1996 Merlin Newsboy

Archived: 1996 Merlin Newsboy · Mountain bike, front suspension · Published sizes: 15", 17", 19"

• Confirm the frame markings and seller description match this archived model. Note every component that differs from the published build.
• Record the frame serial number. It should be legible, unaltered and consistent with the seller’s ownership history.
• Find the size marking on the bicycle and confirm the fit before judging the condition or price.

Archived: Frame: Welded titanium · Fork: Rock Shox Judy SL · Aluminum/magnesium, triple-clamp crown

• Inspect every weld for cracking and check that the seatpost, bottom bracket and other threaded components are not seized or galled in place.
• Stand behind and in front of the bicycle to look for obvious frame, fork or wheel misalignment. Ask directly about crashes, transport damage and repairs.

Archived: Fork: Rock Shox Judy SL

• Inspect the fork stanchions for scratches or coating wear, look for oil or dirt rings at the seals, and cycle the fork through its travel while checking for binding or bushing play.
• Ask for dated fork-service records. A clean exterior does not establish the condition of internal seals, oil or bushings.

Archived: Group: Shimano XTR · Shifters: Grip Shift SRT-800 X-Ray · Front derailleur: Shimano XTR, top-pull/clamp-on 35.0 mm · Rear derailleur: Shimano XTR · Crankset: Cook Bros. E · Bottom bracket: White Industries Phantom Ti, 103 mm spindle · Rear cogs: 8-speed, Buyer's choice of gearing · Chain: Sachs SCM90, 1/2 x 3/32"

• Shift through every available gear under light load. Hesitation, skipping or inconsistent indexing can reflect wear, damage, poor adjustment or mismatched replacement parts.
• Measure chain wear with a compatible gauge and inspect chainring, cassette or freewheel teeth. A new chain does not rule out wear in the remaining drivetrain.
• Turn the cranks slowly, feel for rough bearings and check for side-to-side play. Inspect crank arms, chainring bolts and pedal threads for looseness or damage.

Archived: Brakes: WTB Speed Master Rollercam/WTB Speed Master cantilever front brakes, Avid levers

• Inspect pads, cables and housings, then examine both rim braking surfaces for concavity, cracking or heavy wear. Confirm each caliper returns and centers correctly.
• Before riding, test every installed brake separately at walking speed. Each should stop firmly and release cleanly without its control reaching the end of its usable travel.

Archived: Wheel size: 26" wheels · Rims: Mavic 221, 32-hole · Front tire: 26 x 2.10" WTB VelociRaptor kevlar

• Spin both wheels and watch for side-to-side and vertical movement. Check spoke tension, rim condition and hub play.
• Inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking, plugs, bulges or exposed threads and confirm the installed sizes are safe for the rims and available frame and fork clearance.
• Remove and reinstall or closely inspect both wheel-retention systems. Axles or quick releases should tighten correctly with undamaged threads, hardware and dropouts.

Archived: Headset: 1 1/8" threadless King NoThreadSet · Handlebar: Merlin titanium · Stem: Control Tech · Seatpost: Control Tech Control Post, 27.2 mm diameter · Saddle: Buyer's choice · Pedals: Not included

• Apply the front brake and rock the bike to check for headset play or notchiness. Inspect the stem, handlebar and clamp zones, then confirm every fastener and control is secure.
• Check that the seatpost moves for adjustment and that the saddle, post and clamp hold securely without cracks, severe corrosion or damaged hardware.

• Before riding, confirm both wheels are secure, tires are safe, both brakes function, and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals have no looseness.
• Begin at low speed. Test steering, braking and shifting progressively, then load the drivetrain and suspension only after the basic safety checks pass.
• Listen and feel for repeated knocks, grinding, skipping, brake pulsation or movement at joints. Stop the test if the bicycle cannot be controlled safely.