episodic

Getting ready for the tour this summer

I'm looking hard at the Marin 4 corners - anyone here ride it or have touched it? I know the chain stays are a little shorter, and I feel like that can be worked around for almost $350 less dollars.

Thanks for any other thoughts.

https://www.marinbikes.com/2011/bike_...serialnum=1855

scroca

Looks like the Marin is a thousand bucks. I don't know that it's that much cheaper than a Trek 520 or a Surly LHT (are those both $1,350 now?).

That chain stay is shorter than my LHT. I guess if he pulls a trailer it wouldn't matter. It is classified as a touring bike so maybe it's sufficient.

Any way you could put a rack and panniers on it to let him try it? Maybe if your lbs sells that stuff they wouldn't mind setting it up if they thought you were genuinely interested.

I just did a quick look online and it looks like the LHT is going for $1095 - $1199 depending on source. And the Trek 520 from $1055.99 - $1299

I'd want to know what I'm getting to save only 50 or 100 bucks.

trailz 

Windsor Tourist is likely the best budget option tourer on the market (used lucky strike aside).

episodic

My LBS can only get Surly, Marin, or Fuji touring bikes. I'd rather buy from them as the next closest bike store is 2 hours away - and I like having the tuneups and adjustments and warranty service nearby as I don't have a car. I could get Salsa stuff, but it is way out of my price range.

He doesn't stock the bikes, nor would I expect him to as it is a very small store. He orders them as you need them, so I'd have to buy sight unseen. I'm use to that part. Locally the Marin would be $999, the Fuji Touring would be $999, and the Surly would be $1199. For personal reasons I'd rather not go Fuji again. I've never had a Marin, but I hear great things about their other bikes. Component wise it seems to be a great deal. I'd rather not purchase online because I try hard to support the LBS.

Thanks for any further thoughts.

BigBlueToe

How big are your son's feet? I have size 14's. Longer chainstays are a big deal for me. If I wore size 9's, maybe I wouldn't worry so much. I didn't carefully check the specs on the Marin. All I can say is that I have an LHT and it's a great tourer.

episodic

He and I are both size 11.5

Cyclebum

Specs on that Marin look good to me. Any minor sizing issues can probably be easily fixed with a few adjustments. I doubt that the chain stay length would be an issue to worry about.

If money is much of a consideration, a Windsor Tourist would be a good choice at about $300 less as long as there is a near fit.

I've had the impression that most stock touring bikes come with inferior tires. Might check into that. High puncture resistance is very important.