Campagnolo Centaur Carbon Ultra-Torque 10 Speed Road Chainset

Campagnolo Chainsets

The Italian bike component manufacturer Campagnolo is best known for it's range of groupsets and drivetrain related products. Founded in 1933 by road cyclist Tullio Campagnolo, based upon ideas he had for amongst others, wheels and derailleurs. In 1940 their first rear derailleur entered production, enabling the rider to change gears without removing their rear wheel. Although primarily a cycling company, Campag (as they are often abbreviated to) have also manufactured products for the sports auto industry for brands such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati. Achievements in the cycling world include helping Eddy Merckx set the world hour record in 1972. As the years progressed, the number of gears increased, with 8 Speed (1991), 9 Speed (in 1997), 10 speed (in 2000) and now 11 speed in 2008. Notable riders to have won the Tour de France on Campag equipment include Eddy Merckx (5 times), Bernard Hinault (5 times), Greg LeMond (twice) and Miguel Indurain (5 times). In recent times Riis, Ullrich, Pantani, Pereiro and Nibali have won riding with Campagnolo.

For more information on their history, please visit their Wikipedia page, or you can see their current range of components here.

About Merlin Cycles

This cycling deal was found at Merlin Cycles, one of the UK's most famous bike shops, located up North!

Merlin Cycles started life in 1993, founded by John Moss as a mail order Mountain Bike business ran directly from his spare bedroom in Chorley. Due to early growth, shortly afterwards he opened his first outlet in Ormskirk, and a few years later in 1998, the company grew into larger premises, moving to Leyland.

In the 1990's and early 2000's, Merlin were known for their ranges of mountain bike hardtails, released under the Rock Lobster and Merlin "Malt" brands. These steel and aluminium hardtails were designed in house, available as framesets or complete bikes, representing excellent value for money. The company was also well known for their handbuilt MTB wheels, which in my experience lasted for years without needing truing!

Merlin have always been competitive on pricing, particularly on suspension forks, brakes, wheels and groupsets, which continues to this day. Nowadays they have introduced road cycling equipment and clothing into their product ranges, due to the increase in popularity in this field, thus catering for a broader range of cyclists.

For more information on Merlin Cycles you can see their shipping costs, read about their history, or visit their homepage.