I'm looking at getting a bike to help get in better shape. I've had 4 knee surgeries so running can be a little painful. I'm looking at getting either the Marin Kentfield or Portofino. Anyone have any experience with either of these two bikes and Marin bikes in general. Thanks for your help

The reviews of them I have seen have been positive. I sat on a San Anselmo which fit me like a glove for a while at the local REI but time prevented me from taking a test ride and I really didn't want a suspension fork. Of all the bikes I looked at earlier this year the Lombard would have been as good for me as the Fuji I ended up buying, a little better in some respects, a little worse in others. So, sorry, no real experience, just a positive impression based on looking them over.

Ken

First you should probably do some evaluation to determine whether you would like a road bike like the Portofino or a hybrid bike like the Kentfield. They are quite different in price and functionality. It sounds like you might be interested in the performance hybrids or what are some times called flat bar road bikes. Bikes in the Marin Alp series might be worth a look.

If you cannot decide between a road bike and a hybrid get the Lombard. It's only a little more, you know you want it....

Ken

Marin makes nice bikes - I have a Stinson(older) and it's been a workhorse - now, my grandson "borrowed" it!

Marin have always had a good reputation for quality. If you can't decide between a hybrid and a drop bar then I'd say that a cyclocross bike is the best choice - performance hybrids tend to have the limitations of each type. Eg they have narrow tyres that don't like trails or bad roads, but still don't have the advantages of a drop bar (more hand positions and better aerodynamics, so better speed.) But crossers have the advantages of each - you can fit wide or narrow tyres, and they have the aerodynamics of a real road bike. This makes a big difference when riding into the wind.

But, with your medical problems, the type of bike you go for isn't as important as the fit and fine adjustments that need to be made. Find a good store that offers proper fittings and read "Pruitt's Complete Medical Guide for Cyclists."

I had a Marin Mill Valley that had all kinds of handling quirks until it finally cracked. I think it was crooked when they welded it. Marin refused to warranty the frame, but sold me a new frame for a good price under a crash replacement program. The replacement frame handles marginally better.

Not learning my lesson, I recently bought a Marin hardtail MTB. I rode it around the parking lot and decided it would do. I forgot to consider the weight, I didn't even lift it up to see if it felt light. I later read somewhere that the medium is 35lbs, so my large is closer to 40lbs. Ugh. It's a tank, but the owner's manual is still full of weaselly text implying that if it cracks, it's my fault, carrying more than 25lbs of freight might void the warranty, and bodily injuries caused in a crash are not the result of any frame breakage that may have happened from the crash.

I believe lawyers have convinced Marin to make heavy overbuilt bikes as well as to dodge any responsibility for the bike's ability to withstand normal use.

I bought it anyway, so take my post with a grain of salt. Just read the warranty carefully before purchasing if such things matter to you.

I own a 2000 Marin Bear Valley. Simply love the bike. Mine is no longer a MTB per se. It has Kona P2 rigid forks, 12-23 rear cassette, fenders, Specialized 1.95 Crossroad tires, front rack, rear rack, and I've added (gasp!) Northroad handlebars. It's my city/rail trail/ etc. bike and I will keep it as long as the frame lasts.

Thx for the info guys. I'm still debating if I want a Hybrid or a road bike. I've been tooling around on a hybrid and a road bike that I've been able to borrow to try and help me decided.

Take a look at a Specialized Sirrus Elite flat-bar road bike. I bought one a week ago and think it's a great bike for commuting, riding trails, or riding on the road. I plan to use it for credit card touring. Have a rear rack and panniers on it. Great bike.