MERLIN CIELO

Titanium guru Merlin has departed slightly from its staple products with the new Cielo road frame and gone back to a more classic Merlin style.

It mixes beautifully crafted titanium lugs and chainstays with carbon-fibre main tubes and seatstays. The titanium lugs are intended to give strength in areas where it is needed, while the mix of uni- and multi-directional carbon tubes combine to produce a stiff and strong frame.

This construction method means that multiple sizes can be offered without the need to produce expensive moulds. Much like the Colnago lugged carbon frames, Merlin is able to offer many more than the standard ?three or four sizes fit all? approach.

The Cielo is available in 10 sizes, from 49cm to 61cm. Custom sizes are also available. Some rather fancy engraving graces the titanium lugs to give the frame a more custom-built look than most off-the-peg frames offer. Expect to pay £3,199 for the frame with Easton forks and Chris King headset.

For further information go to www.americanbicyclegroup.com.