Merlin

[threehills]

Hi everyone.
Any information would be helpful. I have a Merlin bicycle manufactured in the 1960s and assembled by Bob Jackson of Leeds. It is original apart from seat post (which I have) and bar tape. There's several markings on the frame : Simplex dropouts, Nervex lugs and Kothke on seat stays. The gearing is Simplex with Stronglight Depose Chainring. I'm assuming the wheels are 27 but no identifying marks to confirm the hubs could be Airlight and look to have a flip flop rear . The machine has been in our family since new and I'm making progress learning about it but stuck on the Kothke mark. I'm intending to give the bike a run out this week and a spare tyre would be useful. Any help on Kothke and wheel size would be helpful. Thank you in anticipation.

SALTPOT

 

[Cycleops]

Almost certainly 27” wheels. Merlin was a London make but was sold in fifties to Adam Hill who sold it in turn to Bob Jackson. More here:
https://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/classic_builders/merlin-cycles-e-a-and-a-l-merlin/
A better res picture would be helpful and could date it.
Don’t know what the connection with Kothke is but info here:
https://lightweight-classics.blogspot.com/2012/08/1968-kothke-champion.html
Could be the tubing.

 

[threehills]

Thanks for the response. I think your suggestion that Kothke could be the tubing is probable. More pics. Not sure what I've done !

 

[midlife]

Lovely

 

[Cycleops]

Just wow. I couldn't appreciate it fully in your earlier pic. That is exceptional. The frame is just exquisite with those chrome lugs. As if that's not enough it's in good condition too, you don't see many bikes of that age in that condition. You've got a top quality bike which is probably quite rare as well, certainly in that condition.
A vintage enthusiast would sell his aunty for that.

 

[threehills]

Just wow. I couldn't appreciate it fully in your earlier pic. That is exceptional. The frame is just exquisite with those chrome lugs. As if that's not enough it's in good condition too, you don't see many bikes of that age in that condition. You've got a top quality bike which is probably quite rare as well, certainly in that condition.
A vintage enthusiast would sell his aunty for that.

Thank you for your comments. The bicycle has been fully serviced and it will get a run out if there's a rain free day this week. Struggling with the Kothke puzzle:

Could it be the tubing or just the stays or did Bob Jackson buy in the completed frame ? I cant find info regarding Kothke other than basic info about frame building.

Regards

 

[Cycleops]

Your guess is as good as mine on the tubing. I would have thought the entire frame is Kothke. If it were only the stays the main tubes would have to be from a top maker like Reynolds or Columbus but there is no additional sticker to say. Maybe another member on here will have a more in-depth knowledge of tubing and will comment.
If you are determined to find out more you’ll need to get a micrometer and measure the tube diameter and thickness and research further. In the meantime just enjoy 😊
As a further thought the frame could have been bought in by Jackson from Kothke. You could try contacting Bob Jackson in Leeds who might have more info.

 

[T4tomo]

lovely lug and chrome work. the chainset is "interesting". Must only be about 4T difference between the inner and outer rings?

 

[midlife]

Yep, that’s how doubles were back then. 48-46 was a common combo. When the 50-42 combo became popular it was thought outrageous lol

 

[biggs682]

That's a cracking looking bike @threehills

My guess would be Kothke made the frame hence the pantograph on the caps and at some point been re furbished by Merlin but only my guess . But then you say it's original ?

How do you know that ?

 

[threehills]

My first recollection of the bike was at least 50 years ago. My uncle was a racing cyclist and I always presumed he had it made. He has kept a copy of Sporting Cyclist March 1960 and the publication contains contemporary adverts including Merlin Cycles costing from £11-19-6 which makes me think that's when he purchased it. Its a good suggestion about refurbishment but would it have been more likely to be finished as a Bob Jackson ? Got me thinking now!

 

[midlife]

I thought you could buy Kothke frame parts like you could buy dropouts from Campagnolo, Simplex, Gipiemme, Huret etc. Seat stay caps could he bought ready panto'd.

Guess it's 531 and built by Merlin

 

[threehills]

Good shout. There's precious little info about Kothke materials.

 

[Cycleops]

Those chainrings are hardly worn so I'd think it's had little use.
As I said I think Bob Jackson will have the answers to your questions.

 

[biggs682]

My first recollection of the bike was at least 50 years ago. My uncle was a racing cyclist and I always presumed he had it made. He has kept a copy of Sporting Cyclist March 1960 and the publication contains contemporary adverts including Merlin Cycles costing from £11-19-6 which makes me think that's when he purchased it. Its a good suggestion about refurbishment but would it have been more likely to be finished as a Bob Jackson ? Got me thinking now!

That's a good memory to have
I guess we will never be sure
It's certainly a beautiful bike , i hope you are going to use it @threehills