Review Date
November 19, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Customer Service Rating
 3 of 5

Technical Expertise Rating
 5 of 5

I visit this shop:
Once a month

Reviewed by: RedBlueGreen ,  Cross Country Rider

Shop Summary:
The shop side of things is small and is staffed by one very helpful employee. Prices are generally at least as low as Chain Reaction Cycles, albeit with reduced levels of choice. No problem, as Merlin tend only to stock the better items in product ranges.

This shop is well renowned for it's extremely high quality MTB wheel builds.

This company has a strong online bias and I think the shop is a secondary aspect.

Customer Service:
Visiting the shop in person is a good experience although you may end up waiting to speak to the salesperson due to other customers. At a push the bike mechanic may come out and help you.

Buying online has been an exceptional experience for me with deliveries arriving sometimes the next day. Items are well packaged too.

The new website had some teething problems but seems to have settled down now. Although they still don't have Gunsmoke listed as a colour option for Hope Pro 2 hub wheel builds, even though they do sell that colour.

Other Comments:
Don't bother phoning this shop and expecting a helpful discussion, they seem to have a guy who can only answer with a brain dead 'yes' or 'no' to detailed questions. Very frustrating indeed.