1993 Titan Titanium Compe , got the frame NOS off ebay for $351US. Currently the frame is hanging in my basement. I had it put together as a bike for a few months and only used it for about 300 feet of pavement, once. I'm going to be putting it back together in the springtime to be my new Uglybike project.

<img src="http://206.75.155.18/kmr/bikes/titan2.jpg">
<img src="http://206.75.155.18/kmr/bikes/titan6.jpg">
<img src="http://206.75.155.18/kmr/bikes/tiframe.jpg">

1991 Alpinestars Ti Mega, got this on the mtbr classifieds back in dec 1998 for $200US for the frame and front derailleur. One of only two Ti-Mega's in Ottawa. Previously setup as a 24 speed XC bike, its now configured as a 1x8 trail/jump bike, well except for the fact its about to get a fork swap to another one of my Noleen MegaAir's. Needless to say running a 4" travel fork on a bike that was designed rigid is slackening the geometry, but at 71.5/74 originally, it can afford it. The Manitou fork that was on it previously (painted by Chris Chance) is now on my R.M. Thunderbolt, the blue topline cranks are going on my Titan Uglybike project, the Ti stem and carbon bar moved over to my R.M. Stratos, and I think I'll be using one of my Amoeba rear disc adapters to setup the back end with a disc brake (as it has clearance for a 3" wide tire otherwise).

<img src="http://yoda.densan.ca/kmr/bikes/timega1.jpg">
<img src="http://yoda.densan.ca/kmr/bikes/timega4.jpg">
<img src="http://yoda.densan.ca/kmr/bikes/timega5.jpg">

yep, good idea now that the Merlin forum is closed ;)

wow, the first real live Ti-Mega i see, nice, i really like ECS bikes. this is my Merlin Elevator:

http://www.mtb-news.de/fotos/data/511/1010MerlinEstay_2.jpg

and my Merlin Mountain, frame nr. 213!

http://www.mtb-news.de/fotos/data/511/1010Merlin213_3.jpg

thats all Ti i have (for the time being...)

Carsten

good opportunity also to show my merlin mountain, frame no. 446 with matching koski fork

http://www.mtb-news.de/fotos/data/3598/3427merlin446.jpg

hello, I would change the saddle with an old Brooks!

I happen to be a Brooks saddle dealer... they even have a new model with Ti rails this year.
I'm just afraid it'll be more expensive than the existing models which are about $300CDN.

As to the merlins, the one model I'd like to add to my collection is their E-stay softtail with the elastomer bumper rear end.

Very nice. The KOSKI Dura-Trac is the most under-rated, unknown fork in my opinion. The suspension forks killed this one at a young age.

They came on the 89 Bridgestone MB1. Thats where I found out about them. Great fork.

Nice Ti frames! I like those Merlins!

I happen to be a Brooks saddle dealer... they even have a new model with Ti rails this year.
I'm just afraid it'll be more expensive than the existing models which are about $300CDN.

As to the merlins, the one model I'd like to add to my collection is their E-stay softtail with the elastomer bumper rear end.

I know the series of old Merlin suspension,

take a look here........

yes - still one of my favourites. maybe some day i´ll own one...... :D

http://www.mtb-news.de/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2427

http://www.mtb-news.de/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=2395

take a look, great fork !!

Damn that reminds me..

anyone have that Merlin rigid fork they made a long time ago. It was triangulated and mounted to the stem to... looked awesome.

hello, I would change the saddle with an old Brooks!

Tell me more about those Paul (?) derailleurs, love the rasta theme. I have some rasta Paul levers, mmm....

Wanna sell?

Nice. Any better pics? :cool:

Tell me more about those Paul (?) derailleurs, love the rasta theme. I have some rasta Paul levers, mmm....

Wanna sell?

Nice. Any better pics? :cool:

They are very light and shift good, asap I take some pix.

Damn that reminds me..

anyone have that Merlin rigid fork they made a long time ago. It was triangulated and mounted to the stem to... looked awesome.

i think they called it the Girder fork. dont have one but i have a pic:

http://gallery.consumerreview.com/webcrossing/images/elevatorprotofront.jpg

mounted on an Elevator prototype/pre-production version:

http://gallery.consumerreview.com/webcrossing/images/ElevatorprotoGirder.jpg

the Newsboy with the suspension fork looks pretty much like a production frame. this is one of the prototypes:

http://gallery.consumerreview.com/webcrossing/images/newsboyproto.jpg

http://gallery.consumerreview.com/webcrossing/images/newsboyprotofront.jpg

Interesting that the Newsboy was developped already in 1990 (i think) but made it into production in 1995 only.

This is another of the Elevator prototypes:

http://gallery.consumerreview.com/webcrossing/images/elevatorproto.jpg

and, finally, a Mountain prototype with weird chainstays:

http://gallery.consumerreview.com/webcrossing/images/weirdstays.jpg

Carsten

Thanks for the pictures!!!

I remember them from the old MBA I had too :)

That girderfork bike looked awesome. Too bad theres no market for rigid forks anymore.

BTW, X-lite of UK had a titanium hardtail with a dual crown rigid titanium blade fork (I think the fork was TI also). It was in 1999 or 1998 I think, dunno if its in production now but that fork was badass in combination with the frame.

Hi Carsten,
In that last picture, those chainstays were designed by the Onza guys and patented as far as I remember correctly. I dont remember all the exact details off the top of my head but it was an attempt to allow for more clearance with the chainrings and also the tire. Seems like it should work, but looks like it could be a bit weaker, flexier, and heavier. Dont know much about it though. Im sure someone here remembers the details on this thing. If you look at that Sotello bike its got the same design.

Topline cranks, really old Mavic rims w/ XT hubs, AC seatpost, Flite Alpes saddle, CK headset, & '99 Z2 fork. Picked it up for $500 several years ago from a guy here in LA, and changed very little except getting rid of the Mach 5 fork & swapping out the purple ano 135mm 0* Ringle stem. Serial number isn't etched sharply enough to read, & the folks at Merlin were no help in dating the frame when I asked them.
- Joe

500.

500..

500...


staggering.

As to the merlins, the one model I'd like to add to my collection is their E-stay softtail with the elastomer bumper rear end.
You mean this bike?

Because it's such a great ride, it's actually my regular commute - no, I don't lock it up outside; I've tried to pile on the XTR 900 parts, right down to the seat binder QR (which is very heavy though), but I'm still short of the XTR 900 series v-brakes and seatpost. Anyone know where to source 'em, if they exist?

And hey, for the truly retro look, about a year back it used to be all Ringle purple accessories: stem, seatpost, bottle cage, skewers, and seat binder bolt, but I decided that colour was best left as a memory!

I would guess your search for M900 V brakes will be a long one because they never made em! The M900 group had cantilevers. As for the seatpost, they are around. I have a 26.8 but its not perfect. I think the M900 is excellent stuff.

OMG my jaw is on the floor.

I had no idea there ever was an Elevated merlin
I want an E-stay merlin for my singlespeed project. In fact I was considering having a custom one made by seven.

If anyone knows of a 19" or so one available anywhere please let me know.

Probably have an easier time tracking down a Ti Mega than an E-stay merlin...

oh, and just to update the pics of my titan...

<img src="http://206.75.155.18/kmr/bikes/uglyti1.jpg">
<img src="http://206.75.155.18/kmr/bikes/uglyti2.jpg">
<img src="http://206.75.155.18/kmr/bikes/uglyti3.jpg">
<img src="http://206.75.155.18/kmr/bikes/uglyti4.jpg">
<img src="http://206.75.155.18/kmr/bikes/uglyti5.jpg">

I still need to update the back wheel pic (I did eventually get around to building the rear M230/Atax/28 hole wheel).

my late 80's ti merlin is not as sexy as others in this thread but here is my contribution with a photo.


http://gallery.mtbr.com/data/mtbr/515/247675merlin.jpg

my late 80's ti merlin is not as sexy as others in this thread but here is my contribution with a photo.




Dude! Is that a UNI disc wheel cover on the back!? Doooooope! :D

Dude! Is that a UNI disc wheel cover on the back!? Doooooope! :D

wow, everybody around here wants to string me up by my b***s for putting that disc on a merlin. nice to see somebody else likes it. it came with the bike. the guy raced this in Italy and it still has the Italian sponser stickers on it. i think it puts just the right amount of retro uglyness in this bike for me. without it the bike looks modern except that there is not a 125mm fox fork on it.

Not sure if mine is quite vintage. It's 9 years old I guess.
It's certainly got an old school flava.
http://webpages.charter.net/elilorrain/images/More%20Upgrades.JPG

<img src="http://206.75.155.18/kmr/bikes/uglyti3.jpg">


Yow bud, just how many teeth are on that big ring?

'93 fat chance titanium, really a great frame! sorry for the forks' colour.... :D

http://www3.mtb-news.de/fotos/data/3598/3427fat.jpg

nice moots next to the FAT ti there :)

thank you scant!

according to butch boucher there have only been made around 50 of these moots DH-88's in total.
sold in 1996 as an downhill fully (with 3.5 inch of travel) it is a great xc bike by today's standards.

http://www3.mtb-news.de/fotos/data/3598/3427moots.jpg

sorry for being a little bit off topic because it is not really vintage (1996) ;)

hello, I would change the saddle with an old Brooks!

