VelopediaBicycle Archive · Specification report

1998 Merlin Newsboy

Velopedia Archive ID 78099

Overview

Model year1998
BrandMerlin
ModelNewsboy
Bicycle typeMountain bike, front suspension
Archive ID78099
Original MSRP$5,500.00
ColorsBrushed
Sizes15", 17", 19"
Weight23.8 lb

Frameset

Frame constructionTIG-welded
Frame material3Al/2.5V titanium
ForkRock Shox Judy SL
Fork materialAluminum/magnesium, triple-clamp crown
Rear shockN/A

Drivetrain

Component groupShimano XTR
ShiftersShimano XTR RapidFire SL
Front derailleurShimano XTR, bottom-pull/clamp-on 35.0mm
Rear derailleurShimano XTR SGS
CranksetShimano XTR M950, 24/34/46 teeth
Bottom bracketShimano BB-M950, 112.5mm spindle
BB shell width68mm English
Rear cogs8-speed, 11 - 34 teeth
ChainShimano CN-HG90, 1/2 x 3/32"
PedalsNot included

Brakes

BrakesShimano XTR V-Brake brakes, Shimano XTR levers

Cockpit & contact points

Headset1 1/8" threadless Chris King NoThreadSet
HandlebarSyncros Hardcore
Handlebar extensionsNot included
StemSyncros Hardcore
SaddleBontrager w/titanium rails
SeatpostSyncros Hardcore aluminum, 27.2mm diameter

Wheels & tires

HubsShimano Deore XT
RimsMavic 217 SUP, 32-hole
SpokesWheelsmith stainless steel, 2.0mm double-butted
Spoke nipplesAlloy nipples
Front tire26 x 2.10" WTB VelociRaptor kevlar
Wheel size26" wheels

Geometry · Legacy reference

Top tube584.2 mm
Head-tube angle71°
Seat-tube angle73°
Chainstay / rear center425.4 mm
Wheelbase1064.3 mm
Fork offset / rake40.6 mm

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