Style over substance? Merlin

As far as I'm concerned, if you like the bike, can afford it, and think it feels like a good value -- who cares what anyone else thinks? I ride a bike that is way too good for me. So what? I could afford it, it's exhilarating to ride, and it's comfy. I WANT to ride since I bought it. What more can you ask of a bicycle?

My own ride happens to be steel (a Cervelo), but it could as easily be titanium or carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (just saying carbon is really silly, since the majority of the cmposite is really plastic resin). If it feels good, and you can afford it, RIDE it!

I suggest trying the Specialized line (Al and steel both), Cervelo, Merlin, Jamis, etc, Etc. I personally couldn't stand the handling of the LeMond, but many love it. Lotsa people love Felts; they are all Al so far as I know.

I assume you read this thread:
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t35691.html

--lots of thoughts here about Titanium and the other American brands doing it well. Personally, I am a fan of Litespeed bikes, so I think they're worth a look. Odds are good that you're going to get a pretty sweet bike for the money you're willing to spend. I once looked at Merlin bikes, but my shop told me that they are for lighter riders. I weight in the 200 pound-range. I do a lot of strength training in addition to biking, and the Litespeed seems well suited to my build. So keep that in mind. As for the claims about reliability for Litespeeds, I bought their bottom-of-the-line Catalyst, no longer made, at least 5 years ago. It takes a lot of abuse from me, and I've never had a single problem with the frame. Of course your shop would love it if you'd spend an extra thousand, so they'll tell you whatever they want to.

The thing is that you can spend months trying out different bikes. If you found something you really like, and you have a shop that is going to jump through hoops to support you for spending so much money (free tune-ups), then go for it. Besides looks, you're going to have a tough time feeling the difference between two or three different $3,000 titanium bikes. At that price, you get some real quality.

Had the same predicament you had and was driving myself crazy trying to make decisions...finally went into a dealer that had both Litespeed and Merlin and tested both bikes....

Came away with the Merlin Agilis and haven't regretted it from the moment I bought it....speedy on the flats, smooth on the rollers, and gallops up the slopes of steep grades....

As to durability? Haven't had any mechanical problems (knock on wood) outside of the typical everyday maintenance...and it's been ridden over 6000 miles since I got it last year...

Despite the marketing, logo, and brochures, and style of the company, consider the Merlin the 'Big Brother' to the Litespeeds...

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by rlroadie
Had the same predicament you had and was driving myself crazy trying to make decisions...finally went into a dealer that had both Litespeed and Merlin and tested both bikes....

Came away with the Merlin Agilis and haven't regretted it from the moment I bought it....speedy on the flats, smooth on the rollers, and gallops up the slopes of steep grades....

As to durability? Haven't had any mechanical problems (knock on wood) outside of the typical everyday maintenance...and it's been ridden over 6000 miles since I got it last year...

Despite the marketing, logo, and brochures, and style of the company, consider the Merlin the 'Big Brother' to the Litespeeds...

