Commuting - Scott Sub 20 vs. Marin Novato 9

I have whittled my list down to two bikes, and I wanted to see what people thought about these bikes.


I will be riding the bike around a city (Richmond, VA) at least 50 miles a week, and will occasionally ride some light off road trails.

Also the Sub 20 has the choice of 700cc or 26in rims; how does that affect the bike?


Scott Sub 20 (http://www.scottusa.com/product.php?UID=7975)

Marin Navato 9 (http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2006/html/bikes/bike_specs/specs_novato_9.html)

700c rims will allow skinnier tires. If you're interested in speed (with the tradeoff of a harsher ride), then go for the 700c rims.

However, 26" rims are better if you're planning on putting knobby or wider tires on the bike. Wider tires soak up bumps and potholes better, but they also create greater rolling resistance. However, if you plan on riding off road at all, or plan on dropping off curbs or other 'urban' riding techniques, then get the 26" rims.

I have an 05' Scott Sub 20 w/26" wheels. The considerations were as follows:

1). Its was on close-out and I wanted my mountain bike back.

2). All of the commuter type stuff I had was already 26" (i.e. fenders, studs - it snows alot here, etc.).

3). I liked the color.

Except #2, these are all stupid reasons (IMO). Now the transformation which has occured includes the following:

1). Commuter 'Day 1' addons included fenders, computer, rack, lights. Also went w/ Shimano platform clipless pedals.

2). The stock bell sucked. Trashed it before I got back from my first ride.

3). The 26" slicks it came with sucked (4-days, three flats). Replaced them with the IRC metros off aforementioned mountain bike and have not had any additional problems. The original tires had a posted limit of 60 psi or so. I think the rims (which are sort of odd) have a limit of 80 psi. I run 80-90 in the IRC's.

4). My commute is 17 miles round-trip, with usually some errands/run-arounds at lunch. I decided to go to drop bars which is where I think I came affoul of the purchase decision. To do this requried new bars, stem (shorter), brifters (3/8 speed which limits your choices alot), new front derailuer (bottom pulls and 3-rings are NOT compatable). Though it all worked, it has become rather pricey.

5). I have now re-geared as with the exception of two steep, but short (less than 1 block) hills, my ride is fairly flat. I was having problem with the mountain-bike steps between gears (12-32 stock) and spinning out at 48-12 with the wind at my back. I am now running 12-24 in the rear, and bumped the top chainring to a 50.

I love the bike, though the straight forked, aluminum frame, rock-hard slicks don't dampen much. In retro-spect, I may have gone with a more cyclo-cross bike whihc would have limited the $$$ impact of the changes.

Thanks guys,

I'll definitely go with 26" wheels. I've had problems with flats before so a thin tire is not the best idea for me.

The info on the Sub 20 is a great help. I haven't been able to find any reviews, and I always trust what an owner says over the sales person. I know what you mean about a cyclocross bike, but the good ones are out of my budget and both of these seem like a good starting points to build on.

While it might be a stupid reason, I do like the looks and color of both of these. I have seen some butt ugly bikes that I just can't ride.

I've got an '04 Point Reyes,which is a model up from the Navato(but same fork back in '04). I'd go with the Marin for the fork and 26" wheels. My Absolute came with a straight blade alloy fork and the ride sucked(running carbon now). The beefy fork on my Point Reyes makes for a smooth ride. The stock Slickasauruses are plenty fast and have puncture protection,plus there's enough room for decent size knobbies for trails and winter riding. No experience with Scotts,but I love both my Marins.

If you can fit a reasonably wide tire, say 700x35 go for the bigger wheels!