It's been awhile since I purchased a new bike (about 12-15 years ago) it's a univega mountain style bike.
I'm now looking for a set of bike for me and the wife to run on bike paths and parking lots while teaching my 5 year old how to ride. We also have a 2 year old too.
The LBS that used to sell top end bikes and was my sponsor back in the early 80's with my BMX racing, now carries MARIN, however, using the search button, they don't seem to be a very popular bike, with not much talk about them.
I did see something about a spoke problem, is this still a problem?
Did the company address it?
Also, since REI is selling Marin's, is that telling me these are not as high of quality as say a Trek?
The Marins I looked at were the Lakespur, San Rafael, and Fairfax.
On the Trek side were the hybirds and FX series.
If I get a trek, the closest BS is about an hour ride, the Marin dealer is just across town.
I guess I'm asking if Marins are really as good as my LBS is telling me and I know he'll tell me what I want to hear.
He did talk about the 7000 series AL frames that are on Marins as compared to the 6000 series AL on the Trek, Specialized, etc...
Jeff
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I just got a Fairfax early this week and I am very happy with it.
moonra
Also, don't restrict yourself to what you see on the floor at lets say REI.
You can call Marin direct (very customer friendly) and they still have '05s and '06's sitting in their warehouse which they will ship special to anyone of their distributors at a lowball price in which they will also work out directly with REI for the special condition. They do have a bike archive link on their website which is on the bottom left hand side of their 07 bike link page. These bikes do come disessembled, in which REI will work out a cost to put together. Here's the #:
(800) 222-7557
http://marinbikes.com/
Longfemur
The bike shop across from me sells Marins. They are very nice bikes, as nice as any other, certainly. There's really nothing that special about any make, these days. Bikes vary by price point, not so much by make.
tjeff
Also, don't restrict yourself to what you see on the floor at lets say REI.
You can call Marin direct (very customer friendly) and they still have '05s and '06's sitting in their warehouse which they will ship special to anyone of their distributors at a lowball price in which they will also work out directly with REI for the special condition. They do have a bike archive link on their website which is on the bottom left hand side of their 07 bike link page. These bikes do come disessembled, in which REI will work out a cost to put together. Here's the #:
(800) 222-7557
http://marinbikes.com/
Thanks for the info.
Just got off the phone with a CS rep and yes, he was very friendly, however, he didn't have anything in inventory that I was looking for.
He did however tell me that the 08's would be out in about a month or so.
That could help me out at the LBS with wheelin and dealing.
We'll see, taking the wife later today to test some out.
Jeff
relyt
They are very nice bikes. I would have no worries buying one over a Trek.
However, the suspension on their cheaper mountain bikes leaves a bit to be desired. Just get one with a solid fork. I doubt that you will get good suspension on any bike under $500 or so, be it Marin or Trek or anything else.
But they are well made and come with good components.
chephy
In general, people obsess way too much about brands. There are only two things to know about brand names in buying a lower- to mid-range bike:
1) As long as you go with an reputable established brand, frame and component quality is about the same in the same price range.
2) All brands carried by good bike stores (as opposed to big box stores etc.) are reputable established brands.
Trek is a good brand. Marin is a good brand. Neither is "better" than the other. Base your decision on how well a particular bike fits your body, riding style and budget, not on the brand name.
tjeff
Thanks to everyone.
Just ordered 2 Sausalitos from my LBS last night.
Can't wait til the weekend.
dedhed
From my experience Trek has been much better in the warranty department. I wouldn't buy another Marin if you paid me. Rear wheel and cassette came apart, less than six months old < 500 miles. Marin Wouldn't pay a dime. Bottom bracket on Trek clunking, popped in a new one, while I waited, N/C. Recent coworker had a rim problem on a two year old Trek (Bontrager rim) and they gave him a new one free, but he had to wait a few days.