Shimano Dura Ace 9100 Chainset

Shimano Chainsets

Shimano are a Japanese manufacturer primarily known for their cycling components, and to a lesser extent shoes and clothing. Founded in 1921, Shimano is widely believed to be the largest cycling component manufacturer in the world, having reached this status through a combination of innovation, reliability and value for money. Whatever your style of riding, whether it be road or MTB, Shimano will have a component range to suit your level and budget, from the low end Alivio and Tiagra to the professional standard XTR and Dura-Ace. Over the years, Shimano have revolutionised bicycle gear, brake and pedal systems, such as the recessed SPD, Hollowtech crank arms and smooth shifting Hyperglide sprockets. Initially their component range faced competition from Suntour, whereas nowadays their primary rivals for market share are SRAM and Campagnolo. If you wish to save money on their components and apparel, please visit my Shimano section, where I list as many money saving deals as I can find.

For additional information on Shimano's cycling equipment, please visit either http://cycle.shimano-europe.com/ or their wikipedia page - this includes information on Shimano's history, including non-cycling equipment.

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.