
National Championship aboard his Merlin XL Compact. |
| 2003 |
Merlin signs on with the U.S. based West Virginia Road Team and
begins winning numerous domestic races. The Solis is introduced as
the first titanium event geometry frame. |
| 2004 |
Tom Kellogg and Merlin design engineers collaborate to introduce
a women's specific frame design called the Camena. In addition,
high-performance, one-inch chain stays are added to the Extralight
for increased stiffness and acceleration. The Cyrene looses it's
decals and becomes a fully engraved frame. The Merlin design team
starts to work on what will become the Works line. |
| 2005 |
Merlin becomes a sponsor of the UK's Development Squad, a team
of Juniors, that will help them build and nurture into professional
cyclist. The Sean Kelly development squad, a pro/continental, team,
as well as the Irish Cycling Federation, signs on to ride Merlin. |
| Present |
Merlin introduces the Works line of pure race bicycles that ride
and perform all Merlin. Merlin provides works line bicycles to the
UK Development, Sean Kelly Development , Irish Cycling Federation,
and the US based Rite Aid teams. |
