Frame Swap

paul_GY

I bought a Merlin malt 2 last year, but Im not getting on with the frame very well, I feel too cramped whilst riding and want a more racey type position. Its a 15" frame as Im only 5'5",

Ive seen a 2007 15.5" trek 6500 frame on ebay for 85 quid, would it be worth buying and will my parts fit it?

My bike as reba sl forks, and full SLX kit, hollow tech crank ect, and mavic 717 wheels.

Paul

dave_hill

paul_GY wrote:

I bought a Merlin malt 2 last year, but Im not getting on with the frame very well, I feel too cramped whilst riding and want a more racey type position. Its a 15" frame as Im only 5'5",

Ive seen a 2007 15.5" trek 6500 frame on ebay for 85 quid, would it be worth buying and will my parts fit it?

My bike as reba sl forks, and full SLX kit, hollow tech crank ect, and mavic 717 wheels.

Paul

There's no point getting another frame if you feel cramped on your exisiting one without checking the geometry first. Is the Trek any longer in the top tube or front-centre than the Merlin? If it isn't you're going to be no better off!!

If you feel cramped, have you tried fitting a slightly longer stem and/or lower rise (or even flat) bars? Moving your saddle backwards slightly or fitting a lay-back seatpost?

If you do decide to swap you will need to look at - type of headset (are they the same?); How long the headtube of your existing bike is and how long the steerer of your forks is; seat post size; seat post clamp size; front derailleur clamp size.

Northwind

On Ones tend to suit shorter folks who find small frames cramped- I'm 5'10 but I ride a small, it's as long as many mediums, just very short. But not really practical to get a test ride unfortunately.

passout

I had a 15" Merlin (Rock Lobster) and didn't like the geometry - not so much cramped more a high front end and a harsh rear end. I'm 5'8''/5'9''. I then got a 16" Giant Reign very cheap over the net but that had a short top tube and was ever so slightly too small - just enough to notice. I'm now on a Medium Meta which has a great riding position. I remember trying a specialised stumpie at leisure Lakes and hating it - the front end was way too high and it felt cramped - but on paper it should have been perfect. I'd visit a store with plenty of bikes that you can try out. It is important to try a bike first - even if it's just on road.

Also I'd consider selling your bike whole & buying a new one. It might end up cheaper.

paul_GY

I loved the bike when I bought it last September, but I only took it on a few short rides, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer shortly after buying it, so its only recently I have started using it properly. I have tried moving the seat right back and the stem is already quite long at 100mm, I have also tilted the bars forward to see if that would help. Would a layback seat post make the front end to light?

passout

I tried this with my Reign (see above) and spent money on a lay back and new stem - cost about £100. Then had to sell anyway as the alterations weren't enough. Not sure how it would effect the handling but my Rock Lobster seemed a bit light on the front anyway. I'd get a new frame before making the same mistake as me.

Sorry to hear about the illness.

paul_GY

Does anyone know where I can buy a layback seat post at a reasonable price, all the one's ive seen so far are £60+ :shock:.

Seat tube is 27.2mm btw.

Northwind

FSA SL220? It's a bit rubbish but it's got a lot of layback for a straight post. Or do you want a kinked post?

paul_GY

Yeah I was after one type with a bit of a bend in it, like the Thomson Elite, but thats out my price range at the moment.

passout

paul_GY wrote:

Does anyone know where I can buy a layback seat post at a reasonable price, all the one's ive seen so far are £60+ :shock:.

Seat tube is 27.2mm btw.

Merlin is good on Thompson stuff but it's pretty pricey even when discounted.