I've got an old Brooks that I'll swap you if you want - it's currently being used on a stool in my garage - PM me if you are interested and I'll shoot you some photos when I get home - it's in pretty new shape and was given to me by a friend (but might not work out well on my AC1).

By the way - that is an abolutely beautiful ride.

Yow bud, just how many teeth are on that big ring?

ActionTec ELS Titanium 56T DH ring... the advantage of being an ActionTec dealer when closeouts were happening on stuff... $39cdn for a ring that a few years earlier would have been a couple hundred US. Pretty sure its the biggest size they made the 110mm pattern rings in.

wow, everybody around here wants to string me up by my b***s for putting that disc on a merlin. nice to see somebody else likes it. it came with the bike. the guy raced this in Italy and it still has the Italian sponser stickers on it. i think it puts just the right amount of retro uglyness in this bike for me. without it the bike looks modern except that there is not a 125mm fox fork on it.

Those old Merlin frames (and Ti frames in general it seems) are so timeless, that with out anodized parts, you'd never know it was vintage....but that disc does the trick nicely. Tacky as hell...but does the trick.
I think that kind of stuff is fun. It's harmless enough and gives on lookers a smile. I say why not!

Speaking of which...I've only seen one UNI disc make it's way though eBay. If I get my hands on one, I could run it for Sea Otter! :p

Not sure if mine is quite vintage. It's 9 years old I guess.
It's certainly got an old school flava.
http://webpages.charter.net/elilorrain/images/More%20Upgrades.JPG

9 years old....totally vintage. :)

if the stem is long enough to serve as a dildo, its vintage...

if the stem is long enough to serve as a dildo, its vintage...


LMAO
:D

Note the stem length and the seat height and position. Yes at 18" 23"tt my frame is a tad small for me.
Its fine in the mountains but I am definitely shooting for a 19" or 20" frame when I build my town bike/SS.
I used to ride a 20" cdale that was great in town but ungainly in the hills.
The nuke is just the opposite.

for example...

<img src="http://yoda.densan.ca/kmr/bikes/stems.jpg">

Tucker snagged the purple/black/blue kooka stem off me already (105 length), the other two kooka's are 90 and 120mm, and everything else in that picture is 130 or longer (four of them are 150mm as I recall).

If anyone sees one of those Merlin E-stay frames for sale someplace, turn me on to it (if your not buying it for yourself). I'd like to have one for sure. I'm thinking of selling my Klein Adroit, I'd replace it with one of those.

Martin

If anyone sees one of those Merlin E-stay frames for sale someplace, turn me on to it (if your not buying it for yourself). I'd like to have one for sure. I'm thinking of selling my Klein Adroit, I'd replace it with one of those.

Martin

The line starts behind me... ;)

But might as well be compared to all the modern motorcycle offerings in the bike stores these days.
I predict soon 80mm front travel, V brakes and 8 speed will soon be retro/dinosour.

This is my '95 Boulder Starship (with 12 year old Bullseye cranks) and a 1990 Litespeed frame I built up to a singlespeed.

Here is my ANODIZED (oh yes the horror) 94 YBB. It has definitley faded over time, but you can still see the ano pattern.

Buzz

DeeEight,

Did you set-up your Ti-mega to a 1x8 because the braze on mount for the front mech snapped???? (can't see it too well in the photo)
I have just had that problem on my Al-mega, and was contempleting going down the same route, although would prefer to get it back up to spec.

no i set it up 1x8 because I don't need a granny or big ring on many of the trails I do with it. I just run a 29T ring with an 11-32 8sp cogset. Nothing wrong with my braze on mount, I just decided to save some weight and ditch a shifter, derailleur, cable, housing, bunch of chain, big ring, granny ring, buncha ring bolts.

At present, only my Amp B-3, my '91 RMB Stratos and my '88 RMB Thunderbolt (which is one of my two loaner bikes) have 3 ring setups still (and they all have girvin rockrings also). My Oryx Hurricane is 2 rings, my K2 Razorback is 2 rings (another loaner), my giant warp is 2 rings (and for sale as well), and my Titan Compe is 2 rings also (and the only one without a bashring/rockring, but that's only because I didn't own one to cover a 56T ring). If and when I get around to building my full suspension singlespeed they'll be yet another with a bashring on it (its a consistent part of my bikes), and I'm still not sure which direction I'm going for my full rigid project bike but it'll likely use a 2-ring/bash guard setup too.

94 Hei Hei with 93 decals. With all original Kona titanium parts. That includes the titanium project 2 fork, stem, Dewey bar ends, and seatpost.

Special thanks goes to OLAK who gave me the handlebar and Djuc for the saddle.

cheers! zeck
ps. Am looking now for a 18" 91-93 Hei Hei frame. If you got one (or know of one) in fantastic condition, please let me know!

but the titanium frame is unidentified...some say its a DBR Axis, some say its a Doug(?). Purchased it 3rd hand from a fellow rider, who said it was an Axis TT, but since the decals were all scratched up, the original owner put DEAN stickers on it prior to the sale.

I need your expertise in ID'ing it, seatpost diamter is 26.8, and seat tube has some reinforcement.

I've attached pics of the drop out as well.

Thanks!

Nice one! Im working on a vintage ti forked, framed, stem'd, bared, posted, ensemble myself. Not by Kona though. Pics to come soon hopefully.

How does that fork ride?

94 Hei Hei with 93 decals. Love, love love that Ti Project 2 fork. If I ever find one for sale there is going to be a bloodbath..

but the titanium frame is unidentified...some say its a DBR Axis, some say its a Doug(?). Purchased it 3rd hand from a fellow rider, who said it was an Axis TT, but since the decals were all scratched up, the original owner put DEAN stickers on it prior to the sale.

I need your expertise in ID'ing it, seatpost diamter is 26.8, and seat tube has some reinforcement.

I've attached pics of the drop out as well.

Thanks!

Sandvik made the DB Axis if I recall correctly. I had a Sandvik frame in 94 or so and the drops looked nothing like those. I would be more likely to guess Dean but cant say for sure on either one...

thanks!

all i know is that it definitely is Made in The USA :)

the ride is sweet though - looking to round it off with more Ti goodies in the long run :)

fillet-brazed, I have not had the chance to ride it extensively yet. Winter and work made it pretty much impossible. Will ride it pretty soon though. Btw, what is your vintage ti project, or is it still a secret? ;-)

mwr, patience and luck. It took my almost 2 years to find all the parts. None of them were easy although I could have cheated with the handlebar and probably the stem by using other makes but thought I would wait and get the right parts instead. Goodluck!

Anyway, here is another of my projects - a Marin-Team Ti. Litespeed made. I think it is a 1991. Parts are obviously not finalised yet. The Panaracers definately have to go for starters. ;)

fillet-brazed, I have not had the chance to ride it extensively yet. Winter and work made it pretty much impossible. Will ride it pretty soon though. Btw, what is your vintage ti project, or is it still a secret? ;-)

mwr, patience and luck. It took my almost 2 years to find all the parts. None of them were easy although I could have cheated with the handlebar and probably the stem by using other makes but thought I would wait and get the right parts instead. Goodluck!

Anyway, here is another of my projects - a Marin-Team Ti. Litespeed made. I think it is a 1991. Parts are obviously not finalised yet. The Panaracers definately have to go for starters. ;)

Nice. I know the early Marin Team Titaniums (1987-8ish) were made my Merlin. Yours does look like a Litespeed though. My project is a 1990 Litespeed. Back then they made a frame, fork, bb, stem, and bars. Ive got all those parts but need to do some steerer threading.

I see atleast a couple mor ti frames in the background!

Here you guys go, just what you were looking for, btw not mine and don't know who the seller is, and it probably will sell in Europe anyway.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=98083&item=7143467643&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Hi,

here's my 1996 Xizang. I built it up to be my "favourite" after having lost my 1992 Zaskar to a burglar (one day I'll find you!!!! :mad: ).
So, this babe doesn't come in the original set up, I rather tried to use up to date components, while still not violating the spirit of the frame too much.

Climbs like a mountaingoat and takes all abuses w/o a problem. I simply love it, even prefer it on rough trails to my plush fullsuspension.

oldman

That DBR Axis TT (if it is) was also one of my dream titanium bikes.

Fillet-brazed, I only got one more Serotta CHT which is titanium. I already sold my other Hei Hei which was a 1996. The other frames are a 92 Marin Team Issue (remember Tange Ultimate?), and a 92 Kona Explosif (Tange Prestige Concept). Gota thin the fleet though. :(

And I am 99% certain mine is the Litespeed because of the dropouts. Exactly the same as one of the earlier pics in this thread which shows a Litespeed frame. Nice, I remember pics of the Litespeed fork, stem, handlebar etc. Makes for a pretty stunning bike. I was kicking myself for not bidding when a Litespeed titanium fork went for 50 Euros here on Ebay Germany about 6 months back. Of course you will post pics when yours is done eh? :)

cheers, zeck
ps. Anyone know of a medium Rocky Mountain Ti-Bolt for sale?

nice brace of rides, Fishy! am still in the dark about my frame though- all the photos of DBR Axis TT's I've come across are slightly different from mine- especially the seat tube!

