Commuting - Marin Bear Valley $619

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etalent
04-02-03, 07:09 AM
I was happy to make it to the bike shop before it closed yesterday. The guy there was way helpful. I told him about my planned commute, and he got down a Marin Bear Valley, which is priced at $619.

Although I haven't ridden it yet, I love the bike so far. It's very, very light! Here are some of the specs.:
- 700c wheels (will accept 27 to 37 mm tires)
- Aluminum (light) frame
- Flat handlebars with shifters near tips of thumbs
- 24 speeds
- Frame with mounting holes for rear rack and fenders front and back

At this link "CLICK (http://www.roadbikereview.com/PRD_139152_4340crx.aspx)" I found the MSRP to be $599, not $619. Also the marinbikes (http://www.marinbikes.com) site does not even list this bike as a 2003 model, and the 2002 model comes up with a broken link.

This guy is trying to sell me a last year's model at a this year's price. Maybe I can negotiate with this guy, but I'm getting turned off to the whole idea of doing business with him. I would like best to find a bike shop where I can relax and trust that I'm being treated honestly, not just being taken to the cleaners.

Anyway, what do you think? Is Marin good stuff? I know they're known for mountain bikes, but this Bear Valley is sweet.

Thanks,
-Dave

etalent
04-02-03, 11:33 AM
Correction... I'm wrong here's the link to the 2003 Marin Bear Valley:

http://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/alp/spec_bearvalley.html

It's still looking good to me, but I'm troubled by what I read in another post that the components are not the best...
bradw
04-02-03, 11:50 AM
If I understood the info on the website, this bike has 16-spoke front and 20-spoke rear wheels?

Doesn't sound sturdy enough for commuting. A couple potholes or a badly hopped curb and the wheels are mush. Especially on relatively narrow 28c tires.

I bought a discontinued Trek MTB that I use for commuting. It had a mix of 27-spd Deore and Bontrager stuff on a nice AL frame. Cost about $450. It shifts and brakes well enough.
I have a Trek 1000 with Sora derailleurs, and it doesn't shift as well.


If dealing with the shop makes you feel like you are getting a bum deal, then go elsewhere. But see if you can negotiate, maybe they'll cut you some slack.

etalent
04-02-03, 02:39 PM
Thanx for the comment. I've been surfing sites like Kona, Trek, GT, and I'm liking what I'm seeing. I like Kona's especially. What about a Schwinn touring?