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Good Morning all
Looking to swap my Kinesis Phase for a steel hardtail and noticed this Merlin 725 comes with headset , seat clamp etc but can't find any reviews so I'm assuming it's new
Anyone have any info on it ?
Cheers
My only suggestion, as a Merlin gravel bike owner, is to email them and check that the specification matches the images and description.
My frame and forks are missing various mounts and details that were visible on the photos. Thier customer service amounted to 'meh, you've got a bike'.
Depends what size bike you need and if you want a burly hardtail or not, but I’d be inclined to look at a new or second hand Cotic (other brands available but customer service is second to none). They’ve got a small BFEMax on their site for just £100 more and comes with headset, bb, seat clamp and invisiframe.
https://www.cotic.co.uk/outlet/
Stanton have their 27.5” frames on sale. I’d rather have one of those than the Merlin for a bit more cash
I’d buy the Merlin it’s 725 Reynolds’s which is good tubing. Looks very nice not many in the trails etc. As much as I like Cotic/Stanton etc your paying a premium for the cache.
Looks alright, if a bit dated on the geometry.
Long seat tubes mean it'll be awkward sizing up.
67deg head angle is great for XC/trail riding but it won't be so good on steeper trails.
Would that fit with your riding?
I think it would chakaping yes but what matt_outandabout has me a tad skeptical
Ragley Big Wig frames on Chain Reaction for £439? Not Reynolds tubing but still a very nice bike with more progressive geometry.
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ragley-big-wig-hardtail-frame-moss-lollipop/rp-prod205346
Who makes the frame for them?
My old 2005 Malt1 was made by Kinesis. They also did Easton ALU and 853 Rock Lobster frames back then but not sure who actually made those versions.