Oldman, the Xizang is nice! I used to have a Zaskar myself! dig the Flite saddle! what brakes you running?

That DBR Axis TT (if it is) was also one of my dream titanium bikes.

Fillet-brazed, I only got one more Serotta CHT which is titanium. I already sold my other Hei Hei which was a 1996. The other frames are a 92 Marin Team Issue (remember Tange Ultimate?), and a 92 Kona Explosif (Tange Prestige Concept). Gota thin the fleet though. :(

And I am 99% certain mine is the Litespeed because of the dropouts. Exactly the same as one of the earlier pics in this thread which shows a Litespeed frame. Nice, I remember pics of the Litespeed fork, stem, handlebar etc. Makes for a pretty stunning bike. I was kicking myself for not bidding when a Litespeed titanium fork went for 50 Euros here on Ebay Germany about 6 months back. Of course you will post pics when yours is done eh? :)

cheers, zeck
ps. Anyone know of a medium Rocky Mountain Ti-Bolt for sale?

Hmm, one went through on ebay Germany huh? Did it have Litespeed stickers?
I wonder if it was an IBC. IBC I think is a Russian company and did a near perfect knock-off of Litespeeds old fork. It looks identical except the steerer tube extends just slightly below the crown.

Heres a pic of the 1990 with the ti fork, stem, and bars.

Fillet, yeah I think it had Litespeed stickers.

That would be a nice restoration project for sure. And the frame in the picture looks EXACTLY like my Marin Ti, as well as the Litespeed pic posted earlier by LQQK.

Have fun! fishy

Clean as a whistle...

Should have seen it 3 hours ago... terrible state!

Thought summer was coming and the ground was drying up? Could have fooled me..

http://www.jezworld.com/cleankona.jpg

Jez




-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking for 1" stems for Mountain Goat

2 pairs of FSX for sale!

---------------------------------------------------------------------

...clean again after todays ride...

http://www.jezworld.com/cleankona.jpg


---------------------------------------
Looking for Mountain Goat stem or a nice salsa 1" ahead

Selling 2 pairs of FSX Judys

---------------------------------------

whoops

looking nice there jez! now we await your (mates') 2 other hei hei, and roly's. ;)

Are they pace forks? RC36? Used to have a pair on my old klein fervor until it got stolen :mad: great forks
DS

FB, theres a dean ti (with FAT chance decals! slander!) somewhere on mtb-classic.de photo forum with litespeed ti forks. I've got the MBA test of that litespeed ti (91). pretty cool looking bike :)

FB, theres a dean ti (with FAT chance decals! slander!) somewhere on mtb-classic.de photo forum with litespeed ti forks. I've got the MBA test of that litespeed ti (91). pretty cool looking bike :)


Id like to see that. I'll have to get pics of mine, its pretty much complete.

That 91 test, thats a different fork though right? If I recall correctly, it had curved legs the following year.

Just thought id post my 94' Rocky mountain Ti Bolt - been in the garage for the past 6 or so years. Check out the front spokes - dont see them much these days

DS

http://www.kalimotxo.com/mtb/room/images/room_20050416_013.jpg

ibis ti szazbo, merlin xlm, merlin newsboy, specialized ultimate

most parts are ti...

more are coming...

Just thought id post my 94' Rocky mountain Ti Bolt - been in the garage for the past 6 or so years. Check out the front spokes - dont see them much these days

DS

oops, forgot the pic!!

http://forums.mtbr.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=86147&stc=1

ibis ti szazbo, merlin xlm, merlin newsboy, specialized ultimate

most parts are ti...

more are coming...

my goodness, THAT is quite a collection. Cool....

Is that riser titanium too?

my goodness, THAT is quite a collection. Cool....

Is that riser titanium too?

yepp, is a ti riser from merlin like the "simple" ti one.

newsboymerlin, awesome collection :D
merlin ti legs with the purple pace fork crown? what forks that on the newsboy?

FB, you're right. that era litespeed fork looked like a tange strut, but in titanium :)

Here's one for you retro boffins.

One of my friends had (what he claimed to be) a Merlin built titanium Mongoose. The frame had a ti front end with a cro-mo wishbone (IIRC) back end. I think the frame would've been from the early 90s or late 80s - I certainly remember him riding it in the mid 90s. Originally the frame came with the mongoose stickers and the back end painted black. Later he managed to get hold of some Merlin stickers (from Merlin direct he claimed). Anyone shed any light on this model or remember it?

My main ride is a '97 litespeed. I was kind of hoping it wasn't retro just yet, but maybe I ought to post a picture of it here :D

newsboymerlin, awesome collection :D
merlin ti legs with the purple pace fork crown? what forks that on the newsboy?

FB, you're right. that era litespeed fork looked like a tange strut, but in titanium :)

the purple crown is from a brand-x ti fork. the main manufacture i don't know. on the newsboy is only a cromoly spinner fork. if someone have a ti fork... they are welcome!
:D

Here's one for you retro boffins.

One of my friends had (what he claimed to be) a Merlin built titanium Mongoose. The frame had a ti front end with a cro-mo wishbone (IIRC) back end. I think the frame would've been from the early 90s or late 80s - I certainly remember him riding it in the mid 90s. Originally the frame came with the mongoose stickers and the back end painted black. Later he managed to get hold of some Merlin stickers (from Merlin direct he claimed). Anyone shed any light on this model or remember it?

My main ride is a '97 litespeed. I was kind of hoping it wasn't retro just yet, but maybe I ought to post a picture of it here :D

Yep, that was a production Mongoose made for the race team (max jones and johnny T) but they never used it. They used a full ti bike.

Yep, that was a production Mongoose made for the race team (max jones and johnny T) but they never used it. They used a full ti bike.

Yeah, that make sense. I remember the owner mentioning a JT connection. What year would that have been then? I thought Tomes used a mongoose stickered Fat Chance when he was riding for them?

Yeah, that make sense. I remember the owner mentioning a JT connection. What year would that have been then? I thought Tomes used a mongoose stickered Fat Chance when he was riding for them?

Must have been 89. The next year he rode for 7 Eleven and a bit for Yeti. He rode the Fat/Mongoose in 87 and then in 88 they made him a JT signature bike out of steel.

Hi all!
I'm a noob here, but recently picked up a couple of older Russian Ti frames. The polished one is a complete bike with an old LX group and RockShox Mag 21 Sl/Ti fork, and the yellow frame never built, and also with the same fork new in the box. These were branded "KGB", and "MIG 3.3"; supposedly 3.3 pound frames. The yellow one actually weighs out at 3.4 pounds, but it's got some pretty thick paint on it. Does anyone here know more about these frames? Thanks...!

Man, that yellow paint looks awesome!

Man, that yellow paint looks awesome!
Thanks. It's a candle or acetylene soot over the yellow, then clear-coat over everything. I'm guessing the frames are mid-'90s, but not really sure. Any suggestions on what to build the yellow one with? I have a NOS M900 XTR crankset I snagged off eBay, but that's all so far....

I say go singlespeedski on the yellow one, komrade!

Thanks. It's a candle or acetylene soot over the yellow, then clear-coat over everything. I'm guessing the frames are mid-'90s, but not really sure. Any suggestions on what to build the yellow one with? I have a NOS M900 XTR crankset I snagged off eBay, but that's all so far....

newsboymerlin, awesome collection :D
merlin ti legs with the purple pace fork crown? what forks that on the newsboy?

FB, you're right. that era litespeed fork looked like a tange strut, but in titanium :)

Scant, I poked around for a bit and couldnt find that Dean with the Litespeed fork. If you find it let me know. Thanks.

FB, I've been looking but I cant find it either.. maybe ask carsten (his finding ability is waay greater than mine :)... also give him a nice change from packing bikes ;D LOL

FB! with thanks to fishy for actually finding it!.. thought I'd imagined it for a while there!

http://fotos.mtb-news.de/fotos/showphoto.php/photo/1489/cat/511/page/1

& its a dean not a FAT! ;)

Ti Fat Chance - new build!

http://www.jezworld.com/fatti-side.jpg

update: i added a mrc ti and some other ti parts

http://www.kalimotxo.com/mtb/room/images/room_20050814_000.jpg

another update will be made soon... :)

my 1994 YBB - made to meassure by Kent himself and still goin' strong after all those years ... :p

my 1997 Litespeed Owl Hollow - had it customized by Avia/Morati for discbrakes - still spend most of my woodstime on that really stiff and yet forgiving beauty :p

SPAM: I paid my $2

2000 Merlin Fat Beat YBB/Headshok Fatty Ultra

Crossmax Ceramic Wheel Set

XTR 952 (175mm) Cranks and Newish BB. (Rings are in great shape)

Makes a wicked Single Speed too!

PM me.

here the update... thanks to a forum member...

http://www.kalimotxo.com/mtb/room/images/room_20050906_003.jpg
somewhere the parts are placeholders...

fishys old kona ti & whats the other ti with litespeed fork?... MMMmmmm, nice additions :D

fishys old kona ti & whats the other ti with litespeed fork?... MMMmmmm, nice additions :D

it's a mrc ti. i think there i need a mrc ti fork! for the newsboy i need a one-off ti fork... someone got one of these for sell? :D

it's a mrc ti. i think there i need a mrc ti fork! for the newsboy i need a one-off ti fork... someone got one of these for sell? :D

I know of a One Off ti fork for sale, but it most definitely wont be cheap. If youre interested let me know.

