ONLINE SHOP REVIEW: Merlin Cycles
Merlin Cycles have been around since 1993, and I think I’ve probably been shopping with them since then.
They initially made their name as mail order custom wheel builders, which is still something do and excel at. I’ve had quite a few wheels from them now, and all have been brilliant.
The Range
Merlin do a good range of parts, accessories and some bikes. Bikes are a more recent addition, and Merlin used to make up their own from a range of frames they had built. This seems to have stopped recently, as they were a bit of a bargain.
As well as wheels, Merlin are big on components, and seem to consistently be the cheapest place to buy Shimano parts and groupsets. I’ve bought a couple of groupsets from them and they were exceptionally priced.
Their final speciality is suspension forks, with great pricing on Rockshox, Fox and Marzocchi forks.
There is also a good range of clothing, lights, Camelbaks, tools, bars, steams, seats, helmets, shoes, bike racks, other accessories and training equipments – a very wide range of stuff!
Delivery
Delivery options are 1-2 days, or next day, but all the orders I’ve had recent on 1-2 day option have been dispatched same day and arrived the next – excellent service. Wheels always have a postage charge, but most other things have at least 1 free option.
Customer Service is good too, with all my queries being promptly answered. They’ve also not yet got one of my orders wrong, which is sadly getting to be an issue with online shopping, so well done to Merlin.
Overall
Overall an excellent online retailer that I thoroughly recommend.
Link – Merlin Cycles