[Tenchiro]

I wonder how it affects overall frame strength...

 

[skatetokil]

like whoa

 

[skinny mike]

thats hot. now i cant wait to get my merlin. they are such beautiful frames. the welds are so clean.

 

[maxyedor]

Melin still gives it a lifetime warrenty so strength isn't much of an issue. The Socl Litespeed/Merlin rep told me they could make stuff about half the weight they currently do, but then a frame would only last about 5 years, so they go for the lifetime thing instead.
I may have a close second place

 

[LordOpie]

I've seen them upclose and personal... awesome bikes.

Can't imagine for a moment the engraving having a negative affect on the structure.

 

[Tame Ape]

I think thats Dolly Parton's bike. Must of lent it back for the show.

 

[Changleen]

I've seen them upclose and personal... awesome bikes.

Can't imagine for a moment the engraving having a negative affect on the structure.

Technically that engraving is introducing a massive number of stress-raisers. (Points where stress will focus when a load is applied) Hopefully though the tubing is thick enough to deal with that, and looking at it it seems fine. The engraving is very shallow.

 

[-dustin]

i don't know...i kind of dig the Cielo more simply because of the carbon.

 

[Bicyclist]

Pretty bling if you ask me. Crazy crazy lugs these guys do.

 

[stevew]

I think Rivendell makes the prettiest frames. Or Vanilla.

 

[binary visions]

Now, that Rivendell frame is one I can get on board with. The Merlin is impressive, for sure, but it's waaay too over-the-top for me. I like clean, simple lines, and I've always loved the lugged, steel frames.

Seems silly to need thicker tubing just so that you can do a bunch of engraving on that Merlin, though. Nice ornament, but if I'm spending that much on a high end, Ti road frame, I'm countin' those grams...

 

[manhattanprjkt83]

wow that merlin is sexy.

 

[peter6061]

I still like the Llewellyn frames.