So – Merlincycles for £179 without a bleed kit, maybe a 2011 model?

Or CRC definitely 2012 for £205 which looks like it does come with a bleed kit.

What does the hive mind reckon?

Well, I had to shorten the hose on mine, ergo – I needed a bleed kit.

If you shorten the hose as per the RS instructions you don’t need a bleed kit.

Had mine 6 months, only used the kit once and it turned out that I didn’t need it anyway (pressure was low)

Also, as you can get them for £15 off eBay I wouldn’t bother with the CRC deal

I bought an merlin oem early this year and it’s a 2012 (black collar, new barb). It needed air but not bleeding, though it probably will when I shorten the hose. Good bleed kits on eBay for £15.

If you shorten the hose as per the RS instructions you don’t need a bleed kit.

A yes, I remember now – I had to bleed it because I pressed the button when the hose wasn’t attached during the shortening process. What a plonker.

I see the Merlin ones are indeed 2012 – says at the bottom of the page. Think that’s a decision made then. If I really need a bleed kit I can always pick one up later and will still not be out of pocket.

Odd I can’t see the 2012 bit on the listing, am I being incredibly stupid and blind? (likely)

I ask as when I wrote to Merlin yesterday they told me it was a 2011 model in the sale section.

It is there – it’s the 2012 125mm posts in the sale.

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/mtb-parts/saddles-posts-1/seatposts/rockshox-reverb-sale.html

I would say you definitely need the bleed kit based on mine and many several customers.

I admit I am blind. It’s confusing given what they told me yesterday but I’d definitely trust it given it says it there and other people’s experiences.

You could buy the whole thing (bleed-kit, enduro collar, non-grey/oem, etc) from hibike.de for about £175 inc. shipping.