<NOTE! Please flag and ignore fake copies and variations of this Newsboy #23 Listing.  This is the one and only genuine listing for Merlin #23 in Seattle, WA. I was alerted of a recent China auction listing this bike for $31. While quite a deal, it was definitely a scammer and a fake listing.  Thanks>

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5/30/17 Update:  I've received tons of interest in the bike, but potential buyers either want to buy the 29" modern build or they want to buy the original stock 26"/700c build. In other words, they do not want all three builds (Modern 29, 26", 700c).  This being said, I have revised the bike listing.  Here are the prices and description for the two offerings:

1.   Option 1 Modern 29'er Build - Price $7900.

Includes the bike as pictured with the SRAM XX1 groupset, the DT Swiss 29" carbon wheelset and tires, the White Bro's fork, and remaining modern parts (stem, post, saddle, bars). Shipping will be $200 to Continental US; will refund the difference with actuals if applicable.

 

This includes what you see in the following photos:  Photos 1,3,4,5, and 6.

   2. Option 2 Original Stock 26" / 700c Build - Price $7500.

Includes the original 26" / 700c bike and following original components: XTR Groupset, 26" wheelset and tires, 700c wheelset and tires, saddle, post, stem, bar. Bike as pictured will have modern components removed; buyer responsible for building bike back up with original components.  Shipping will be $200 to Continental US; will refund the difference with actuals if applicable.

 

This includes what you see in the following photos:  Photos 7,8,9,10,and 11.

I've revised the price to represent the $7900 modern build option.  Please let me know if you prefer option 2 and I can adjust accordingly.

To emphasize: The pricing reflects the option of the 29" Modern build OR the original 26" / 700c stock builds only. 

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2002 Merlin Newsboy Titanium Mountain Bike #23 of 100.

Buyer has the option to pick either the Original 2002 NOS Build (for $7500) or the 2016 29er Modernized SRAM Eagle 1x12 As-new 20.68lbs light-weight Build (for $7900)! 

With the 29er Modern build, includes $3,000 DT Swiss XRC 1250 Carbon Ceramic hub 29" tubeless wheel set. Total MSRP over $11,500.

 
Up for auction is a very rare, very impressive piece of Cycling History.  The infamous “Holy Grail” Merlin Newsboy #23 of 100 in mint condition. 18" Medium frame. This is a rare auction since it includes the following (depending on which option buyer selects): 

1)    Option 1 - Merlin Newsboy with all original “NOS” components; including two wheel sets (26" MTB + 700C Road). msrp = $5500.

2)    Option 2 - 2016 Upgraded 29er components – SRAM Eagle 1x12 group set added; custom painted and decal'd MRP White Bros rigid carbon fork; 29er DT Swiss XRC 1250 Carbon wheelset; refer to details below. msrp = $6000.

 

2 sets of complete authentic decals / stickers included (rare). Ride this one, put it in your bike museum; or both! The upgraded modern lightweight build rides incredibly well; light, stiff, fast, agile!

Bike History

Bicycle Details and Components

Original Stock Components (Original Complete bike MSRP = $5,500); i.e. Option 2

• Frameset = 2002 Merlin Newsboy Titanium; 18” Medium size, #23 of 100
• Frameset Specifics = 3.5Al-2.5V Titanium
• Fork = Answer Manitou Mars Super with Merlin Newsboy decals
• Groupset = Shimano XTR
• Shifters = Shimano XTR RapidFire SL
• Front Derailleur = Shimano XTR, top-pull/clamp-on 35.0mm
• Rear Derailleur = Shimano XTR GS
• Crankset = Race Face Turbine LP ISIS, 24/36/46 teeth
• Crankset note:  I forgot in include the crankset in the photos, but is included. 
• Bottom Bracket = Race Face Taperlock ISIS, 112.5mm spindle
• BB Shell Width = 68mm English
• Rear Cogs = 9 speed, 12-34 teeth
• Chain = Shimano CN-7700, ½ x 3/32”
• Brakes = Hayes HFX Disc Brakes, 22mm Hayes Mount
• Seat post = Thomson Elite, 27.2 diameter
• Saddle = Selle Italia Flite
• Handlebar = Kore Lite carbon
• Stem = Thomson Elite
• Wheelset 1 =  Mavic X517 26” Mountain rims with Shimano XT Disc Hubs
• Wheelset 2 = Mavic Open Pro Road rims with Shimano XT Disc Hubs
• Tires =  Geax Blade (Road) and Hutchinson Python (Mountain)
• Brochure = 2002 Merlin Metalwork's Catalog / Brochure included.
• Not included: Sorry guys, I never received the hat, t-shirt, or wheel bags. Other than those items, everything is included and complete. 
• Condition Note: All Original parts are near-mint, near perfect. Perhaps extremely minor storage marks here and there or rim sticker peeling, but can be returned to perfect with minimal effort.

