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Velopedia Bicycle Archive
2001 Merlin Iliad (02)
Original specifications: Shimano XTR drivetrain · 26" wheels · geometry for 1 published size.
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At a glance
- Model year
- 2001
- Category
- Mountain
- Original MSRP
- $4,100.00
- Sizes
- 15, 16.25, 17.5, 18.75, 20
- Colors
- Signature Satin Finish
- Geometry
- Legacy reference · Geometry context
- In this record
- 32 specifications · archived image · original MSRP · geometry
- Archive ID
- 91186
Frameset
| Frame Construction | TIG-welded |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | MTS size-specific 3AL/2.5V double-butted tubing |
| Fork | Answer Manitou MARS Elite, 2.0" travel |
| Fork Material | Aluminum, single triple-clamp crown |
| Rear Shock | N/A |
Drivetrain
| Component Group | Shimano XTR |
|---|---|
| Shifters | Shimano XTR RapidFire SL |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano XTR, top-pull/clamp-on 35.0mm |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XTR GS |
| Crankset | Shimano XTR M952, 24/36/46 teeth |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano BB-M952, 112.5mm spindle |
| BB Shell Width | 68mm English |
| Rear Cogs | 9-speed, 12 - 34 teeth |
| Chain | Shimano CN-7700, 1/2 x 3/32" |
| Pedals | Not included |
Brakes
| Brakes | Shimano XTR V-brake brakes, Shimano XTR levers |
|---|
Cockpit & Contact Points
| Headset | 1 1/8" Chris King NoThreadSet |
|---|---|
| Handlebar | Kore Lite Bar 1 |
| Handlebar Extensions | Not included |
| Stem | Thomson Elite |
| Saddle | Selle Italia Flite |
| Seatpost | Thomson Elite, 27.2mm diameter |
Wheels & Tires
| Hubs | Shimano XTR |
|---|---|
| Rims | Mavic X517, 32-hole |
| Spokes | Wheelsmith stainless steel, 1.8mm double-butted |
| Spoke Nipples | Alloy nipples |
| Front Tire | 26 x 2.00" Hutchinson Alligator |
| Wheel Size | 26" wheels |
Historical reference geometry
Geometry
This historical geometry describes the model, but the original source does not identify its frame size. Use it as a period reference, not a size-specific fit comparison.
| Measurement | Legacy reference |
|---|---|
| Top tube | 584.2 mm |
| Head-tube angle | 71° |
| Seat-tube angle | 73° |
| Chainstay / rear center | 425.4 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1056.6 mm |
| Fork offset / rake | 38.1 mm |
Geometry source: Historical archive database — model-level reference geometry. The historical source provides one model-level geometry set and does not identify the corresponding frame size.
Geometry tools
Explore this historical geometry
Model-level historical reference
Period context: At 71°, the head angle sits close to the middle of the group among mountain geometries represented in Velopedia for this period. Its 73° seat angle is close to the middle of the group among the same-period mountain references.
Compared with 786 distinct legacy mountain geometries from model years 1999–2003. Only angular measurements are used because the historical reference frame size is unidentified.See it in periodOpen an immediate comparison with preserved 2001 mountain geometries. The source frame size remains unidentified.
See its 2001 geometry context Parts & serviceability
Find replacement parts
Shimano CN-7700, 1/2 x 3/32"
Exact archived model
26x2.00" Hutchinson Alligator
Named tire and published size
Linear-pull brake pads
Published brake type — verify pad mounting style
More qualified parts (6)
Shimano BB-M952, 112.5mm spindle
Exact archived model
Selle Italia Flite
Named archived component — verify exact version
Shimano XTR M952, 24/36/46 teeth
Named archived component — verify exact version
Shimano XTR GS
Interpreted as Shimano XTR · 9-speed · mechanical Named component · published drivetrain speed — verify exact version
Shimano XTR RapidFire SL
Interpreted as Shimano XTR · 9-speed · mechanical Named component · published drivetrain speed — verify exact version
Thomson Elite
Named archived component — verify dimensions
Searches use the archived manufacturer specification, not the components currently installed on a particular bicycle. Confirm the exact model, size and fit before ordering. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Velopedia may also earn from qualifying eBay purchases. Velopedia may also earn from qualifying retailer purchases. Commercial relationships do not influence Archive specifications or analysis.
Used-bike inspection
If you’re buying this bike used
Before any test ride: both brakes should stop the bike firmly and release cleanly; both wheels should run true and be securely attached; tires should have no casing damage; and the headset, handlebar, stem, cranks and pedals should have no looseness or play.
Follow the full used-bike inspection order →- FrameCheck the welds for cracking and make sure the seatpost, bottom bracket and other threaded parts are not seized or galled in place.Inspect the frame and fork →
- BrakesInspect pad condition, cable movement and the rim sidewalls or brake tracks for wear. A concave or heavily worn braking surface can mean the wheel also needs replacement.Inspect the brakes →
- SuspensionAsk when the fork was last serviced. Check the stanchions for damage, look for oil at the seals and make sure the fork moves smoothly without bushing play.Evaluate the suspension →
- DrivetrainShift through every gear under light load and measure chain wear. Confirm that the shifter, derailleur, chain and cassette belong to the same 9-speed system.Check drivetrain wear →
- Wheels & tiresSpin both wheels and watch the rims for side-to-side or vertical movement. Check for dents, cracks, loose or uneven spokes and hub play, then inspect both tire casings for cuts, cracking or exposed threads.Check wheels and tires →
Bike-specific inspection checklist 20 checks based on 6 archived component groups Open checklistClose checklist
This checklist uses the archived equipment for this bike. It cannot confirm the condition, service history or later component changes of the example in front of you.
Identity and fit
Follow the full used-bike inspection order →Archived: 2001 Merlin Iliad (02) · Mountain bike, front suspension · Published sizes: 15, 16.25, 17.5, 18.75, 20
Frame and fork
Inspect the frame and fork →Archived: Frame: TIG-welded · Fork: Answer Manitou MARS Elite, 2.0" travel · Aluminum, single triple-clamp crown
Suspension
Evaluate the suspension →Archived: Fork: Answer Manitou MARS Elite, 2.0" travel
Drivetrain
Check drivetrain wear →Archived: Group: Shimano XTR · Shifters: Shimano XTR RapidFire SL · Front derailleur: Shimano XTR, top-pull/clamp-on 35.0mm · Rear derailleur: Shimano XTR GS · Crankset: Shimano XTR M952, 24/36/46 teeth · Bottom bracket: Shimano BB-M952, 112.5mm spindle · Rear cogs: 9-speed, 12 - 34 teeth · Chain: Shimano CN-7700, 1/2 x 3/32"
Brakes
Inspect the brakes →Archived: Brakes: Shimano XTR V-brake brakes, Shimano XTR levers
Wheels and tires
Check wheels and tires →Archived: Wheel size: 26" wheels · Rims: Mavic X517, 32-hole · Hubs: Shimano XTR · Front tire: 26 x 2.00" Hutchinson Alligator
Controls and contact points
Archived: Headset: 1 1/8" Chris King NoThreadSet · Handlebar: Kore Lite Bar 1 · Stem: Thomson Elite · Seatpost: Thomson Elite, 27.2mm diameter · Saddle: Selle Italia Flite · Pedals: Not included
Before and during the test ride
Follow the full used-bike inspection order →Build relationships are limited to the archived manufacturer specifications. Confirm exact fit and standards before ordering parts or performing service.
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Specifications are presented as a reference. Components may vary by market, size, production run, or later manufacturer revisions.