Merlin Cycles groupset

Atz

I've been looking at one of the groupsets from Merlin

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=product&productId=14&categoryId=83

It consists of:
Deore 540 hollowtech chainset
ES51 splined bottom bracket
Deore front and rear mech
Deore 9 speed rapid fire shifters
Deore 11-32 9 speed cassette
Deore HG53 chain
Deore 525 disc hubs handbuilt into Mavic XM117 disc rims
Front and rear Hayes Stroker Ryde hydraulic disc brakes, will fit both international standard mounts and Manitou.

I think this will be paired with some Revelation 426 forks and a 24Seven Crosser frame (assuming I don't sell it). Worth 280 quid of my money?

Also, which of the Revelations would be best for AM riding, the U-Turn or Dual Air?

Ta

Atz

There's also another group set consisting of:

* New for 2007 the Shimano Hone groupset
* LX quality with the features of the Saint groupset
* Designed for more Freeride, extreme XC use
* New Hollowtech 11 chainset & BB
* Dual conrol hydraulic brake levers with integral gear shifters
* Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes with 203mm rotors
* Hone hubs handbuilt into Mavic XM321 disc rims
* Specific rear mech that fits the Hone hub
* Universal size front mech (Fits top or bottom pull)
* 11-32 9 speed cassette & chain

For only 20 quid more... better pick?

artillerydave

the Deore deal is a great deal, the Hone Groupset whilst better quality (slightly) never really caught on, the Rear derraliur mounts directly to the hub axle, possible worry for spares / replacement in years to come, also limits you choice of Mechs. The Deore kit is good basic Shimano shifting without the bells and whilstles of the higher spec groupsets, so will be a little heavier etc. the brakes are fairly new so not many reports on them yet, the wheels will be great as Merlins builds are second to none. I have a pair of 426 dual Air revelations and find them great. I got the fixed travel 130mm option is I would never use the U turn feature, they deserve the great reviews they get because they are excellent forks in my opinion.

Atz

Wonder how easy it is to get the adjustable stroker levers... hmm

ddoogie

I bought my XT groupset from Merlin. Such good value.

Andy

I'd agree with Doggie. Go for the best one you can afford.

Atz

Buying so much stuff in a single package is a bit new to me... how is the 2007 XT groupset?

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=product&productId=296&categoryId=83

alfablue

Considering that the wheels are included (and worth about £110) this looks like a very good price!

artillerydave

the 2007 XT groupset you are now considering is great stuff, the shifting is great, you get dual release shifting push / pull for up and down shifting which is great. In comparison to the Deore group there is quite a substantial performance difference for the extra £130, you will also get an external bearing BB with the chainset, the groupset in general will be lighter better performing and XT is really the performance benchmark to beat, the brakes are not the new servowave 2008 models however. If you can afford it go for the XT if not you will not be disapointed with the Deore stuff either.

Chaka Ping

Get the XT if you can afford it.

I've put a full XT 2007 groupset from Merlin on my Handjob and it does the intended job very well.

In my mind "full XT" is quite a prestigious thing to have on a bike anyway - certainly as light and high-performing as most riders really need.

Mr_Orange

Atz wrote:

Buying so much stuff in a single package is a bit new to me... how is the 2007 XT groupset?

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=product&productId=296&categoryId=83

Just note that 2007 XT is really 2004 XT, which is the year it was released. The Merlin page refers to 760 series parts which are definitely 2004. (The newer 770 series is 2008).

That said I had it on my Cove Handjob before it was stolen.

XT is XT is very good. Buy with confidence if you can afford it.

Atz

Hmm... so the next question is, is the 50 quid between "2007" and 2008 models worth paying?

ianpinder

I personally would get the 08 xt, but I don't know if it is worth it.

The Spiderman

The 2008 XT groupset,will come with the new servowave brakes which are meant to be 20% better performing,the latest chainset has longer lasting rings,and the rear mech is lighter.

Probably worth the extra,though I have been very pleased with my older XT kit.

Mr_Orange

The 08 groupset includes better wheels IMO. They're built on XC717s not XM317s. If you factor that in, and the fact that the 08 XT has trickle down tech from the 07 XTR parts, then I would say it is worth the stretch.

It's your money though, so don't over spend just for the sake of having the latest. The 04 XT kit is very good.

GT Destroyer

Ahhh the debate goes on!

Me and a mate were both in exactly the same position, asking ourselves exactly the same questions about these groupsets.

We both went for the 07 XT set. The main deciding factor was the wheels, now you said earlier on that you do all mountain riding, that leads me to believe that you do slightly more aggressive riding than just XC. If this s true then you need to get the 07 XT kit because of the wheels. They are XM not XC, a bit heavier, but more suited to your riding.

If you actually are a pure XC rider and not into big hits, jumps, etc... go for the 08 set with the XC wheels.

And the stuff looks top notch - I haven't built the bike up yet so can't vouch for reliability yet but the build quality looks great.

These are my pics of the 2007 XT groupset

Wheel

Crank and other bits

Discs and levers

Atz

Well for me I already have a light(ish) XC bike that I use for my commute and riding on trails. However, the purpose of this build (assuming I go ahead) is to get some more aggressive riding out of it where I'm worried about banging my current bike up too much.

GT Destroyer

Well its got to be the 2007 XT set for you then, with the XM wheels, ratehr than the XC wheels.