Merlin Inferno – with a little bit of yellow

[Konsi]

There is an update on page 3!

Merlin Inferno

Goal weight as road bike <8kg, at the moment 8.73kg in the triathlon set up (so about 400g heavier than expected, also not really an idea where all that weight is hiding)

• Frame Merlin Inferno 1220g
• Fork Merlin Inferno 446g (uncut)
• Headset Merlin (no weight)
• Spacer Tune 9g
• Seatpost Merlin Inferno 216g
• Saddle Specialized Power Expert 229g
• Handlebar 3T Aeronova Team Stealth 40cm 222g
• Stem Ritchey WCS C220 127g
• Clip-on TT Bars Profile Design Sonic CSX M 330g
• Bar Tape Fizik Microtex Superlight (no weight)
• Spokes Sapim CX Ray Straightpull (no weight)
• Rims Lightbicycle RR56C02 463/472g
• Hubs Novatec D411CB-12/D412CB-X12-11S (no weight)
• Thru Axles The Robert Axle Project 66g
• Disc Rotors Jagwire Pro LR1 160/140mm 107/91g
• Tires Continental 5000TL 25mm 605g (for the pair)
• Tubeless Tape & Valves Lightbicycle (no weight)
• Sealant Stans NoTubes (no weight)
• Front Derailleur Shimano Ultegra 6870 138g
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra 6870 with KCNC pulleys 260g
• Cables & Small Parts Shimano Di2 (no weight)
• Shifters Main Shimano ST-R785 506g
• Shifters Clip-on Shimano Di2 SW-R671 99g
• Brakes Shimano BR-RS805 362 (with hose)
• Crankset FSA SL-K Light ABS BB386Evo 172.5mm 52/36 637g
• Bottom Bracket FSA BB386Evo/BB86
• Pedals Shimano PD-ES600 279g
• Chain Shimano CN-HG701-11 260g
• Cassette Shimano CS-R8000 11-28 244g
• Garmin Mount Profile Design (modified)(no weight)
• Bottle Cages Blackburn Cinch 14g/piece

[Konsi]

I am still missing a few parts, but I thought I am at a point where I could start documenting this project. I will do most of the assembly myself, just headset, bottom bracket and wheelbuilding will be outsourced. The backstory why I am building my first proper road bike is also here viewtopic.php?f=3&t=155942, in very short, I will do my first triathlon this year (Half-Ironman) and hope to maybe participate in a few events like Chasing Cancellara, also, it would be nice to participate in a few group rides, and my Time Trial Bullitt (viewtopic.php?f=10&t=156151) doesn't really cut it for that.

The frame allows to flip the seatpost (from something like 25mm setback to -25mm – do you still call it setback then though?), and I will build the frame with Shimano Di2, so I can easily attach and detach TT-clip-ons with shifters). I bought most of an Ultegra Di2-group used, it has a few scratches, but that makes it affordable for my student budget. Not sure yet if I should try to paint over the scratches ...

[Konsi]

Unfortunately, there might be some delay in the project. I ordered rims with Lightbicycle in China, and while their communication has been great, the first set of rims didn't pass the quality control, and they have to make another one. Combined with the 4-day holiday in China last week, the rims might not arrive before I am in Germany next week to put the parts together (and a friend is supposed to build the wheels).

So I have to stretch the parts which have already arrived a little more. Here is the (used) crankset I got, comes in at 637 grams.

[LaundryHamper]

Enthusiastically watching this thread - I've had my eye out for a frame that ticks some very particular boxes (low-ish stack, looong reach, the ability to set the saddle forward of the post...aero and disc are both bonuses!), this looks like the one to go for. Merlin's Ridley connection also is very confidence-inspiring and the yellow-on-black is very tidy!

[Rudi]

For the scratches on the Ultegra - I just use a sharpie marker pen, certainly on small areas that are generally out of the way.

Yes, its not an exact match but I suspect it is invisible from more than a couple of meters if not closer.

[Konsi]

For the scratches on the Ultegra - I just use a sharpie marker pen, certainly on small areas that are generally out of the way.

Yes, its not an exact match but I suspect it is invisible from more than a couple of meters if not closer.

I will give this a try Just bought a nice black Edding sharpie

[Konsi]

This will be the cockpit. Rather short stem to compensate for the long reach of the handlebars. A photo of the TT-clipons will follow on the weekend.

[robeambro]

I am quietly following this. This bike will make the 70.3 a piece of cake!

[Konsi]

I am quietly following this. This bike will make the 70.3 a piece of cake!

I am not worried about the cycling part (although the cutoff means at least 32km/h average), only about the running part after a knee surgery a few years ago.

Here are saddle & seatpost

[robeambro]

I am quietly following this. This bike will make the 70.3 a piece of cake!

I am not worried about the cycling part (although the cutoff means at least 32km/h average), only about the running part after a knee surgery a few years ago.

Here are saddle & seatpost

If you're not already, work the hell out of your core, especially glutes . I use an elastic band. Run little and often (even six days a week). Say goodbye to injuries.

[wolfesquire]

What seatpost is that? Are you weighing the pieces as you go?
Can't wait to see this bike fully built!

[Konsi]

What seatpost is that? Are you weighing the pieces as you go?
Can't wait to see this bike fully built!

The seatpost came with the Frame. I am trying to get the weights, but some parts are difficult (I don't want to take out the cable guides from the handlebars for example before assembly). The seatpost is 216gram uncut, the saddle 229, stem 127.

[Konsi]

Even though the rims have not arrived (DHL Express has no capacity for four days to deliver them), I started putting the bike together (in my parent's basement).

[Kazyole]

Excited to see this all built up. Pretty slick looking frame.

[Konsi]

The rims have finally arrived and are now being build up. So if everything goes well, I might finish the build tomorrow.

Meanwhile, here a few photos.