Are they pace forks? RC36? Used to have a pair on my old klein fervor until it got stolen :mad: great forks
DS

Yep - they're the RC36 "Pro Class" forks with the Ti-Nitride stanchions.....best looking forks they made.

the ti parts for the ti frames...
http://www.kalimotxo.com/mtb/parts/own/titanium_parts_001.jpg

the ti parts for the ti frames...
http://www.kalimotxo.com/mtb/parts/own/titanium_parts_001.jpg


You are hereby charged with hoarding.... :D

My 1993 SpeedMetal Ti. Love the ride. Thanks to Zeck for the Serrota Ti fork. One hell of a fork it is. Cheers....

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/jamdel007/SpeedMetal%20Ti/SpeedMetalTi.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/jamdel007/SpeedMetal%20Ti/IMG_1199.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/jamdel007/SpeedMetal%20Ti/IMG_1191.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/jamdel007/SpeedMetal%20Ti/IMG_1619.jpg

Cheers................ :)

- My Retinas are burnt crispy! :p

That's one helluva throwback. :)

I'm not sure if this qualifies as vintage yet but here's my Merlin Taiga Ti. It has the wrong stickers on it but I can't complain for basically getting it for free. A friend of mine bought it for 200 euros and it was too small. He said it wasn't worth selling since he spent so little on it and just gave it to me. I guess it's from '98 or there about. I love the way it rides, even with the 100mm fork (set really soft) proping up a little.

My 1993 SpeedMetal Ti.


Let this be a warning to everyone else: this is what happens when you come around a downhill corner at high speed and collide with a hippie.

My 1991 Rocky Mountain Titanium

an my 1993 TiBOLT.
Still searching for the matching race face titanium stem (120-130mm).

That Ti Bolt is lovely.

If only Rocky Mountain would do a 2006 Ti frame!

Fluff

If only Rocky Mountain would do a 2006 Ti frame!


That´s what i´m waiting for since a couple of years!

Not so old, but still a classic....

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b142/jamdel007/Voodoo%20Canzo%20Ti/IMG_0450.jpg

Cheers......... :p

Not sure why my pics didn't post the other day. Anyway, I'm trying again. Here's my Merlin. I love it. Is it considered vintage yet?

isn't this a Merlin TAIGA made out of 3.25 and Grade 4 Titanium like the RSR roadbike

those where made for around 1997 for 2 years or so ...

anyhow a nice thing I wouldn't mind to own

:p M

[QUOTE=freakforti]isn't this a Merlin TAIGA made out of 3.25 and Grade 4 Titanium/QUOTE]

Yes, it is a TAIGA, not an extralight. I'm actually the third owner. The orginal owner took the decals off and then before selling it wanted decals and these were all he could get. You can see where the orginal TAIGA decal "stained" the top tube. I just haven't gotten around to taking the Extralight decal off yet.
He basically traded it to a bike shop for the parts group for his new bike because he couldn't find a buyer for the price he wanted. The bike shop couldn't unload it either and a friend of mine bought the frame for 200euros. Turns out the frame is too small for my friend and he basically gives it to me under the condition I can't sell it. I don't think I'd ever want to sell it. It just might be the best ride I've ever had.

The pictures are pretty low res, but they are scanned from 1991 prints, taken with a pretty dumpy little point & shoot camera. Anyway, this is a 1991 Merlin Mountain, Tange Prestige fork made by a local builder (replaced with an IRD suspension fork arrived…should have kept it rigid), Suntour XC Pro shifters and derailleur, Dia Compe 986 Brakes, King Headset, Mavic cranks, IRD post, Merlin bar, Bullseye hubs, and the world’s flexiest ti stem by McMahon.

Oh is the Mcmahon stem pretty flexy? I just put one on my Xizang last week but haven't had a chance to ride with it yet. I think a little flex would suit me fine.

Oh is the Mcmahon stem pretty flexy?
That stem cured me of my Ti lust. Of the half-dozen Ti stems I've tried, the Cinelli Grammo was the best (stiffest), and the McMahon was the flexiest. It looks OK, but there was next to zero engineering involved. McMahon just called up Sandvik and asked for some pipes welded in X by Y dimensions, with no thought to increasing tube diameter to ovalizing it to stiffen it up (a la Grammo). Maybe your stem is shorter, which would be better.

Not quite vintage but a very rare 2000 Dean Ace, They only made a few for 2000 and it was the only year for a rear Titanium triangle No serial #'s Custom built. This is the only Ace I have ever seen with a Ti Rear all of them have aluminum rear triangles.I checked with dean to make sure it was genuine. I had this one for a minute never built it up. Bought it for $400 sold it for $720 Nice little profit. It was a little big for me. And the other picture is my Ti collection. They are for a few of my projects. A SRP 8 spd Ti cassette, Lightspeed Ti stem w/SRP Ti head bolt, Titec Ti bar, and a m952 set with Ti M15 harware and Boone rings.

McMahon just called up Sandvik and asked for some pipes welded in X by Y dimensions,

Exactly. The advent of McMahon seemed to really usher in the Ti bangwagon. Super boring stuff that was literally phoned in. WACK.

This is a 1991 GT Xizang that I bought as a frame and rigid fork set. I just cleaned it up and rebadged it with original decals. Keep in mind when this frame was built 7spd was the standard, Rock Shox were only on a half dozen NORBA pros bikes and threadless had not yet been invented. This ones gone through three complete component upgrades over the years. It continues to serve me well and is flat out awesome.

Here are some recent picks of my first Ti love, a 1987(or '88?) Merlin Titanium, frame #305 I believe. This was the third or fourth frame off the line with seatstay U-brake/cam mounts. Needless to stay its only had rollercams on it. :)

I raced and rode the crap out of this bike for six or seven long years before selling it to my college roomie Shawn, who took these recent snaps. Many of the original parts are gone, which included a gorgeous two color Ibis Type II with WTB Rollercam and wheels spun with big Hi-E hubs. To this day I thinkt the Type II forks are the best riding rigid forks I've ever ridden. Stiff as hell yet somehow they don't beat you up.

As you can sort of see in the rollercam shot below, the welds are pre Rob Vandermark and the nice pulsed welds of the later Merlins. They aren't bad welds... Just not as sexy.

http://static.flickr.com/13/91805069_9e4437fae8_b.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/21/91805224_d984e9d1fc_o.jpg

fillet-brazed, I have not had the chance to ride it extensively yet. Winter and work made it pretty much impossible. Will ride it pretty soon though. Btw, what is your vintage ti project, or is it still a secret? ;-)



Guess I need to get this on the ti thread. Here she is:

<img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y33/tinc50/DSC084942.jpg">

Guess I need to get this on the ti thread.

Classic Merlin. What fork is that?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=7221888149&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT


Love, love love that Ti Project 2 fork. If I ever find one for sale there is going to be a bloodbath..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=7221888149&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT

LOL thanks, I saw that also. Ironically, I wish it were unmolested and still had the original threaded steerer.

Here is my TiLite. Don't know if you really consider this vintage.

some new old stuff...

merlin ashley
http://kalimotxo.com/mtb/images/merlin/merlin_ashley_own/merlin_ashley_000.jpg

merlin marie-claire
http://kalimotxo.com/mtb/images/merlin/merlin_mca_own/merlin_mca_000.jpg

merlin ashley & marie-claire
http://kalimotxo.com/mtb/images/merlin/merlin_ashley_own/merlin_ashley_005.jpg

still looking for a nice ti fork for the ashley ;)

cheers ashok

More compliments Ashok,
where did you found the MC frame?
in few days, the first sunny day!!:-)
I will post some pix of my Merlin collection!!

Ciao
Andrea

More compliments Ashok,
where did you found the MC frame?
in few days, the first sunny day!!:-)
I will post some pix of my Merlin collection!!

Ciao
Andrea
ciao andrea

the mca was on craiglist.
here is another pic from ashley with accutrax and your stem! :D

http://kalimotxo.com/mtb/images/merlin/merlin_ashley_own/merlin_ashley_026.jpg

now, its your turn...

ashok

Here my Newsboy,
the next week, more Merlin :-)

hi guys,

greetings from bavaria :D
(meaning of my strange nick for non german speaking folks is wolverine)
some familiar bikes/nicknames here -nice to meet you

some of my goodies and my outing as an ti addict ( pics are familiar for some central europeans )
and sorry for the crappy english, school (and practicing) almost 20 years ago...
and another sorry for some parts you will perceive :D
for compensation i won't annoy with pictures of carpet backgrounds ;)


Fat Ti (very low serial...)

http://static.flickr.com/39/117317580_6f88d74835_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/34/119416417_eca96d1c71.jpg

Bontrager TiLite

http://static.flickr.com/27/52215973_c4876f724b_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/53/117317582_057ea62504_o.jpg

Serotta ATi (1994)

http://static.flickr.com/36/105873365_de03ed3439_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/43/105873364_6e0143e095_o.jpg

Great collection of Titanium bikes. What is your favorite?

