1986

Merlin Metalworks is founded in Cambridge, MA by Gwyn Jones, Gary Helfrich, and Mike Augspurger. Merlin builds its first mountain bike frame for Joe Murray, the reigning National Mountain Bike Champion.

1987

December 1987 Merlin built Marin article.

1988

:May 1988 Bicycle Guide magazine article. 

1989

Merlin begins its long relationship with master frame builder, Tom Kellogg and introduces the first 3/2.5 titanium road bike.

1990

The Subaru Montgomery Team, including Lance Armstrong, Steve Hegg, and Ken Carpenter, begin a three year association with Merlin and go on to win numerous national titles.

May 1990 Merlin fork:

1991

Merlin introduces the S-bend chain stay and seat stay into its mountain bike line. The S-Bend goes on to be one of the most copied rear triangle designs in the industry.

February 1991 elevated stay bike from Bicycle Guide magazine:

May and October 1991 Merlin ads:

June 1991 elevated bike review from Mountain Bike Action magazine

 June 1991 full suspension bike review from Mountain Bike Action magazine

1992

Greg Lemond purchases Merlin frames for his "Z" Team, and the team goes on to ride the Tour de France on their "camouflaged" Merlins.

July 1992 advertisement

1993

1994

Merlin introduces the first titanium cruiser called Newsboy , to rave reviews.

1995

Merlin rider Rob Kish wins the Race Across America, for the third time, on his 59 cm Merlin Extralight.

1996

Merlin introduces the S & S coupling option on all frames, revolutionizing bike travel for thousands. Roman Dial and friends complete their epic Ride Across Alaska aboard a fleet of Merlin mountain bikes.

1997

1998

1999

Merlin introduces three new mountain bikes offering Cannondale's patented HeadShok front-suspension.

2000

Merlin relocates to Chattanooga, TN. The Agilis, Merlin's first compact road frame, is designed by Tom Kellogg and introduced with the 2001 product line.

2002

Merlin re-introduces the Newsboy with front-suspension, disc-brakes and two sets of wheels. Mark Scanlon wins the Irish National Championship aboard his Merlin XL Compact