Multi DQ:
Is Merlin Cycles still a reputable online shop?
Cornelia’s touring bike has Tiagra mechanical levers to GRX 400 derailleurs and tektro HY/RD brakes. She wants full hydraulic brakes. The best deal we can find right now is this Tiagra set. We can get a GRX 400 set for like $150 more. a) Is there a benefit to the GRX? b) her frame is already flat mount, are there other compatibility issues for newer Tiagra shakes and GRX dangler/pushers?
As I understand it ST-RX400 and ST-4720 and functionally identical. Go with what is cheaper in this case.
Since you’re willing to order from overseas have you considered AliExpress? GRX400 for less than Tiagra at Merlin
Thought about it but don’t want to wait a month or not really know what’s going to show up.
never had any issues with them, as recently as 6 months ago they seemed as good as they’ve always been.
My last Merlin order arrived missing parts. Looked like a return to me that was not inspected before returning to inventory. They wouldn’t ship the shorted parts. All I could do was ship back to them at my expense for exchange. Have not Merlin’d since.
Yeah sounds like a bike shop run by Englishmen. They’re a big shop, but probably customer service dickheads because they’re English.
No, I’m not scarred by doing UK customer service for a power meter company, why do you ask? Brexit couldn’t have happened to a nicer country, shame that Wales and Scotland were along for the ride.
You can pay extra for other shipping options
LOL. My comment to supwief was “this reminds me of when we lived in England.”
thinking about how my ulock is >10 years old, wondering if its time to maybe buy a new one. What’s the popular state of locking up these days? mini-u + cable is what I’ve always done, should that be reassessed?
ABUS Bordo is a great quality of life improvement
even just from fitting nicely in a framebag or feedbag
the “lite” versions are cable-equivalent, and all the others are ulock-equivalent
I ought to buy some more Combo Lock versions of them to live on different bikes, without having to manage any more keys
I have an Abus… I don’t lock up much, but it suits me when I do.
did it get stale?
and the answer is abus
Merlin convo reminds me of coming across some I think google reviews of a small online shop earlier this year (which I thought was Merlin) where potentially the owner was replying and like calling people’s kids fat. Gosh I wish I could find it now.
I’ve got 3 u-locks, all kryptonite. One is about 5yo, another is about 15 and the third is probably +20. All still work flawlessly, just a couple drops of chain lube in the lock hole every winter and we’re good. I don’t think they necessarily go bad or anything.
Just stay on top of the key situation, as they can wear down. You do get at least one set of free replacements. I still have my 15+ yo mini u that is going strong.
I’m down to one key. its time to buy a new lock and manage it like an adult
the current service level from our UK distro is significantly higher than from the US. people absolutely love them and just gush about how helpful and quickly they were taken care of.
so, now i just shit on the aussie customer service. now they’re really shitheads about helping people.
no offense to our gaol island contingent.
No it was never the actual English CS it was the English customers who were often complete knobs who wouldn’t bother to call the UK distributor. I’m sorry, but I literally can’t give you your money back!
none taken. the name of your local distro doesn’t rhyme with HurtJerks does it? Cos if so they have quite the reputation for shitty service.