Looking around online, I see that Merlin have some rather tempting wheels, built, at pretty much less than I can find the parts for …

Before I commit, what’s been your experience of Merlin and their wheel building please?

It’ll be the Hope Evo’s and ZTR Arch 29er wheelset, (and I know that I’ll still need to buy the skewers seperately).

I might ask for a build quote on XT hubs too just for completeness, I’ve always gone on well with XT hubs, although I’ve read stuff online which appears to suggest that they are less reliable now than once they were …

one of the best wheel builders around so no need ot worry about quality

Merlin are renowned for their quality wheelbuilds.

That’s all i’ll say. Then again, last time i bought custom builds, it was from merlin and that was over 2 years ago as they’ve lasted that long without a true or rebuild.

I’ve had 5 sets all been excellent 10/10

My own set were superb… My mate’s set weren’t perfect, they were round but not well trued, had a few mm of runout. But the build was still excellent, they’ve stayed that exact slightly wonky shape perfectly so that’s still a good result and I’m sure they’d have sorted it if he’d wanted it done.

Only had one pair from Merlin but they have been faultless for the last 5 years. Whereas, the ones I had from Wheelpro where nothing like true when they arrived 🙁

Had two sets, one set of xc717’s on deore hubs and one set of 719’s xt hubs. Both spot on never had to touch or tweak either set.

Superb. I’ve wrecked a few wheels over the last couple of years but the Merlin ones definitely hold up better than the others, apart from my 819 from wheelcraft that’s indestructible I think.

I’ve been using a pair from them for the last four years, still very true despite a few minor dings to the rims.

3 sets for me…

Not a drama with any of them.

Excellent, I’ve had 2 sets of Merlin wheels and have not been disappointed

nary a wobble after three years for me.

I’ve not had Merlin wheels in some years but my wheels didn’t need truing for over a year. Last set of wheels I had built by a mate are still going but my new set will be from Merlin I reckon.

they are top drawer and good value too.

What everyone else says. I’ll always buy my wheels from Merlins, top stuff.

Another vote for them here – three sets for us, eldest now 5 years old, used at least once a week, still perfect.

Can’t complain really.

Excellent, never had problems with any of mine. Even had a pair shipped to Denmark when I was living there. 10/10

Their pro2/arch 29er aren’t that cheap are they? Is there a deal on?

i’ve had wheels from Merlin before, they were excellent in build quality.

I’ve had a couple of sets from Merlin and they’ve been great, tight and true

I just got a set of 29er Crests on Hope Evos and JRA came out cheaper – worth checking
And they’re very nice people to deal with

Very high standard ime

As above, I’ve used them lots and they are some of the best I’ve had.

Still got 2 pairs that i had built in 2004 !!,still running ok
Great quality wheels

I’ve got a 15 year old Merlin wheel that has been downgraded from mtb to shop bike use still running nicely and a shiny 2 month old one that runs sweet. No complaints.

Very good, and top service too. Remember they dont come with rim tape.

lack of rim tape is so annoying when you fork out for new wheels 😡

Has a set of 719’s on Hope 2 for four years now – never had to touch them at all…..