Slam dunk, goddamn, that`s a collection...

schwingggg

very nice collection.:D

hi guys,

greetings from bavaria :D
(meaning of my strange nick for non german speaking folks is wolverine)
some familiar bikes/nicknames here -nice to meet you

some of my goodies and my outing as an ti addict ( pics are familiar for some central europeans )
and sorry for the crappy english, school (and practicing) almost 20 years ago...
and another sorry for some parts you will perceive :D
for compensation i won't annoy with pictures of carpet backgrounds ;)




Great first post! :)

Your english and your collection are both great!

I like the fact that it looks like you ride these bikes. Very cool!


Welcome!

Great first post! :)

Your english and your collection are both great!

I like the fact that it looks like you ride these bikes. Very cool!


Welcome!


ya, wow, awesome pics and a really great collection.

Nimmersat,

A very nice collection, and superb bike portraits. Among the best I've seen.

What fork is that in the first picture of the Serotta?

Joe

Is 9 years old vintage?

My daily rider is a 1997 Moots YBB Superlight with a three digit serial number:

I haven't decided how to build it yet but, got this frame and a $100 and a disc rear wheel in trade for a 2003 boxxer race last weekend.

<img src="http://206.75.155.18/kmr/bikes/eclipseti1.jpg">
<img src="http://206.75.155.18/kmr/bikes/eclipseti2.jpg">
<img src="http://206.75.155.18/kmr/bikes/eclipseti3.jpg">
<img src="http://206.75.155.18/kmr/bikes/eclipseti4.jpg">

Eclipse is a canadian LBS's house brand (the store's owned by a mega-millionaire) and the Ti frames at least are russian made at one of their rocket factories
(the ones they put things into space with). Its made of russian Ti 5Al/2Mn alloy (that's 5% Aluminium and 2% Manganese) which falls between US Ti 3Al/2.5V and
Ti 6Al/4V in terms of strength. They've been importing Ti stuff from that factory for about 12 years now, and while the original frames were a polished finish, the later
ones like this one are the basic flat satin finish. Weight wise its ok at 3.7 Ibs for a 19" size frame. This particular frame had its chainstay sliced into due to a previous
owner running too short a BB spindle and flexing a chainring over into it so the fellow I got it from had it taken to a local aerospace company to get it repaired. He said the
welder kept saying "I need to drill a hole to vent the argon" and "I need one to pump the argon in" and he kept pointing to the existing holes in the frame for doing just that when originally made.

Picked up this frame in Davis, WV in 2003 and coverted it to SS duty. Still kicking myself for not buying the Syncros tubular cranks that were hanging on the frame (duh - what was I thinking). It had a purple anodized front derailleur pulley even!

JMJ

hello, I would change the saddle with an old Brooks!

nice work on the pauls components!

take a look, great fork !!


unbelievable props for that fork.

Is 9 years old vintage?

My daily rider is a 1997 Moots YBB Superlight with a three digit serial number:

Only if it has a cable stop for cantilever brakes.

but the titanium frame is unidentified...some say its a DBR Axis, some say its a Doug(?). Purchased it 3rd hand from a fellow rider, who said it was an Axis TT, but since the decals were all scratched up, the original owner put DEAN stickers on it prior to the sale.

I need your expertise in ID'ing it, seatpost diamter is 26.8, and seat tube has some reinforcement.

I've attached pics of the drop out as well.

Thanks!

are there any serial numbers on it?

Picked up this frame in Davis, WV in 2003 and coverted it to SS duty. Still kicking myself for not buying the Syncros tubular cranks that were hanging on the frame (duh - what was I thinking). It had a purple anodized front derailleur pulley even!

JMJ


Looks like you cleaned her up real nice!

Bummer about the Syncros...the only cranks I like as much as Cooks.

My 1993 SpeedMetal Ti. Love the ride. Thanks to Zeck for the Serrota Ti fork. One hell of a fork it is. Cheers....

:)

by far one of my personal favorites in terms of components. i would love to have all that stuff on my #1 bike. i lusted after that stuff (still do) so bad.

I haven't decided how to build it yet but, got this frame and a $100 and a disc rear wheel in trade for a 2003 boxxer race last weekend.

Eclipse is a canadian LBS's house brand (the store's owned by a mega-millionaire) and the Ti frames at least are russian made at one of their rocket factories
(the ones they put things into space with). Its made of russian Ti 5Al/2Mn alloy (that's 5% Aluminium and 2% Manganese) which falls between US Ti 3Al/2.5V and
Ti 6Al/4V in terms of strength. They've been importing Ti stuff from that factory for about 12 years now, and while the original frames were a polished finish, the later
ones like this one are the basic flat satin finish. Weight wise its ok at 3.7 Ibs for a 19" size frame. This particular frame had its chainstay sliced into due to a previous
owner running too short a BB spindle and flexing a chainring over into it so the fellow I got it from had it taken to a local aerospace company to get it repaired. He said the
welder kept saying "I need to drill a hole to vent the argon" and "I need one to pump the argon in" and he kept pointing to the existing holes in the frame for doing just that when originally made.

Yes, Rapid made it. There is very old versions of their site: http://www.rapid-titan.ru

Vintage but not all titanium.

Picture might help.

NOS, Full Campy Icarus minus the pedals and looking for good info. Know something about these? Please answer here (where you'll also find photos. How do you post pics here?)http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=186952:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=186952

Here my Newsboy,
the next week, more Merlin :-)

Alasa,

Wait a second - Do you have 2 Newsboys? What kind of fork is that on the Single Speeder? :eek: Those are aWesoMe!

Michael-NYC

Alasa,

Wait a second - Do you have 2 Newsboys?

sure he has, you don't? ;)

http://www.kalimotxo.com/mtb/merlin_newsboy_owners.html

Carsten

Hi Mike,
it's Litespeed fork,
Thank you Carsten :-)

Here some pix of my Merlin family!!

more pix !!

sure he has, you don't? ;)

http://www.kalimotxo.com/mtb/merlin_newsboy_owners.html

Carsten

No Carsten, I couldn't ever snag one...they always go for way too much $$ :(

I bought a car instead :cool:

Michael-NYC

That's a very Nice Happy looking family!

Michael-NYC

This bike is from about 91-92 but has been fully updated. This bike rides like a dream. Gruppo includes XTR, Race Face Next Cranks, Hugi hubs, Marzocchi Marathon S fork, Syncros ti BB and ti seat post, Flight ti Saddle. Weighs in at 24 lbs on race day.

more pix !!

*orgasim!*

*orgasim!*

Remember what you were told ER, there's no "I" in orgasm.


:)



It just works on so many levels.

Hope this links correctly. This is not a vintage or classic, but maybe slightly retro, on account of the thumbshifters and the canti hanger

<img src="http://static.flickr.com/44/143415418_d23b49a342_o.jpg"/>

<img src="http://static.flickr.com/55/143415419_ebe6d95f78_o.jpg"/>

<img src="http://static.flickr.com/48/143415420_a8043b42bf_o.jpg"/>

<img src="http://static.flickr.com/51/143415421_d9595ecb0b_o.jpg" />

Hello All Retromaniacs...

I am not sure if my Merlin qualifies since I don't know the year of the frame; I purchased the bike via eBay w no history...

The bike came w 7-sp gruppo and 1-1/8-in headset and circa 98 SID fork... the left chainstay has Rob Vandenmark signature..

The Merlin has no serial number nor any sticker identifying the model or year...

Any Merlin experts out there that can shed some light please?

Thank You
WHS

Hello All Retromaniacs...

I am not sure if my Merlin qualifies since I don't know the year of the frame; I purchased the bike via eBay w no history...

The bike came w 7-sp gruppo and 1-1/8-in headset and circa 98 SID fork... the left chainstay has Rob Vandenmark signature..

The Merlin has no serial number nor any sticker identifying the model or year...

Any Merlin experts out there that can shed some light please?

Thank You
WHS

nice bike! likely a 1995 or 96. not much older because it already has the 1 1/8 head tube and not much younger because it still has the cantilver bridge on the seat stays (not sure when they dropped it though). the serial number should be on the back of the rear der hanger but Merlin recycled the rear der hanger because they were expensive and thus the serial number may belong to an older frame.

via www.archive.org you can find Merlin web sites back to 1997 (www.merlinbike.com) if you are intersted in the details like frame size and geometry.

Carsten

I think it was 94 when this one showed up at Deluxe Bicycles in Lincoln NE. I've watched it go through 3 owners before it finally found its way onto my project list. The last owner parted out the original build leaving me the dean ti post, king ti hs, and mavic bb. It's about an inch shorter than I'd normally ride but beggers can't be choosers. With the help from Nate and Eric at Monkey Wrench Cycles (hooking me up with some dirtdrops, stem and pedals) and allowing me to fondle other prizes throughout the shop for a little R&D, the build went pretty smooth. Managing a custom metal shop with a manic machinist helps too.

Um, Is this considered Vintage simply because they're not made any longer? :cool:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d127/fatcitymedia/a062f112.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d127/fatcitymedia/25eaaf4c.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d127/fatcitymedia/2b60a237.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d127/fatcitymedia/e7daec81.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d127/fatcitymedia/90972a87.jpg

Michael-NYC

Um, Is this considered Vintage simply because they're not made any longer? :cool:

Thats dope as hell. Sweet bike. Hows that fork do at speed? MY One-Off Ti fork was always pretty solid but I've ridden a few (McMahon?) that trembled like flowers when braking at high speed. High frequency chatter is always fun when barrelling downhill!

