Introducing the newest addition to my stable

[melissam]

As of today, I am the proud owner of a 2004 Merlin Camena! This is Merlin's women's specific model; its frame was designed by Tom Kellogg. The frame is titanium with carbon seatstays, and yes, it rides like a dream. I knew from the first pedal stroke that I was going to end up buying the bike. Components are a mixture of Dura Ace and Ultegra. The previous owner outfitted her with a Kestrel carbon fork and Spinergy wheels.

I can't wait to get her home and clean her up. I have an appointment on Friday to dial in the stem setting.

I'll try to post pics after I clean her up. In the meantime, here are some pics from the Merlin site:

Profile view:


(Head) Badges?! We don't need no stinkin' (head) badges!


Engraving by bottom bracket:


I wish they had a shot of the hourglass-shaped seatstays -- it looks really sexy!

I now own 4 bikes -- I think I am now officially a bike addict. Since the first step is admitting you have a problem, I guess I'm on my way to recovery. But no, I have no intention of selling any of my bikes.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

That's one gorgeous bike. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[dachshund]

That's really beautiful!! Congratulations!

[smilingcat]

its one of the bikes I really wanted. They are just so luscious. years ago, I settled for the next best thing, a Litespeed.

BTW, I love the old world touch of engraving. So beautiful.

Enjoy the bike.

[sundial]

That is a G O R G E O U S bike. You must be very proud! Congratulations!!

[KnottedYet]

Beeee-ooooo-ti-ful!!!!!!

[SadieKate]

I wish they had a shot of the hourglass-shaped seatstays -- it looks really sexy!

Are they like these? Those seat stays are were a huge factor in my decision to get a Spectrum. Tom sent me this picture when I asked for a better view of the seatstays; I knew I didn't want straight ones.



Bubba is gonna be so jealous. He lusts after the engraved Merlins.

[indysteel]

Ohhh, that's purty. Congrats.

SK--I know you had some discussion on RBR about curved seatstays when you were trying to pick a builder, but could you explain their benefit to me. I may be having my own conversation about it with Tom one of these days.

[ilima]

That is one helluva nice looking bike. Is that yours or are you waiting on your bike from Spectrum? Mine in a Kellogg designed Merlin and now you have me scratching me head over whether it has the curved seatstays.

[Ann G]

Wow!

[KatyLady]

Wow - what a great find and a great addition to any stable. Anxious to see pictures and to hear ride reports.

[melissam]

Thanks for all the well wishes! As I read your responses, so many things popped into my mind -- I feel like I could have a conversation with each of you.

BleeckerSt_Girl -- I've been meaning to tell you - your Luna is a mighty sharp bike! Hopefully you've been able to put many happy miles on her.

dachshund -- hey, I see you're getting a Seven from Chris Robinson. Have you spec'd it out? When's the delivery date?

smilingcat -- a Litespeed is certainly no slouch. I haven't had the chance to ride the Merlin after the test ride, but luscious is a great description for its ride and looks.

sundial -- I can't tell you how extremely fortunate I feel to have found this bike. Found it on craigslist. I rarely find a bike in my size (thank God, or I'd have a gazillion bikes). This bike was the right size, right material, and the seller was within walking distance of my workplace. It was pretty much meant to be.

KnottedYet -- I hear congratulations are in order to you & Trek!

Bad JuJu -- Delicious indeed! And luscious too!!

jesvetmed -- alas, no pics yet. Soon!

madscot13 -- Good job on building up your bike -- I see that you picked out some mighty fine components and hope you're enjoying your steed.

aka_kim -- welcome back from Colorado you slacker.

ilima -- what kind of Merlin do you have?

SadieKate -- The seat stays are shaped exactly like the ones in the picture you attached. Well, except they're a lot shorter. And they're a combo of ti and carbon. And there's a little bit of engraving right where the ti meets the carbon. But that pic! OMG - I want *that* bike too!

Oh, and tell Bubba that he can borrow my Merlin any time. He can fit on an XS frame, right?

indysteel -- sounds like you might be getting a Spectrum build. I'll watch for it right here on TE.

Ann G & KatyLady -- Pics and ride reports coming soon. (Work permitting.)

- Melissa

[dachshund]

dachshund -- hey, I see you're getting a Seven from Chris Robinson. Have you spec'd it out? When's the delivery date?

Yes ma'am I am, thanks for asking. We're about to put in the order for the frame. I guess it'll be done sometime in August. I have Chris's recommendations on the components, which I'm researching now. Campy for me, it looks like Centaur for the most part. I may try a compact double... or not. Fortunately I feel well-versed on this topic, largely due to the help of one SadieKate, who is a walking encyclopedia on gearing. Madame, thank you very much! Wheels are a different story. (I'm referring to my lack of knowledge, not SK's.) Wheels are just the big round things that decorate the ends of the bike. Now I'm reading about wheels.

Wow - Friday yours will be done? So we know what you're doing over the 4th!

[melissam]

OK, as promised, here are some pics of the Merlin and her stablemates. Disclaimer: the quality of these shots pales in comparison to the ones that SadieKate uploaded. Oh well, I won't quit my day job!

Shot #1: a profile view of my Merlin. I'm going to swap out the stem and find shims for the brake levers. We'll see how I feel about the saddle -- it might be in the TE For Sale section.


Shot #2: Seatstay - where titanium meets carbon. Look at the engraving!


Shot #3: Hourglass shaped seatstays. One day I hope to get a nice pic of this.


Shot #4: Camena decal. Engraved headtube in foreground and Merlin logo on the seat tube collar.


Shot #5: Napoleon - my faithful steed during the AIDS/Lifecycle Ride! Will be getting new handlebars and bar tape this weekend, as these hurt my hands when I brake while in the drops. (Yes, it took me 4 years to figure this out.)


Shot #5: My bonecrusher, er, I mean Bianchi. Faithful trainer bike. Look at that lugged steel goodness!


Shot #6: My stable of 3 road bikes.


Shot #7: A photo shoot wouldn't be complete without Gizmo!

[ilima]

That is a very nice stable of bikes you have there. And your pup is cute, too. I think you will love the Camena.

ilima -- what kind of Merlin do you have?

I have a Merlin Atreus. It was only made for 2005 and then morphed into the Works line. I got it for a pretty good end of the year deal.