merlin cycles

[OilyRagMan]

merlin seem to be quite a bit cheeper than anyware else for XTR shifters. Iv heard roumers of some of their stuff being OEM kit is this the same with their shifers and if it is, what are the drawbacks of ordering OEM stuff.

Thanks
ORM

[Rico]

Nothing really. They have to honour any warranty claim, but you probably won't get a box or instructions... which would be chucked in the bin straightaway anyway!

ChainReaction do the same. I've ordered 3 Thomson posts from them in the past. 2 came with sleeve and box, instructions etc. Another was just wrapped in bubblewrap and posted.

It's the same kit

Btw... good choice. XTR is the dogs bks... just a dream to use. And if you're Neil... stroke and read poems to...

Edited by Rico on Friday 5th December 19:23

[sjg]

None really - just no fancy boxes and often no instructions (the SRAM cassette I just bought simply came in bubble wrap). I prefer it, less to go in the bin once it arrives.

Good company too.

[R1 GTR]

Rico said:

Nothing really. They have to honour any warranty claim, but you probably won't get a box or instructions...

That explains my cranks.

[LRdriver II]

Somebody mentioned that certain OEM items actually are lesser products, ie same branding/model but made to a cheaper spec to satisfy a budget.
The example used was how Mavic now check serial numbers on a wheel and if its OEM they wont touch it in a warranty claim. Also mentioned was how suspension fork internals maybe of a lower quality etc..
Makes me wonder and actually I have an old fork thats been stamped "OEM only".. so there must be some difference

[OilyRagMan]

thats similar to what i have heard about OEM products, im thinking that i should spend the extra £10 and get it from wiggle or CRC knowing im getting non OEM kit

[WildCards]

I've always bought from Merlin, infact I rate them as a much better company to deal with than CRC or Wiggle, they answer the phone after all. I've also never had an issue with OEM kit compared to boxed stuff. Ever bought a complete bike? That's OEM stuff that is.

[MrTom]

I have some roxshox domain forks that came on a felt, they had to be swapped out because of a recall. I was told all oem versions had steel steerer tubes whereas retail had alu.

[neil_bolton]

Mate, what XTR shifters are you after? I have a set of new XTR Dual Control shifters for sale if you'd be interested? V Cheap...

All the bits etc in the box...

[OilyRagMan]

neil_bolton said:

Mate, what XTR shifters are you after? I have a set of new XTR Dual Control shifters for sale if you'd be interested? V Cheap...

All the bits etc in the box...

im after the 970 XTR rapidfire pods

[neil_bolton]

OilyRagMan said:

neil_bolton said:

Mate, what XTR shifters are you after? I have a set of new XTR Dual Control shifters for sale if you'd be interested? V Cheap...

All the bits etc in the box...

im after the 970 XTR rapidfire pods

No worries ace shifters on both counts - I have the pods on my 4X and DH bike and they're ace.

The Dual Controls are an aqquired taste, but excellent nontheless!

[.Adam.]

neil_bolton said:

Mate, what XTR shifters are you after? I have a set of new XTR Dual Control shifters for sale if you'd be interested? V Cheap...

All the bits etc in the box...

I assume they are for hydraulics? Any idea if they would be compatible with '06 XT calipers?

[OilyRagMan]

went out for the first ride today with some XTR kit, front and rear mech and shifers. What a difference!! i can see why people make such a big thing about it now!! all i need to find now is some new cranks!!

[Jimbo.]

The example used was how Mavic now check serial numbers on a wheel and if its OEM they wont touch it in a warranty claim.

Says who? What happens if it's standard fit for a particular bike and it goes tits up?

[sjg]

Presumably you raise it with the builder of the bike, much like how support for OEM software is handled.