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The Evolution of a Timeless Mountain Cruiser: Merlin Bikes’ 2023 Newsboy LTD

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The Evolution of a Timeless Mountain Cruiser: Merlin Bikes’ 2023 Newsboy LTD

According to the internet, The Beatles’ song “Yesterday” has been covered between 1,200 and 3,000 times, which even on the low end of that range makes it the most covered song in history. The spare lyrics, describing the ever-relatable ache of lost love, and string arrangement make it a simple yet sophisticated work that has managed to transcend the six decades since Paul McCartney first dreamed (literally) up the melody. The uncluttered elegance has rendered “Yesterday” truly timeless.

While first unveiled in 1994—incidentally, the same year that both LeAnn Rimes and Boyz II Men covered the McCartney classic—Merlin’s cruiser-inspired mountain bike, the Newsboy, has also reappeared in various forms throughout the intervening years. Like McCartney’s paired down lines, the Newsboy shares an on-the-surface simplicity and a nostalgia-driven design that has contributed to its lasting appeal. Merlin has just launched its latest Newsboy redesign, let’s take a look below…

Vintage Bicycles: A Merlin Made Ti/Carbon 1991 Raleigh John Tomac Signature

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Vintage Bicycles: A Merlin Made Ti/Carbon 1991 Raleigh John Tomac Signature

Post a photo of drop bars on a mountain bike, and chances are, someone will reference the American rider John Tomac. In the late 1980s, this BMX racer turned full-on MTB superstar and became known for sporting a style never before seen in the growing sport. Drop bars, Tension Disc, and tabletops, Tomac had it all. In 1991, Merlin Titanium crafted this Raleigh John Tomac Signature frame from titanium and carbon fiber.

The bike made its debut at the XC World Championships in Il Ciccio, Italy before a limited run of frames was produced for public consumption, and today, we’re debuting it on The Radavist for your consumption. Check out the full history by Eric Rumpf and photos by Elizabeth Wilcox below!

Merlin Announces the Limited Edition Titanium Newsboy MTB Frame

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Merlin Announces the Limited Edition Titanium Newsboy MTB Frame

These bikes have always strummed a heart chord with us. Merlin has brought a version of the Newsboy to various bike expos over the years. The one pictured here is from the 2018 Philly Bike Expo.

Due to popular demand, Merlin will be offering eight limited-edition Newsboys in November 2020. Each and every Newsboy will be custom made specifically for the customer. These bikes are inspired by the 1950’s cruisers that later inspired the first American mountain bikes.

A frame and fork will run ya $4,800 and there are build kits available from Merlin direct! Head over to Merlin to contact them if you’re interested. You can also order a custom Merlin Newsboy titanium fork!

Wheel Size: 26”, 27.5″, 29″,
Fork Optional: Custom Merlin Titanium Newsboy
Bottom Bracket: BSA 68/73 English, PF 30, T47
Rear Hub Spacing: 142 x 12m drops – 44m
Cable Routing: External or Internal
Front Derailleur: 31.8 mm or 34.9mm Clamp-On
Derailleur Pull: Bottom, Top, or Forward Pull.
Brake Type: Disc
Seatpost Diameter: 27.2 mm ( 31.6m Optional )
Seat Collar: Thomson
Recommended Use: Road, Gravel, Mountain
Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime

1×13 Shifting with Rotor on the Merlin Bikes Sandstone Gravel Bike

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1×13 Shifting with Rotor on the Merlin Bikes Sandstone Gravel Bike

Hydraulic shifting? 13 speeds? What in tarnation?

That’s what was going through my head when I first saw Rotor’s 13-speed drivetrain kit at Sea Otter last year. The 1×13 kit is a follow up to Rotor’s Uno 2x groupset from four years ago. Like the Uno, the 1×13 uses hydraulically-actuated shifting for a groundbreaking industry first. As you might imagine, this tech is pricey, and probably not for everyone, myself included, but over the past few months, I’ve enjoyed riding it on this beautiful titanium chassis by none other than Merlin Bikes. Check out a full review of Rotor’s 1×13 and the Merlin Sandstone Gravel bike below.