merlin

A picked up a '70s Raleigh Merlin for 20 quid a couple of months ago with a view to making a 'popping down the shop bike'. It was stripped for paint, I didn't go too mad with prep, just enough. Rattle can paint job and a bit of lug lining then put it back together. I had some North Road handle...

Bought a pair of wheels for my winter fixed from Merlin, they've had a about six weeks use, 1000 miles or so and the sealed bearings on the back one are going already (play in them and notchy). So e mailed Merlin and asked if they'd send me a couple of new bearings (couple of quids worth), as...

Whilst I was picking up the Carrera the seller showed me this Merlin MTB which looked rather tasty with full tange prestige tubing and mostly fitted with deore components .

Anybody got one or likely to get one ? https://www.merlincycles.com/retrospec-mantra-fixed-gear-single-speed-bike-94148.html?source=aw&awc=3361_1472072543_a7f6cd7d3c47c99474849686dd0839d4

Anyone had any experience of the hand built wheels from Merlin cycles? I'm thinking these ones in particular. My Defy stock wheels are breaking spokes and I think it's time to replace them as I want to be able to rely on my wheels when miles from home.