I don't own a car. Thus I've been riding this bike for over three years now. Most of the original componentry have been replaced with XTRs, Suns, Kings and other after market items. Except for the Manitou 4 fork whick is stock except for the Sped Springs and SRP Ti boltings. The frame is rugged and very forgiving.
Merlins are just too snappy.
The AL-750 frame is stiff and very controllable especially on climbs and downhills. If the company were still around, I would have bought 2 more frames from them. Since they went out of business a years after they debut it seems that the chance of buying one is unlikely. Hi fellow Bikers. I guess this is sort of a cleansing of the soul.