Um, Is this considered Vintage simply because they're not made any longer? :cool:


Michael-NYC


Interesting mix of old and new...

What fork is that? Looks like it's a bit out of place there...

Thats dope as hell. Sweet bike. Hows that fork do at speed? MY One-Off Ti fork was always pretty solid but I've ridden a few (McMahon?) that trembled like flowers when braking at high speed. High frequency chatter is always fun when barrelling downhill!

Thanks benja55!

The fork does pretty well but considering I only weigh like 145lbs I probably don't stress it out too much, it sucks up minor bumps really sweet and I have no probs with braking-BUT-if I was going to do some downhill barrelling, I would swap it for a shock fork or use a Brooklyn Machine Works Park Bike! I honestly wouldn't trust or recommend a Ti Fork for anyone over like 160lbs or for anyone to use for extreme off road usage, it's not worth losing teeth over if it snaps, like I've heard some horror stories about...I only put it on there to keep the bike light weight and to keep it as "Titanium" as I could, I did not at all build this bike for DH riding, in fact this bike spends most of it's time out at the beach where it's basically ridden around town like an errand running bike and won't corrode in the salty air like my steel bikes would. :thumbsup:

Michael-NYC

Interesting mix of old and new...

What fork is that? Looks like it's a bit out of place there...

Hey Rumpfy,

It's defintely an odd mix of old/new/odd, but it is BY FAR the most comfy and well fitting bike I have EVER ridden! It's an ML and my other Fat Chances are all 19.5" so it's probably more like a 20.5"(?) which fits me much better. I used a lot of what I had on hand at the time parts-wise to build it, with the intention of upgrading as I went along and the darn thing worked out so well for me, I've just been afraid to change anything!

It is supposedly one of the last Ti Frames made by Serotta in NY for Fat City, which was actually made in December of 2000 after Fat City shut down...I bought it directly from Wendyll in Vermont and she said that this was one of the last Fat frames ever produced and was made to use up the Ti tubing and bits leftover when Fat City closed a few months earlier.

The fork is actually a total mystery - I met a dude on-line via MTBR in 2001 whose name I can't recall (Hmm, that didn't quite come out right did it? :eek: ) Anyway I was looking around for a "Big One Inch" fork for this frame which was not easy to find back then and this guy said that he was having a run of 10 Titanium forks made that were going to be similar in quality to the Morati forks, but that he used his own Fat City "Big One Inch" fork as model and had someone copy all of the dimensions and like 2 months later this fork showed up. It looks a lot like what Spicer sells now but it's not from Spicer, nor did Spicer have what I wanted at the time, their Ti forks where originally some kind of an ugly flat crowned Cyclo-Cross version of the "Yo Eddy" fork that I'm glad I didn't get.

Just curious, what looks out of place about it to you? I dig it :p

Michael-NYC

Veeeery interesting!

I like stories like that. Something that adds a bit of back story to a frame (and in this case fork).


Maybe its just the angle in the picture, but it looks like that fork is too long...making the bike look chopper'er out a bit. Like is was made for a frame designed around a 100mm+ suspension fork.

Veeeery interesting!

I like stories like that. Something that adds a bit of back story to a frame (and in this case fork).


Maybe its just the angle in the picture, but it looks like that fork is too long...making the bike look chopper'er out a bit. Like is was made for a frame designed around a 100mm+ suspension fork.

Rumpfy,

Yeah, I guess I like telling the back story to make the bike sound a bit more interesting too - BUT what I really like about this Ti Fat is that the rear triangle is classic Fat Chance "straight" / "untapered" seat stays and chain stays, as opposed to the older Mon-Stay design. You can also still feel the areas that are thicker where it's triple butted by running your finger over the tubes, which is pretty sweet!

Here is a much less "Chopper-ish" Photo (the other photo is probably just a bad angle-I suck at photography) as far as I see it, this bike doesn't have too much of an "easy Rider" look to it:

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d127/fatcitymedia/FatTi1.jpg

Michael-NYC :cornut:

You can also still feel the areas that are thicker where it's triple butted by running your finger over the tubes, which is pretty sweet!



One of the few of these I have seen in real life had "feel my butt" stickers at the areas where the butts are. They looked factory.

One of the few of these I have seen in real life had "feel my butt" stickers at the areas where the butts are. They looked factory.

Donk,

I forgot about those! I saw that in a magazine once, must've been 1994? I think that may have been the Ti Fat that was the first to have the "external butts" as opposed to the welded on "sleeved butts". Does anyone have photos of that model with those decals?

Michael-NYC

Hi Ti Folks,

I bought this swansong model GT 99 Xizang frameset in team white. It lived in Florida and I had it shipped over to Sydney. The paint was a bit rough so I reluctantly stripped it back to nude Ti and rebuilt it from new and old bits and pieces as a project bike. Painting a Ti frame to start is a bit iffy so maybe I did GT a favour here.

The sticker kit is from Ebay and about circa 97 I'd guess. If anyone knows where you can source the 99 Xizang sticker kits then please let me know.

I ride it a few times per week before work and appreciate it more over time. The rear light is there to avoid being mowed down by some half asleep car driver in the morning.

I've set the ride position a bit higher and I don't want the too low down XC racer feel on this bike. It feels fast to ride while being light enough and almost rolls up hills. I know it could be weightweenied it a bit more, but I don't really want to go scary light.

The grouppo is mainly ye olde XTR M950 and still shifts crisper than my new fangled rapidrise shifting imprecision mess on my dually. Other bits have been bought new or used or scavenged from the parts bin. I like the minimalist look.

Building up a bike from a frameset is alot of fun. If you haven't done it yet then you should grab a p0rn frameset and give it go.

** sniff *** Aren't bike's cool ... *** sniff ** :thumbsup:

Does this count?

http://fototime.com/%7BA875BCB8-3851-4439-AED4-9E88D6FAF827%7D/picture.JPG

I bought this flite saddle in 1989!! It's been on every bike I've owned (just 3 since 89) and I just replaced it about 2 yrs ago. It's still in my garage, hanging on the wall. I'm fairly certain I got my money's worth.

Anyway, here's my vintage contribution. My daily rider, my only bike and I hate to admit that it's vintage. Though it is important to note that these XT V brakes were the first set my LBS got in stock in 95. I put them on my old paramount frame that year and later transferred 'em to the Obed when I built it in 97.

http://fototime.com/%7BA70ED585-E7F1-472A-BFCC-F377AFA0AC94%7D/picture.JPG

And yes, the stem's long enough to be used as a dildo, so I guess it really is vintage.

patrick_b, rip the leather & foam off the flite saddle & keep riding it! bike couriers (in UK at least!) have been doing this for years :)

D-ray (or anyone else who can help!) I've just seen the picture of the upper headset locknuts on your bike & they're confusing me! The upper bearing seat of the king headset looks ahead, although the lower locknut looks to be 1piece with the lower spacer? Is that correct? If so does it allow the for a longer unthreaded steerer, IE you didnt need to thread the steerer all the way down to what would normally be the top of the headset? Incase you hadnt guessed already such a locknut if they exist?

info appreciated :)

D-ray (or anyone else who can help!) I've just seen the picture of the upper headset locknuts on your bike & they're confusing me! The upper bearing seat of the king headset looks ahead, although the lower locknut looks to be 1piece with the lower spacer? Is that correct? If so does it allow the for a longer unthreaded steerer, IE you didnt need to thread the steerer all the way down to what would normally be the top of the headset? Incase you hadnt guessed already such a locknut if they exist?

info appreciated :)

The answers here: http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=191859

http://kalimotxo.com/mtb/images/collection/fat_chance_titanium_mbwti_000.jpg

custom made 1993 fat ti... only the seat tube and chain stays are butted.

a.

'93 fat chance titanium, really a great frame! sorry for the forks' colour.... :D

http://www3.mtb-news.de/fotos/data/3598/3427fat.jpg
is that maroon fat frame/fork the one that was on ebay last week?

no, sold it 1 and a half years ago (not on ebay)

20" Frame. Need project two ti fork, stem and handlebar.

Here is my 97 Obed, not super old, but old none the less:

http://www.factionindustries.com/sale/obed.jpg

Parts worth noting: Sweetwings cranks, Avid Arch Supreme brakes and Ulitmate levers, White Brother Ti Bars, and Wheels (Mavic 217's with a Hugi Rear Hub and Bullseye Front hub).

I would love to get a get a smaller (more original looking) set of black and white decals for it, any leads would be appreciated. Thanks!

Not a vintage but still worth sharing. Ever since I got my Serotta ATI, I'm sad to say I've neglected the rest of my stable. Can you blame me? Great bikes all throughout this thread!

