Wheel Building Merlin or Chain Reaction

jimmyb77
jimmyb77 Posts: 22
edited October 2007 in MTB buying advice
Hi - Am considering buying some custom wheels.

Does anybody have any feedback on the build quality at Merlin or Chain Reaction?

BTW, wheels as follows:

Mavic EX823
Hope Pro Hub
DT Revolution Spokes

For single track riding, light DH. Afan, Cannock, the Peaks etc. Any comments on the spec welcomed.

Cheers

Comments

  • homercles
    homercles Posts: 499
    edited October 2007
    I've just ordered a wheel from Merlin pretty much on the basis of stuff I've read in mags, this forum about the quality of their wheels. Alas not here yet so can't comment on it just now.

    I'm getting a DT Swiss XR4.2 rim, built up with DT Comp black spokes, XT hub as a replacement rear.

    Seems a bit odd that you've gone for such a heavyweight rim and then go for Revolution spokes (the lightweight version of the Comp spokes). Surely if you're only doing singletrack and 'light' DH you don't need a rim that chunky? Would you be better off going for a lighter rim (maybe DT Swiss 5.1, Mavic 719 if still want something solid?) with the comp spokes instead?

    EDIT: Should have said Mavic 819 as presume from original choice you were looking at tubeless. DT Swiss do the conversion kit of course.
    Nail Trail
    Pompino
    CF SLX
  • jacktheoc
    jacktheoc Posts: 1,556
    merlin have a very good name for wheel building...if i was getting some made i would go to them.
  • jimmyb77
    jimmyb77 Posts: 22
    edited October 2007
    Thanks for the advice. Checked the Marin specs again. Have been kind of bamboozled by reviews etc.

    So:

    Hope Pro II
    Marin XM 819 [edit]
    DT Comp

    Whats the main difference between Revolution and the Comp spokes?

    Think I'm gonna go merlin...

    ta
  • Noclue
    Noclue Posts: 503
    Revolution- super lightweight only for racing

    comp- butted spokes, lighter than standard gauge.

    Even if only light downhilling, you want comp.
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  • Noodoo
    Noodoo Posts: 214
    I ordered a set of wheels from merlin recently and they have made a big difference to the bike.
    The bike feels far more responsive in corners and the flex which I had previously put down to the forks has gone.

    Thumbs up for Merlin.
    Saracen Mantra with Marzocchi MX Pro ETA\'s, 24-7 Silverstar pedals... and a map holder.
  • papasmurf.
    papasmurf. Posts: 2,382
    My XM719 on XT hub laced with DT Comp works great and no loss of tension, they arrive very quick, though the black spokes I'd spec'c where actually silver on the finished item and no rim tape was supplied...after a quick phone call they apologised and refunded the spokes and sent some rim tape next day.
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    Duster

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