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@Blondbeard
I had been well and truly bitten by the cycling (and mechanic-ing) bug. I was enjoying the On One, but wanted something a bit flashier. A bit of time on ebay and I picked up a used 2005 Merlin Oreas frame, and some bargain SID World Cups.
The Merlin was awesome and really fast, but it wasn't great for the trail centre riding that was taking off. More time on ebay and I had a 2008 Stumpjumper FSR frame to build up with 9 speed XTR drivetrain, Rockshox Rebas and Stan's wheels.
I never really bonded with the Stumpy, which sat in the shed unloved for many years until it was stripped and sold for good money during Covid. The Merlin also sat in the shed for some time, but had another chance - more on that later.