Newsboymerlin, top notch. Really. Holy guano, one-off Merlins!
Alasa, primo deluxe. You & Newsboy are spanking us yanks around like little biatches.
Jamdel, that speed metal is wld!
Bert Serotta, first rate restore on the RMs. Very classy.
D-Ray, a very cool purpose-specific custom build.
D8, is that broken, badly mended, cheap russian 5/2 (junk alloy, btw) thing a joke? You didn't seriously trade a working boxxer for that thing...
Fillet-Brazed, that's about the nicest merlin I've ever seen.
Great stuff.

master shake, thats 1 doug lexington quote that made me laugh :D

to ride this sweet 1990 Merlin - No I don't have it anymore :madman:

Pic1 in summer 1990 somewhere in the Jura woods - Switzerland

Pic2 in Spring 1991 in Teneriffa - Canary Islands

Pic3 in Autumn 1992 in Moab

Martin

to ride this sweet 1990 Merlin - No I don't have it anymore :madman:

Pic1 in summer 1990 somewhere in the Jura woods - Switzerland

Pic2 in Spring 1991 in Teneriffa - Canary Islands

Pic3 in Autumn 1992 in Moab

Martin


Did you realize your camera was out of focus for 3 years?

I like the rear brake on that Merlin!

these pics aren't that bad in their original form - I used to make a lot of slides with my Nikon back in those days :out:
these pics are just the result of a bad digitizing process via a regular scanner ... :nono:

regards

Martin

Finished assembling this morning, '95 Marin Team Issue Ti frame, '05 Skareb Super fork, and some bits and pieces from my old bike.

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/4920/marin01aev0.th.jpg (http://img223.imageshack.us/my.php?image=marin01aev0.jpg)

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/6840/marin02aqg9.th.jpg (http://img175.imageshack.us/my.php?image=marin02aqg9.jpg)

Have Fun.

218378


This is the same bike, actually.

218379

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/69/173962858_ecd2286ff7_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/44/173962857_0ef5336ea8_b.jpg

3/4 front (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/73/173968922_1407573f66_b.jpg)
3/4 rear (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/62/173962864_e538b5bff6_b.jpg)
tail section (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/74/173962869_879db15de3_b.jpg)
"Miyata" (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/57/173962861_cf220bd1a8_b.jpg)

- Melvin

Man I'd like to have that one. That is a really cool machine. I hope you plan on riding it.
Amazing:thumbsup:

Hey, just found the site. Some cool bikes! Here's a couple of pics of my ti Fat.
http://w2.bikepics.com/pics/2006/10/15/bikepics-701798-full.jpg

http://w2.bikepics.com/pics/2006/10/15/bikepics-701795-full.jpg

http://w2.bikepics.com/pics/2006/10/15/bikepics-701794-full.jpg

Did you realize your camera was out of focus for 3 years?


... it's his scanner.

... it's his scanner.


Did he realize his scanner was out of focus for three years.

:smilewinkgrin:



On an unrelated note...those brake levers ever come in?

But unfortunately it seems to be the only Ti thread on the forums. I also think that the maker of this frame is quite unknown for the most of the readers. It's a training bike built exclusively on vintange-to-be LX570/XT750 group sets.

I had to decorate the tree but I was reading this thread and decided to make some photos.
The frame is only a 2 years old. The oldest thing in the photo is the GT bottle cage, I think it's 1998-ish.

Did he realize his scanner was out of focus for three years.

:smilewinkgrin:



On an unrelated note...those brake levers ever come in?

never.. i was going to ask you about that. the joys of intl shipping.:mad:

But unfortunately it seems to be the only Ti thread on the forums. I also think that the maker of this frame is quite unknown for the most of the readers. It's a training bike built exclusively on vintange-to-be LX570/XT750 group sets.

I had to decorate the tree but I was reading this thread and decided to make some photos.
The frame is only a 2 years old. The oldest thing in the photo is the GT bottle cage, I think it's 1998-ish.

great ride! the rack eyelets are cute. is it based on a kona geometry?

great ride! the rack eyelets are cute. is it based on a kona geometry?


The rack mounts are for "higher reselling value" as it was explained by the maker :)
The geometry is completely custom, std. angles, 18" size and 605mm ETT, 420mm chainstays. It wasn't made for me but I'd order the same geometry.

Thanks benja55!
I honestly wouldn't trust or recommend a Ti Fork for anyone over like 160lbs or for anyone to use for extreme off road usage, it's not worth losing teeth over if it snaps, like I've heard some horror stories about...
Michael-NYC

Michael,

I'm running Morati Ti forks on two of my bikes. Are they really dangerous somehow? I'm deathly afraid of carbon forks for the reasons you mention above; should I be as afraid of my Ti forks?

DG1

never.. i was going to ask you about that. the joys of intl shipping.:mad:

Ah bummer. :(

Well sh!t, I guess there is still a chance...I did send them surface mail and they told me it could take months.

Good thing it didn't cost anything! :D

Ah bummer. :(

Well sh!t, I guess there is still a chance...I did send them surface mail and they told me it could take months.

Good thing it didn't cost anything! :D

:) i hate losing presents.

Just finished the build of my 95 Hei Hei:

8,7kg ~19lbs
Sadly the weather`s to bad for a test ride.


http://si6.mtb-news.de/fotos/data/500/heihei.jpg

Nice Kona. What fork is that?

Thats a Russian made Köcmo fork, right? It looks good, the whole bike says speed!

You`re right. Old Kocmo forks.
Amazing 615g.
The forks the make these days are a lot heavier.

I hate to say it, but they might have had very good reasons for that....

I think so.
They are not the stiffest. Even for Titanium.
Apart from that the modern forks are of course longer. 430 and 450mm. Mine is 410mm.

If you think of snapping forks, they have been ridden for two years with no problems before I bought them second hand. Welds look good, so I`m confident they wont snap.

I think so.
They are not the stiffest. Even for Titanium.

because it is titanium it shall not be stiff... at least not compared to steel counterparts with similar dimensions and tubes.

here is a pic of my Merlin Softail. I know its not M900 but it is built up sympatheticaly.


227644

That softail is badass! If you ever want to sell it...just pm me. :thumbsup:

NOS1997 Diamond Back Axis TT Pro.

After being out of biking for quite awhile, I am now getting back into it. Any info on Titan's and parts would be appreciated. Same color scheme as DeeEight?

The bikes in this thread are stunning, can't wait to get my bike put together.

232160

The frame and fork were bought new in spring of -91,but it had been standing in my LBS window over the winter. Frame # is 6156, so according to the lists I´ve seen here it´s model year -91. It´s got the BB with pressed-in bearings and U-brake mounts on the seatstays and 1" steerer tube.

Over the years it was built up in different configurations ending up with XTR shifters and V-brake in front and a Pace MXC front-fork.

Two years ago I got the retro-bug and went on a search in my partbins. I found almost all of my original setup and fitted these parts again.

Here´s som of the parts:

Front fork: Kona P2
Cranks: Mavic with MRC ti-axle
Rear der: Suntour SL
Front der: Mavic
Shifters : Suntour XC Pro
Headset: Mavic
Front hub: Mavic
Rear hub: XT with SRP ti-axle
Rims: Mavic 231
Tires : Spec. Ground Control Team Issue and Ground Master T.I
Front brake: Campagnolo (not Record)
Rear brake: WTB Powercam
Brakegrips: Suntour XC Pro
Stem: Syncros 150 mm
Handlebar: Moots ti
Pedals: XT with WTB Toe-Flips and Zefal clips

Still love to ride this indestructible bike and we will soon go on our yearly vacation on the Gran Canaria island, where the Merlin is a great ride on both the gravel and paved roads up in the mountains.

/Staffan

[/Staffan

ooohh, that's a nice one and a great photo too! thanks for sharing :)

Carsten

ooohh, that's a nice one and a great photo too! thanks for sharing :)

Carsten

I second that. Outstanding build beginning to end. The rear brake is a Speedmaster not a Powerbeam though.

Hi guys
This is my '93 Ti.
I don't like the original blue decals,think this looks better:thumbsup:

Very nice!

I second that. Outstanding build beginning to end. The rear brake is a Speedmaster not a Powerbeam though.

mavic headset and cranks. hmmmm.

here are some crappy pictures of my bikes
a 94 rocky
http://www.plasmabunny.com/albums/nigel/P1010006_006.jpg

an early hummer with **** parts
http://www.plasmabunny.com/albums/nigel/P1010008_002.jpg

and a 95 or so kona hei hei with xtr that I am locating decals for and has rockshox xtr and ringle bits
http://www.plasmabunny.com/albums/nigel/P1010009_002.jpg

Hi all, this is my first post. I bought this Litespeed frame for $350 from a guy who said it was a replacement frame after he cracked the original under warrenty back in '94. He thinks it a '94 but doesn't have a clue if that's really the case and it's been sitting in his basement for the last 7 or 8 years.

Anyway, the price included an almost complete bike and over the past couple of weeks I've trashed all the old xt components, stickers (the thing was cover in frickin' stickers!), the bottom bracket, the Rock Shox Mag 21 forks and the original headset.

The sale also included the original ti bar (as you can see) and rigid ti forks (which I haven't picked up yet) so it seemed liked a steal.

Anyway, I would really like to know what year this thing really is. The serial number is #6331 which I think puts it into the late '80's.

Any thoughts?

Is there anything on the frame that actually identifies it as a Litespeed. It doesn't look Litespeed to me. Fellow Litespeed owners please comment.

Is there anything on the frame that actually identifies it as a Litespeed. It doesn't look Litespeed to me. Fellow Litespeed owners please comment.

