The Newsboy is back. Merlin Metalworks (we all know them as “Merlin“), maker and purveyor of premium titanium bicycles since 1986, just announced the launch of the new 2023 Newsboy LTD – limited to just 10 frames.
Some of you may remember the OG Newsboy of yesteryear. If not, jump in the wayback machine for a review of the original Newsboy written by none other than the legendary Mike Ferrentino in the magazine Winning.
Merlin Newsboy LTD
Designed from scratch using advanced titanium manufacturing techniques, Merlin has teamed up with Silca and Yang Manufacturing to update the Newsboy to modern standards while still retaining the iconic looks of the original Newsboy.
The All-new Newsboy LTD is a classic cruiser-styled bike with modern geo and MTB standards and a spec list that could be worthy of some XC racing if that’s your jam…or you can get shreddy on some singletrack or bomb some fire roads.
Carrying a high stack and relaxed geometry, the Newsboy LTD could be the ticket for all-day comfort. It runs a pretty moderate 68º headtube angle which Merlin says “finds the middle ground between stability and nimbleness. At its core, the Newsboy is a high-performance mountain bike”.
The Newsboy is available in five sizes, ranging from small to extra large. Merlin states that each size of the Newsboy LTD is designed individually to maintain the classic lines of the OG. Additionally, the printed yokes and titanium tubing are size-specific, allowing for “zero compromises across the size range”.
Retail for the Newsboy LTD is $6380 They are only going to offer 10 frames for 2023 in the aforementioned stock sizes. There will be a variety of different upgrade options available to the customer as well. Plus, Merlin says that there are also “build kits” available too, upon request.
Upgrade Options and Pricing:
- Custom Geometry: $500
- Internal Di2 routing: $200
- Internal brake routing: $350
- Internal dropper post routing: $250
- Rack Mounts: $100
- Fender Mounts: $100
- Extra Boss Set: $100
- Paragon SS dropouts: $400
“We have researched and used intelligent design, additive manufacturing (3d printing) technology and looked back to Merlin’s legacy of creative fabrication, to build the most innovative Newsboy yet,” said Merlin’s Master Builder and Designer Pete Olivetti.
Newsboy LTD Frame Highlights
- Rear Axle: Boost 148×12
- Bottom Bracket: T47x73mm
- Headset: ZS44 EC44
- Seatpost: 31.6mm routed internally
- Brake: IS/Postmount
- Tire Clearance [ML, L, XL]: 29×2.5in
- Tire Clearance [S, M]: 27.5×2.5in
- Fork Travel [ML, L, XL]: 100mm
- Fork Travel [S, M]: 120mm
Newsboy LTD Frame Details and Geometry
- Merlin’s own custom blend of grade 9 CSWR tubing.
- Custom 3D printed titanium weldmets
- Perfectly sequenced double pass welds “to create the most accurate and strongest joints in the industry”
- Handcrafted Merlin Eagle Head Badge
- Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime
- Handmade in the USA
- Frame Only. All components are sold separately. The frame does not include a fork, headset, or bottom bracket.
- Starting Price: $6,380 for Frame Only
The Merlin Metalworks Newsboy LTD is available for order now. But, remember, there will only be 10 of these made to order, so act fast.