I bought my Merlin last year, and am a "big" person - no problems at all - I had that same experince on my first test ride. I had been riding a Lemond for 4-5 years, then was testing steel frames (lemond, Gunnar, Bianchi). However, when I went for a est ride on the Merlin I burst out laughing it was sooo smoooth! I fell in love with the bike that day and have been in love with it ever since, having ridden over 4,000 miles this year.
Enjoy your bike - it's a vice that is good for you.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Jinny1
After several years mtn biking, I am looking to purchase my first road bike to work on my fitness and do fun long rides on the weekends.
So, I start low, thinking I can get a bike for about $1k. I ride every one I can find even close to my size and am rattled sensless and almost decide not to get a road bike because they are SO uncomfortable.
Then I rode a steel Lemond Zurich and changed my mind. Even though the bike was too big, it was a dream to ride and I felt like I was flying. I started to feel "the love".
As you may know, the 04 Lemond models are going into carbon/steel frames. I have not ruled these out, but have decided to go test other bikes.
I go into a new bike shop and we start discussing my wants/needs. First he has me on a Gunnar. Nice, but not as nice as the Lemond...Then he says, try titanium. Here's a Merlin Fortius. I don't know Merlin from Trek at this point, so I hop on for a spin and was absolutely blown away. I felt like I could ride that bike from Georgia to Alaska.
I would try the Lemond ti bikes too...the geometry is amazing !!!they ride like a dream...
Now, problem is, while I think I can manage to afford the bike, I know nothing of titanium or Merlin other than what's in the catalog. Apparently they are the Lexus model to Litespeed's Toyota. Will I really get more quality for the buck with Merlin, or should I consider a similar model Litespeed that is similarly spec'd but almost $1k cheaper? The diffrence explained to me at the shop was only in grade of titanium. Well, that could make a BIG difference in durability and ride quality. I plan to have this bike a long time.
However, I am also a sucker for good marketing, and the logo and brochure and style of the company really appeal to my sense of asthetics.
Since I'm now looking at spending almost $3k on a bike, what other models should I try first before I am seduced by the Merlin Metalworks Co.?
Jinny

😎 😎

merlin or litespeed...either... they're both great bikes.

around here (I live 3 miles from the plant) litespeeds are considered performance bicycles and merlins are more for show. this may be because litespeed was started here. anyway, merlins can be, and have been, raced with success. you should be happy with either.

read on...

http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/features/litespeed.html

http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech/2003/probikes/?id=Merlin_West_Virginia

it's a vice that is good for you. [/QUOTE]

😄 Well I made a good case for that to my mom who's gonna chip in some early birthday money.
I have to finally admit I love this bike.
I went to do a bit of research on the brand itself and found the same bike online (double, not triple chainring) for $750 less.
The shop won't budge off their top price, and I just can't justify that much difference.
I am a HUGH supporter of local shops and often pay retail to support them being there, but for $750 I might jusst be tempted to order online.
Anyone know about the Bike Farm in Chattanooga?
jh

the bike farmer and river city bikes (its parent) are/is one of, if not the largest litespeed dealer in the US. good, reputable folks.

Oh good. No fly by night Nigerian bike scamers then. Whew.
I was tempted, and still might, drive up there this weekend.
The universe has sent vivid signals today that life is short and to take advantage of a few indulgences.

Second on the reliability of Bike Farmer - got some great wheels from them at a great price off an eBay auction. They charged me for insurance even when I said I didn't want it though - $2, big whoop.

The only thing Merlin and Litespeed have in common is that they are both built in the same building...thats it. They are still far from the same when it comes to quality and ride.

Merlin builds a bike for the ride...not the style

Litespeed says " OK this aero tubeset will look cool, but now we have to bend, contort and shape the tube to make it ride better than a cement block.

Merlin uses UNSEAMED tubing

Litespeed SEAMS their tubes, they say its stronger and it is, TOO STRONG! can you say bone jarring?

Merlin has only the top welders working on their bikes at the factory

Litespeed lets a 23 year old weld thier bikes.....hmmmm?

I have a 2004 Magia on the way, I could ride any bike in my shop, but this bike is the perfect mixture of durabilty and ride quality

and im not some 50 yr old fat guy, i am 27 years old and a cat 2 rodie and can sprint with the best of em, this thing gets up and goes

just my 2 cents

Stay with Merlin, you will thank your self later on

Stay with Merlin, you will thank your self later on.

The universe spoke with many not-so-subtile "life is short live a little" clues, so on Sat I rode up to Chattanooga and bought the bike. Yeah, it's way above my ability and yeah I am a 40 year old fat chick, but that bike is like riding buttah. I slide uphills. My joints don't ache, and I even got up an hour early to ride to work this morning!
Friends have said I don't need this much bike, but neither do they NEED an SUV to cruise the burbs, so I'm feeling a lot less guilty and weird about spending the dough. I have not had a "hobby" in so long, I had a little saved for a trip or some other splurge, so it's not gonna put me under.
I just wanna ride this bike all the time!