I had an older Litespeed that I passed on to another forum regular. It has a few similar details. The head tube spacers, rear dropouts and serial number look similar. I recall Litespeed offering both matte and polished finishes - or at least that is my recollection. Interested to hear more.

Is there anything on the frame that actually identifies it as a Litespeed. It doesn't look Litespeed to me. Fellow Litespeed owners please comment.
looks very similar to the one in this thread

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=276450

Carsten

The serial number is #6331 which I think puts it into the late '80's.

Any thoughts?

If it's a Litespeed, it's post 1990, because as of 1990, the dropouts were still just single thickness plate, not sculpted like yours.

See:http://www.litespeed.com/archives/lscatalog1990.pdf

If it's a Litespeed, it's post 1990, because as of 1990, the dropouts were still just single thickness plate, not sculpted like yours.

See:http://www.litespeed.com/archives/lscatalog1990.pdf

my 97 obed had a single thick plate drop out.

Wow, you did way better on your purchase than I did on mine. I just got the frame for about that much while you got the whole bike. Mine is the one in the other thread that was posted above. The folks at Litespeed told me mine is a 92

"The sale also included the original ti bar (as you can see) and rigid ti forks (which I haven't picked up yet) so it seemed liked a steal."

Surely that should be "...so it seemed liked a titanuim." ;)

Here is my contribution. One of my favorite rides.18" WTB Phoenix Titanium frame. I love the geometry of this frame.:thumbsup:

After being out of biking for quite awhile, I am now getting back into it. Any info on Titan's and parts would be appreciated. Same color scheme as DeeEight?

The bikes in this thread are stunning, can't wait to get my bike put together.

same model as mine yes, but while yours has the downtube cable housing stops installed (the one below the headtube, mine was missing it and I had to get a clamp on guide) it doesn't have the BB, showing which could be the more critical bit. Early production frames had a press-in BB, later ones got threaded shells.

"It doesn't look Litespeed to me."

Oh, I'm sure it's a Litespeed. (a.) I've known the guy I bought it from for six years, (he dates my wife's sister) I just never realized this was sitting in his basement the whole time and (b.) I scraped all the original Litespeed stickers off myself last week.

If it makes you feel any better, he decided (after the fact) to charge me and extra $150 to include the ti fork with the bar and frame. He said our original deal only included the suspension fork. So it was $500 all in.

So i FINALLY got the Ti forks from the guy! I took a coupla' picks of it before the stickers come off of it like they came off the frame.

I'm having the whole thing put together this week as a 1x9 with chainguard, Serfas Drifters and the basics (...Thompson, CK, XT).

I've never been so excited to get on a bike!

Thanks to all those people out there in the Ether, who helped me pick up all the info regarding my bike ;) ... You know who you are :D
Not really a vintage bike, given that I've been upgrading her components - so I guess she pales in comparison to some of the beauties on this forum - but hey - I'm really happy with my bike!
Picked her up for $300, had most of her stock parts on still - but they were pretty worn out, hence the upgrading. Also removed the badly scratched original decals - which I will eventually replace...
From what we've been able to figure out - this is the 1993 model.
My last major project is to upgrade the wheelset and seatpost, which will hopefully be happening in the next few months...
Will post again when that's been done!
Ps - sorry about the backgrounds! Will work on getting decent photos taken!

244615
244616
244617
244618
244621

Love the TI-Mega --I used to work for alpinestars as draftsman/designer/R&D back in 89-90-91. Bill Stevenson (formerly of Fisher) and I worked together for about six months and then Monibert Gaba was brought in to help and later suceeded Bill. I rode a Ti-Mega during part of that period, what an awesome bike, It climbs like an animal l!!! if anyone has one in a medium I would love to buy it.

B.T.W. Stevenson never did notice that I was taking angles e.i. head tube, seat tube, and lengths from my current ride. (who else used 1-1/4" headsets in 91 on their easton aluminum frame bikes.?) Hint: I bought mine from Cambria Bicycle Outfitters -when steve owned it, in 89

Ibis Ti Mojo. Sweet Ride!:thumbsup:

Does anybody know what this is?
http://www.tolli.de/ecs/9.JPG

I found the picture on a german mtb forum:
http://www.mtb-news.de/forum/showthread.php?t=269968

I've seen one for sale, but I'd like to know more about it.
It's just a frame, with no markings.

Haro Ti Extreme. I like it. I've got one ;)

Wow, cool! Thank you.

Do you know when they were made? I don't know much about modern bike parts - can you easily get things to fit this frame?

As for the riding, how would you say it fits into the spectrum of current mountain bike types?

Cheers,
J

Oh, and is the frame designed for U-brakes or something similar?

Sorry, no pics yet but I have a Diamondback ti frame, and I'm trying to confirm the seatpost diameter. Any of you have a DBR team ti with a 27.0 seatpost? Mine has a serial number DBR20362.

Morgan

Any LBS sould have a gauge to drop into the seat tube to meaure it for you for deffinate.

Its not quite Vintage yet but its my daily rider since I got it.

I hope it lasts forever, I love it.

'99 GT Xizang

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o101/Lythandra/Xizang.jpg

McMahon Ti. I don't know if the frames are as maligned as the other junk MRC marketed. By some of the details, this one appears to be a Litespeed made frame. It looks to be in very good shape, though there appears to have been a little bit of chain suck in its early life.

Lots of the Russian Ty was seamed tubing. Do you see a seam in the HT and ST? I tried to repair several of the KGB's that swamped our area. The frames were selling here for about $300. I question the purge and the cleanliness of the inside of the tubes. Most repairs were unsuccessful.

As for the smoke paint job, I used the torch. I painted well over 300 frames with smoke. I got the idea from a Mountain Goat frame in the early 80's. This one is a bit opaque. It took me many hours to figure out so that it was darker.

Anyone know a way to clean up a scratched up Ti frame?

Nothing bad, no dents or deep scratches.

Anyone know a way to clean up a scratched up Ti frame?

Nothing bad, no dents or deep scratches.

Red Scotchbrite pads. Lovely finish.

Red Scotchbrite pads. Lovely finish.
how do i strip the paint off a merlin:confused:

how do i strip the paint off a merlin:confused:
How? Let me count the ways:

1. Very slowly.
2. With great difficulty.
3. Sweating.
4. Swearing.
5. Discovering new dents and wear the previous owners didn't disclose.
6. More swearing.
7. With three gallons of aircraft stripper
8. More swearing, etc...

A mix of components ranging from 1991 to 2006. Having purchased a 29er my Merlin will probably see less trails in the future. Most recent mods not shown on pic are purple SRP chainring bolts, a purple pivot bolt for the chain tensioner and a new SLR saddle.

http://forums.mtbr.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=180995&d=1152940288

Anyone know a way to clean up a scratched up Ti frame?

Nothing bad, no dents or deep scratches.

Toff. If it's on your 99 Xizang start with 400 grit, work it to 800 grit and then finish it with some Mothers polish and "0000" steel wool. Keeps em looking like a mirror.

how do i strip the paint off a merlin:confused:


Klen Strip Aircraft Stripper. Wear chem gloves. It actually comes off pretty easy unless its powder coated.

Toff. If it's on your 99 Xizang start with 400 grit, work it to 800 grit and then finish it with some Mothers polish and "0000" steel wool. Keeps em looking like a mirror.

Thankee


Hollister, I recently stripped the paint off mine.

It just took a bit of time. I got my paint stripper from Wally World (buy good rubber gloves) and just throw on a thick layer and wait. Scrub the paint off and do it again for stubborn places. Rinse and repeat till its all off.

Its a lazy day job for sure.

Best.Thread.Ever.
I'm going to take some pics of my 1994 Litespeed daily rider and throw em on when I get a chance.

Here's my 1990s Diamondback Axis Team ti frame reborn: (click for higher res)

http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/d/242854-2/IMG_2430.jpg (http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/v/morgan/morganbikes/IMG_2430.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1)
http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/d/242857-2/IMG_2431.jpg (http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/v/morgan/morganbikes/IMG_2431.jpg.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1)

I asked Ti Sports (AKA TST AKA Sandvik) if they could tell me when it was made, they had no data. I called Diamondback and asked them the same question, got the same answer. It's a 20" frame, serial number DBR20362. Previous owner pulled off all the decals. I'll be putting all the pimp '90s race parts on a spare vintage Rocky Mountain frame, if anyone wants it.

I put it together Sunday, did a quick ride on it with some friends. Pulled a bonehead maneuver and went over the bars, think I mighta cracked a rib. Doh! Racing it next weekend as part of a four-person team at 24 Hours of Adrenalin at Laguna Seca. It's light! Rides nice. Wish I could find a setback 27.0 seatpost for it - the seat is too far forward for my taste. Also not sure I like the WTB Devo, might put a Rocket V SLT on it. I'm going to build a powertap rear wheel for it, because I'm a numbers dweeb.

It's a nice bike.

Morgan

I humbly submit my 94 litespeed. Almost all the parts have been on it since the original build.

(click for larger pics)

http://img127.imagevenue.com/loc1101/th_55612_bike_122_1101lo.jpg (http://img127.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=55612_bike_122_1101lo.jpg)http://img159.imagevenue.com/loc698/th_55618_bike1