I have a late-90s Merlin road bike. I’m trying to upgrade the equally old Dura-Ace group (it’s finally failing) with Ultegra 6600, but I’m finding out replacing the bottom bracket is going to be problematic, as the old Merlins use a pressed-in bottom bracket.
Does Phil Wood make anything that would solve my problem? What else can I do? Can Merlin thread the BB in any way?
Hopefully I’m not the 1st to ask this…(left a msg on your machine also)
Greg,
The original Merlin bottom brackets used a smaller diameter shell with a pressed in square tapered spindle and cartridge bearings. The only way to convert to a current crankset using the newer outboard bearing design would be to have your bottom bracket shell replaced by Merlin. Now they are down in Chattanooga and have different ownership from when they hailed out of Mass. Not sure if that is something they would offer currently and if they do, it won’t be cheap. Sorry, but that appears to be your only way forward to update your current crankset. You could put current chainrings on the appropriate crank arm that still works with a square tapered spindle and update the rest of the componentry? Just a thought.
Good Luck,
Tom Stokes
Called Merlin, and they helped ID that the bike is actually from 1991. They could offer no solution to the unique/old BB, but said they could replace the BB with whatever I wanted for around $600. As you said, pretty expensive, but not horrible (at least relative to component costs). They’d also refurb/buff the frame to make it look new again, and inspect it.
The old Dura-Ace 7400 crankset is doing fine, and the BB has new bearings. It should be fine for a while.
Would it be best to ship through you guys or any bike shop? You have the relationship with the company, but are a ways from me in Woodbridge.
Thomas,
Would be happy to help you out. Still in the interminable application process with the county but starting to take care of customers anyway. To set up an appointment, feel free to email us at shop@plumgrovecyclery.com.
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January 31, 2010 at 12:50 am
Greg
Guys,
I have a late-90s Merlin road bike. I’m trying to upgrade the equally old Dura-Ace group (it’s finally failing) with Ultegra 6600, but I’m finding out replacing the bottom bracket is going to be problematic, as the old Merlins use a pressed-in bottom bracket.
Does Phil Wood make anything that would solve my problem? What else can I do? Can Merlin thread the BB in any way?
Hopefully I’m not the 1st to ask this…(left a msg on your machine also)
Cheers,
Greg
February 1, 2010 at 1:06 am
plumgrove
Greg,
The original Merlin bottom brackets used a smaller diameter shell with a pressed in square tapered spindle and cartridge bearings. The only way to convert to a current crankset using the newer outboard bearing design would be to have your bottom bracket shell replaced by Merlin. Now they are down in Chattanooga and have different ownership from when they hailed out of Mass. Not sure if that is something they would offer currently and if they do, it won’t be cheap. Sorry, but that appears to be your only way forward to update your current crankset. You could put current chainrings on the appropriate crank arm that still works with a square tapered spindle and update the rest of the componentry? Just a thought.
Good Luck,
Tom Stokes
February 20, 2010 at 2:10 am
Greg
Thanks again Tom.
Called Merlin, and they helped ID that the bike is actually from 1991. They could offer no solution to the unique/old BB, but said they could replace the BB with whatever I wanted for around $600. As you said, pretty expensive, but not horrible (at least relative to component costs). They’d also refurb/buff the frame to make it look new again, and inspect it.
The old Dura-Ace 7400 crankset is doing fine, and the BB has new bearings. It should be fine for a while.
Would it be best to ship through you guys or any bike shop? You have the relationship with the company, but are a ways from me in Woodbridge.
February 19, 2010 at 11:53 pm
plumgrove
Thomas,
Would be happy to help you out. Still in the interminable application process with the county but starting to take care of customers anyway. To set up an appointment, feel free to email us at shop@plumgrovecyclery.com.
Thanks,
Tom Stokes