Merlin Metalworks has announced an entirely new line of titanium and carbon bikes, dubbed “Works,” for 2006. The Merlin TiWorks series will join the existing Merlin models, which continue as Merlin Classics. Merlin also has a new CarbonWorks bike, the C110, which is essentially a Merlin Proteus carbon frame stripped of its titanium embellishments.

The TiWorks bikes are divided into three categories:Compact Racing - CRTraditional Racing - TRMountain Racing- MR.

Many of Merlin’s traditional touches are present in the TiWorks line, including 6Al/4V titanium alloy dropouts, size-specific tubing selections and, in the road frames, geometry by Tom Kellogg. But the line also boasts its own touches, not the least of which are lower prices across the board than the Classic bikes.

First out of the gate is the TiWorks CR 3/2.5, which is built from shaped MX MTS 3/2.5 titanium. The shaped tubing is a first for Merlin and is most noticeable in the top tube and down tube, and more subtly in the formed chainstays, which are larger and stiffer than the Classic stay shape. The rear end also includes Merlin’s traditional S-bend seatstays for vertical compliance. Positioned as the TiWorks entry-level race bike, the CR 3/2.5 is priced at $1800 for the frameset or $3500 complete with a Shimano Ultegra group.

The TiWorks CR 6/4 represents Merlin's first foray into 6/4 ti.

Further up the TiWorks line are the CR 6/4 and TR 6/4 which, in a another first for Merlin, are built with 6Al/4V titanium alloy tubing. As with the CR 3/2.5, the 6/4 tubes are shaped to improve rigidity. The 6/4 TiWorks, both CR and TR, will sell for about $3500 for the frame, fork and headset, and about $5500 as complete bikes with Shimano Dura-Ace groups.

There will also be two mountain bikes, the XLM 6/4 TiWorks and the MR 3/2.5 TiWorks. The MR 3/2.5 will retail for about $2000 for the frameset and $4400 with a Shimano XT groupset with disc brakes, while the XLM will go for about $3000 for the frame or $7200 as a complete bike with Shimano XTR parts and discs.

Also coming is the C110 carbon road frame, which employs unidirectional carbon fiber throughout, save for its 6/4 ti dropouts. The C110 has a massively reinforced bottom bracket area for rigidity, and S-bend seatstays to enhance the ride. Available in five sizes from 51 to 59 cm, the C110 frameset will sell for about $1800, while a complete bike with Ultegra components will go for about $3300.