Ok, I'm looking to purchase a 2nd touring bike for my son - trying to save a 'little'
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Ok, I'm looking to purchase a 2nd touring bike for my son - trying to save a 'little'
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
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
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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.
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.
Last edited by scroca; 05-01-11 at 05:45 PM. Reason: update prices
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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.
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.
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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.
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He and I are both size 11.5
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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.
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.