I’m about to buy a QR/Merlin 2001 Aerial. I can’t find too much opinion on the bike. Anyone have any feedback? Thanks!
Mark
Not as sexy as some of the other ti tri bikes out there but IMHO one of the finest ti tri bikes built so far… the only clearly better ti tri bike would be one of the very few Aerial Extralights. We may still have one that was ridden by one of our sponsored pros. My only concern would be geometry. Make sure you know what it is and that it will work for you.
Well, all I know is that it is a 51cm and since I’m 5’7", inseam around 30", I am pretty confident it would fit me well. I’m told it is around 17 lbs…pretty hard to beat.
Mark
I’ve been riding a Merlin Ariel since 1999. As Dan said, it may not be the sexiest tri bike out there but it does have two things in it’s favor. It rides great, and it works. While others are caught up on buying whatever is the latest, greatest aero fad design and are replacing their bike every couple of years, I see no reason to change my bike. It’s all about the engine. This bike is fast with a fast rider, slow with a slow rider. But with any rider (as long as it fits right) it is one comfy ride.
If you can get a good deal on it and it fits you right, I would highly recommend it.
I just bought a “new” 1999 Aerial. Got turned to Ti from my Merlin Agilis. I have a 1997 Soft Ride that will be retired with the purchase of this bike. To be honest cannot tell a lot of difference in ride quality although the Aerial seems more responsive when you crank down on it. It is a great bike.
What Mike Plumb said is spot on.
Go To http://web.archive.org/web/19991012181844/merlinbike.com/bike/aerial.html
to get the particulars on the bike plus geometry.
Good Luck
fal7