Bicycle Archive · Specification report

1996 Merlin Newsboy

Velopedia Archive ID 59686

Overview

Model year	1996
Brand	Merlin
Model	Newsboy
Bicycle type	Mountain bike, front suspension
Archive ID	59686
Original MSRP	$5,260.00
Colors	Satin
Sizes	15", 17", 19"
Weight	23.7 lb

Frameset

Frame construction	Welded titanium
Frame material	MTS325 titanium, seamless w/6Al/4V titanium dropouts
Fork	Rock Shox Judy SL
Fork material	Aluminum/magnesium, triple-clamp crown
Rear shock	N/A

Drivetrain

Component 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
BB shell width	68mm English
Rear cogs	8-speed, Buyer's choice of gearing
Chain	Sachs SCM90, 1/2 x 3/32"
Pedals	Not included

Brakes

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

Cockpit & contact points

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

Wheels & tires

Rims	Mavic 221, 32-hole
Spokes	Wheelsmith stainless steel, 2.0mm double butted
Spoke nipples	Alloy nipples
Front tire	26 x 2.10" WTB VelociRaptor kevlar
Wheel size	26" wheels

Geometry · Legacy reference

Top tube	584.2 mm
Head-tube angle	71°
Seat-tube angle	73°
Chainstay / rear center	425.4 mm
Wheelbase	1064.3 mm
Fork offset / rake	40.6 mm

Manufacturer-published archive data. Confirm exact standards and dimensions before ordering parts or performing service. Generated by Velopedia on October 2, 2026.