West 5 Cycles: Merlin

My 5th fixie project, this one is a new-old conversion as the frame itself, although religiously made to conform to vintage racing bike conventions (lugs, diagonal drop-outs) is from 2005.

The Merlin, as supplied by Bob Jackson in Leeds, Yorkshire, is a beautiful example of just what a wonderful ride steel still is as a material - 631 Reynolds tubing married to Sugino RD 48T crankset, Campagnolo BB, 17T on the back, Nitto stem and bars, Tektro brake lever and Dia compe BRS 101 caliper, Gran Compe SS tyres, Selle Italia saddle and MKS pedals along with Fizik bar tape adds the finishing touches. A true joy to ride - racy without being nervous and twitchy, it inspires confidence.

58 photos | 865 views

items are from between 16 Aug 2008 & 17 Aug 2008.