Interview: David Cash, Manager of Merlin Bicycles

We've recently had a chance to sit down with David Cash, Brand Manager of Merlin Bicycles and here is what he had to say:

Alright David, lets hear about you:

Well my name is David Cash and I have ridden bikes as most of us have since I was a kid. I was re-introduced to the bicycle in the college years, where I earned a Recreation degree (that I am not using) and it really just stuck with me for the past 20 years. I really like both road and mountain, but riding what I call "all purpose" or fat tire road bike is my favorite style of riding. We are not real big on job titles here, but mine is Brand Manager. I work closely with Sales, Marketing, Production and Engineering on all aspects of Merlin.
As far as "real jobs" I have always worked in bikes.

Give us the low down on Merlin.

Merlin turned 20 years old in 2006. We were founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts by three forward thinking cycling enthusiasts. The founders wanted to make a high end bicycle out of the best material, titanium. They begin using master frame builder Tom Kellogg for all of the road designs. Tom, who we still have a relationship with today (and like to call the Don of Merlin) acts as chief frame designer. We make bikes of all kinds; we stock road and mountain bikes and build any bike of your dreams in our custom shop. We sell world wide through IBD's.

What's Merlin got in the hopper for this year?

Our main goal in 2008 is to get the word back out there on just how good titanium really is for bicycle frame construction. I think we titanium builders became a little too comfortable in thinking that our material could not be overcome by any other material. I know we still think titanium is the best by far, we just need to get the message and facts back out in public view.

What makes the Merlin metallurgy process so unique?

Titanium is the biggest factor here. Take a material that will not rust, is unbelievably strong and light, and we make a bicycle out of it! Once the idea of a high end material bicycle was built, we aim to produce a product that by simply taking one for a spin would be enough to give you goose bumps.

What were some of the difficulties in the early Merlin years?

Well I would have to say cost of the bikes, and an unproven frame material. I think after twenty years we have put any such challenges to rest. Which Merlin model sells best? We have made the Extralight since 1992 and it is still one of our best sellers. The new CR3/2.5 bike is doing well also. How do you keep exotic material bicycles affordable? We make all of the small parts for the frame in house, so that helps. As a general rule, titanium bikes made in the US with US tubing are all pretty close in price. It is only the non-US titanium bikes that come in at a low price.

What kind of warranty comes with a Merlin frame?

All Merlin frames come with a lifetime warranty to the original owner.

Who was the most interesting character you've come across in your travels?

I met Richard Schwinn a few years back at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, and he was quite interesting. He has a great personality, good stories and a great sense of humor. Very fun to talk to.

Lastly, where should we send readers looking to learn more about Merlin?

They can visit www.merlinbike.com or call us at 888.563.7546