2016 Upgraded 29’er Components - 20.68lbs as pictured (Upgrade Components MSRP = $6,000); i.e. Option 1

• Fork = White Brothers / MRP Rock Solid 29 Carbon Rigid 29er fork.
• Fork specifics = professionally painted black; Newsboy decals added; clear-coated.
• Group set = 2016 SRAM XX1 Eagle 12 speed 1x12 .
• Shifters = SRAM XX1 Eagle Trigger shifters
• Front Derailleur = n/a (1x12)
• Rear Derailleur = SRAM XX1 Eagle 
• Crankset = SRAM XX1 Eagle Carbon
• Bottom Bracket = Wheels Manufacturing 68mm BB
• Rear Cogs = SRAM XX1 Eagle, 11-50
• Chain = SRAM XX1 Eagle Gold
• Front Brakes = Hayes Prime Comp Master Cylinder/Lever and Caliper
• Rear Brakes = Hayes Prime Comp Master Cylinder/Lever and Hayes 22mm Direct Mount HFX Caliper
• Seat post = Thomson Elite, 27.2 diameter
• Saddle = Selle Italia SLR XC Flow Black
• Handlebar = Thomson Trail Carbon
• Grips = Portland Design Works Silver
• Stem = Thomson Elite
• Wheelset =  DT Swiss XRC 1250 Carbon Tubeless Wheelset; comes with the DT Swiss 190 Ceramic Hubs. $3000 MSRP.
• Front Wheel specifics = Front wheel can accommodate tires up to 29x2.3+. 
• Rear Wheel specifics = Rear wheel can accommodate tires up to 29x1.75 (700x47); maybe slightly larger depending on the tire.
• Tires = Bob Gordon Rock n Roll 29x1.75 (700x47).   
• Weight = 20.68 pounds!

• Also included:  New complete decal kit / sticker kit for the frameset. This is important, since these are very rare and very difficult to find.  This enables you to actually ride the bike, not worry about scratches. You can then return to “as-new” by simply Scotch-Brite polishing the frame and then adding these new decals / stickers. Will include 2 complete sets.  

• Sizing: This is a Merlin Medium 18" frame. I'm 6ft and it fits me well. In my opinion, I would say this bike would fit riders in the 5'7-6'0 range, maybe 6'1, but please do your research on the geometry and sizing.

• Condition Note: Perfect, mint condition. Less than 20 miles.  

Shipping

Shipping will be $200 insured to the continental US.  Will consider shipping Worldwide, but buyer to pay actual shipping costs. Please research approximate costs prior to bidding.  Depending on option selected, shipment will consist of currently built bike; and then either an additional 1-2 boxes for the 2 wheelsets and original parts.  

Scams

Please don't. This bike is currently only offered via eBay, seller in Seattle. Not sure why this particular Newsboy model attracts the scams, but please disregard and flag any non-ebay / non-Seattle listings for this bike. 

Taken from the 2002 Merlin Metalwork's Catalog

If Webster had owned a Merlin Newsboy, he would put its picture next to the definition of “cool”. The gorgeous sweeping lines of this frame harken back to the days of malt shops and vinyl records. Yet, this elegant bike is the most technically advanced cruiser you’ll find. Disc brakes, internal cable routing, bombproof 3All-2.5V titanium frame…cool.

And, the Newsboy is just as happy on the pavement as it is on the dirt. With a simple change to the 700c road wheels that also come with the bike, you can leave the trails and cruise to the streets. The adjustable front suspension soaks up the most grueling geography with ease whether it is covered with rocks or speed bumps. Be the first kid on your block to own a Newsboy and be instantly cool. 

• Merlin MTS size-specific 3Al-2.5V tubeset provides exceptional comfort and performance. 
• Stunning hooptube seatstays are reminiscent of a 50’s cruiser
• The arching top tube is made of oversized MTS 3Al-2.5V titanium and adds tremendous strength to the beautiful design. 
• We incorporated a 1 1/8” integrated headset which makes for easy maintenance.
• The Hayes hydraulic disc brakes provide unbelievable stopping power
• The standard Newsboy package consists of 2 sets of Shimano XT disc hubs, one with Mavic 317 mountain rims and one with Mavic Open Pro road rims.

Please contact me if you have any questions; would be happy to help out. Thanks and good luck!  Hope this bike goes to a great home!