Merlin Metalworks Inc. Camena Ultegra

Price Paid:  $2800.00 at Bike Authority

Favorite Ride:
Johnstown to Granville

Bike Setup:
Ultegra group with a Cane Creek headset and FSA Gossamer 50/34 compact double. Krysirium Elite wheels.

Summary:
My Merlin Camena is my bike with wings. After riding an aluminum/carbon Fuji, this bike is amazing. Same weight as the Fuji, but absolutely no energy lost to road vibes. I've used it for touring and doing tris. I got a great deal because Bike Authority had had it in inventory for a while ad was having a sale on al ti bikes. The bike was stock with the exception of seat, crank and wheels. I have it fitted with a 50/34 compact double. They also did a great fit.

Strengths:
Translation of all energy into forward movement. It flies up hills.

Weaknesses:
None.

Price Paid:  $3300.00 at bob's bikes in boise

Model Year:
2005

Bike Setup:
stock except saddle and headset.

Summary:
wonderful ride. it absorbs do much road shock in the rear triangle I kept looking for a flat in the rear tire! fast and durable. womens geometry on the xs is great for a woman rider under 5'3"

Strengths:
quilty of the build and the great sweet ride. wonderful value.

Weaknesses:
head set.

Similar Products Used:
giant carbon; marinoni custom; le mond steel

Price Paid:  $3450.00 at my LBS

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
swan falls

Bike Setup:
stock except tire liners due to frequency of goatheads in our area.

Summary:
a lovely ride. made for a woman's body dimensions. beautiful titanium frame. this year's ultegra grouppo is OK.... improved over last year. I ride on chip and seal a bit and the road shock is sucked up by the carbon stays nicely. very light after my steel LeMond.

Strengths:
very nicely made. responsive. carbon rear stays absorb road shock.

Weaknesses:
a tad pricey

Similar Products Used:
le mond zurich; marinoni custom