Merlin Cycles, what's the crack with their cheap Meta 5's?

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May 23, 2012, 05:17:01 PM

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[ragged1100]

Hi

My first post on here, but after testing loads of bikes, I'm hooked on the Meta 5.5 and am looking for the best deal, so hopefully won't be my last post.

So what's the score with Merlin's prices? I've been told all sorts of things by different dealers, like they're all bikes imported from Eastern Europe, Commencal are suing them, they don't have any warranties...etc...etc...but what's the truth? I've got a max of £1750 to spend, so I could get the 5.5.1 from Merlin, but not anywhere else it seems, although a few places are doing the 5.5XT for that, but I would really like the Fox Talas on the 5.5.1...so if you know the truth (it is out there!!) or can offer me a used, demo or even new '09 Meta 5.5 medium for that kinda money (or less!)...let me know....

Cheers

Ragged

[Steve P]

I bought from Merlin last year and apart from some minor teething problems have been happy.  I had a problem replacing the bearings back in October.  I fecked up the bearing seats and pushed the swingarms too close together at the pivot end (own stupidity).  Merlin rescued the swingarm and though they charged (my mistake remember) it was very reasonable considering what they had to do.

Others on here will tell you that their service hasn't been great.

However, I don't think you could go wrong by looking here !

P.S. The TALAS on the 5.5.1 is a good idea if you remember to use it - I do use the travel adjust on my Pikes (and it's harder to use than the TALAS system) but don't forget the 55UK is the only one that comes with a bolt through fork  .

[Zeroman_IR]

I'll second that, give Realcycles a ring. I bought my own 5.5.2 from Merlin last year. The price was great but had a lot of little teething troubles. Bolts not torqued up right, derailleurs not indexed correctly etc. Nothing major, just annoying to have to sort myself. In hindsight, I'd rather have paid a little more to have things right from the off.

[OldFisher]

I got my Commencal via Merlin - no problems with it so can't comment on the aftersales service. Mine was a Normal though so somewhat different from a Meta.
Still it came with all the proper paperwork and official importer stickers, etc.

[ragged1100]

Thanks for the replies. Great start n this forum... TBH I'd really rather buy from my local shop, but he won't budge from £1800 for a 5.5.2, he does give great service, but good service doesn't pay the bills in my house...money talks these days & I'm a fairly competent mechanic (rebuild my own engines etc) so I tackle most jobs on a bike myself...just need to make sure the warrnties are in place for complete failures etc...

I have sent Steve an email...see what he comes up with...

Cheers

Ragged

[christay]

Hi

My first post on here, but after testing loads of bikes, I'm hooked on the Meta 5.5 and am looking for the best deal, so hopefully won't be my last post.

So what's the score with Merlin's prices? I've been told all sorts of things by different dealers, like they're all bikes imported from Eastern Europe, Commencal are suing them, they don't have any warranties...etc...etc...but what's the truth? I've got a max of £1750 to spend, so I could get the 5.5.1 from Merlin, but not anywhere else it seems, although a few places are doing the 5.5XT for that, but I would really like the Fox Talas on the 5.5.1...so if you know the truth (it is out there!!) or can offer me a used, demo or even new '09 Meta 5.5 medium for that kinda money (or less!)...let me know....

Cheers

Ragged
[/quoteHi, this too is my first post . Just to let you know i brought a Meta 5.1 after seeing Merlins price . I'd actually just demo'ed a 5.2 and a U.K.
with Leisure Lakes and they price matched Merlins price, so went for the 5.1.
The bike is an absolute dream and i love it !!   Plus you dont see many around on the trails ,
You wont regret choosing the 5.1, really is a wicked bike, with spec not to be matched at that price....
Hope this helps,   All the best , Chris..

[ragged1100]

Thanks for that...might give them a call as well, I've gotta wait 'till the 16th May though for a payment to come in before I can buy it, it's an agonising wait!!!!

Ragged

[irh]

Hi. I printed off the page from merlin for the Meta 55.2 & went to evans cycles & asked if they would do a price match said they would, the lad had a quick check on web,  sorted. Saved £400.