Chain Reaction versus Wiggle - what store is best?

Anonymous
Anonymous Posts: 79,667
edited April 2009 in MTB general
This is a hard one as I use both. Wiggle pips it for me on consistency and speed, but CR is still a quality outfit run by a more human face than Wiggle.

Comments

  • hucking_fell
    hucking_fell Posts: 1,056
    I check both and then go with the cheapest.

    Both free postage and next day.

    CRC won't let you cancel an order online and their phone seems to be engaged the whole time.
    More freerange chicken than Freeride God
    Bighit , 5 , BFe
  • dodgy
    dodgy Posts: 2,890
    CRC have let me down too much recently, so I've gone back to Wiggle and they seem faster at delivering than ever - even with the free delivery option.
  • 3110neil
    3110neil Posts: 303
    crc never let me down had loads of stuff in march ,wont go any were else
  • I check both and then go with the cheapest.

    Both free postage and next day.

    .

    +1

    With a few other sites on the check list.
  • Banned!
    Banned! Posts: 34
    wiggle. I made a mistake on a CRC order and i couldnt change it. thats a pain in the ass.
  • jamieh5463
    jamieh5463 Posts: 223
    Im a wiggle man , i always use wiggle i have used CRC once good service it's just quicker to put order in basket etc on wiggle plus i'm a platinum customer so get 10% off
    loooooooooooooooooooooooooove wiggle
  • i use both, they are as good as each other, but CRC is more often cheaper, although no sweets with crc!!
    do have a long list in favorites i check through but normally end up back at crc or wiggle!
    Timmo.
    After all, I am Cornish!
    http://cornwallmtb.kk5.org/
    Cotic Soul, The bike of Legends!:wink: Yes, I Am a bike tart!
    http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... 1#16297481
  • timberjack
    timberjack Posts: 279
    I find Merlin cycles is cheaper than them both and they also provide a good service, always next day delivery
    Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Alu/Carbon, 2011
    Specialized Stumpjumper, 07
    Genisis Altitude 30, 09
    Giant XTC4, 04
  • The Spiderman
    The Spiderman Posts: 5,625
    Wiggle have always been consistently good for me on service,but their prices are`nt as cheap,compared to the others as they were.Even their own brand DHB clothing seems to have have gone up a lot recently.
    CRC aren`t quite as good on the service but are cheaper for most of the items I need.Merlin are a bit cheaper again but not as quick.

    I`ve been using ebay a bit more recently to beat the price rises.
    The Woolly hat shop has offered good prices and quick delivery in the past,especially for Shimano parts.
    2006 Giant XTC
    2010 Giant Defy Advanced
    2016 Boardman Pro 29er
    2016 Pinnacle Lithium 4
    2017 Canondale Supersix Evo
  • Overall, I think CRC is cheaper and best for choice. I used to use Wiggle but, as already stated, their prices have really shot up recently so no longer use them. Evans are extremely quick for delivery and prices are generally good and Merlin are very good for prices but slightly slower delivery. I think it pays to shop around. I always try Merlin, CRC, Evans & Wiggle and take my pick (usually CRC).

    Although Ebay can be very good also. I recently bought a RaceFace Evolve XC seatpost for £16.50 inc p&p brand new (all be it last years model) but no-one could touch that!!

    Happy shopping!!
    2017 YT Jeffsy 27 AL Comp
    2016 Specialized Allez Elite DSW
    2014 Specialized Roubaix SL4 Sport Compact
  • Eranu
    Eranu Posts: 712
    Like most I use them both. Also Merlin seem to be very good at the moment, I've always had comparable delivery times from merlin too.
  • got to admit, ebay is often very good if you do your research! a lot of people still pay more through ebay than you can get the items through the main online stores!

    WHS have been good in the past when i have used them, and they have The coolest bike shoop name! :D
    Timmo.
    After all, I am Cornish!
    http://cornwallmtb.kk5.org/
    Cotic Soul, The bike of Legends!:wink: Yes, I Am a bike tart!
    http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... 1#16297481
  • soy_sauce
    soy_sauce Posts: 987
    use both myself and go for the cheapest one depending of the order.
    CRC never let me down *touch wood it keep this way*
    wiggle give me a £5 voucher after i haven't buy stuff from them for a few months.
    "It is not impossible, its just improbable"

    Specialized Rockhopper Pro Disc 08
  • Raymondavalon
    Raymondavalon Posts: 5,346
    Wiggle for me.
    I've bought loads from them including a bike and rate their service as great
    Sure they may cost a few quid more here and there, but that don't bother me too much as I don't mind paying for good service
    Yes, there's also the free sweets and bottle openers too..
  • Kowalski
    Kowalski Posts: 76
    CRC have always been good with me. I've had a few orders i've changed and they have always been okay unless it has already dispatched in which case they accept it back no questions asked.

    I normally search through a load of sites but keep ending up back at CRC.
    :twisted:
  • Sarnian
    Sarnian Posts: 1,451
    I tend to use both, but do find CRC are cheaper on more stuff, and the problem I have with Wiggle Is I have to spend over £50 for free postage.
    I use Wiggle more for running stuff.
    It's not a ornament, so ride It
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    Well, chain reaction have some good equipment, but so do wiggle, with some excellent own brands. But, which is best?...

    harryhill_fight.jpg
  • ordered new chain rings in Jan. Chain reaction said they were out of stock. So I found another supplier. 3 months later the rings ordered from Chain reaction land on my doorstep!!!!! They took them back ok
  • jamesst
    jamesst Posts: 322
    have used CRC, wiggle and merlin and all have been tops, price wisemerlin has comeout tops 75% of the time but stock less then the others, i used stif the other day and within 15 mins i found the item cheaper so contacted stif and they price matched.
  • Depends what your after I think.

    I've always used CRC, never faulted. Even sorted me out a free 10mm bolt for my rear wheel when they fecked my order up. (should have been £45!)

    Used wiggle once and they were good.

    I can never remember many online shops so alway end up checking CRC, merlin and wiggle.
    We should have a thread with a list of online bike "shops".