Merlin Works CR

[kmc143]

Here's my current Merlin Works CR build:

Merlin Works CR Ti 3/2.5 frame
Chris King headset
Easton EC90 SLX fork
Easton EA90 Stem 90mm
Easton EC90 Aero handlebar 42cm
Easton EC90 Seatpost
Shimano 7800 Dura Ace group
KMC X10SL chain
Shimano Dura Ace C35 clinchers
Continental GP4000s tires
Specialized Alias 143 Saddle
Jagwire Racer Pro cable kit
Chinese carbon bottle cages
Garmin Edge 800 computer

Still a long ways to go to make this a ww bike.
Next upgrade is carbon compact crankset, carbon tubulars and lighter pedals.

[TimmS]

Keep the frame! (unless it doesn't fit)
Titanium frames are never outdated.

Change the groupset, saddle, seatpost, stem and handlebar, but keep the frame...

[kmc143]

Keep the frame! (unless it doesn't fit)

I mis-typed, the frame will go with me to the grave! I should have said compact carbon crankset.

Thanks.

[Juanmoretime]

Light is possible. 12.67 lbs below.

[kmc143]

Cool build. My goal is to achieve 15lbs.

Light is possible. 12.67 lbs below.

[michel2]

I would love to get a litespeed ultimate......so many bikes so litle time !
Stunning bikes both of them, 15 lbs for a bike in that size should be a piece of cake !(;

[DRAGON60]

Titanium may not be the greatest frame material for bikes but it's definitely up there----until recently it was unobtainium for me----I simply couldn't afford it or more accurately---couldn't justify it.

These are both beautiful bikes and I hope you get years and miles of pleasure from them.

My Everti TI is hovering in the high 15's and I think that's ok for me.

[rico]

Now I hope you won't take offence, but if I was you I'd drop the stack, change the bars to traditional strada shape (it's both more comfortable and more aesthetically pleasing), and see if you could go with a slightly longer stem - perhaps a 120mm.

I really like Merlins, but prefer the old graphics...

[kmc143]

Now I hope you won't take offence, but if I was you I'd drop the stack, change the bars to traditional strada shape (it's both more comfortable and more aesthetically pleasing), and see if you could go with a slightly longer stem - perhaps a 120mm.

I really like Merlins, but prefer the old graphics...

No offense taken. I really wish I could drop the stack and use a longer stem but my back won't allow it. I've tried a straight seatpost with a longer stem but I'm most comfortable with this current setup. I also have a traditional shaped bar (Easton EC90SLX) but prefer the flat section of the EC90 aero. At my age (late 40s), I'm more after comfort than aesthetics.

[kmc143]

Updated the frame from a Works CR to a Merlin Magia.

15.6lbs right now and still lots of room for improvements.

[Juanmoretime]

Does your new build have a different top tube length? You went from a setback post to a center over.

[kmc143]

Does your new build have a different top tube length? You went from a setback post to a center over.

Yes, the Works CR is a small frame (54TT) and the Magia is a Medium (55.5TT). Plus I don't have a 27.2 Seatpost with a setback available at the moment to try.

[Delorre]

Compensating for a longer top tube with less saddle setback is not the best thing to do IMO Why not a custom frame with a slightly shorter toptube and taller headtube? Beautifull updrade nonetheless Those are timeless bikes!

[kmc143]

Compensating for a longer top tube with less saddle setback is not the best thing to do IMO Why not a custom frame with a slightly shorter toptube and taller headtube? Beautifull updrade nonetheless Those are timeless bikes!

Custom frame is always the best approach. Unfortunately I can only afford pre-owned frame to satisfy my Ti-lust.

Still tweaking the setup but based on my recent rides I'm quite comfortable with it. Thanks.