episodic

https://www.marinbikes.com/2011/bike_...serialnum=1474

https://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/absolute_3_0

They are both 'around' the same price (the fuji a little more).

Main uses are long rides and some 'medium speed' group rides.

Thanks in advance.

w98seeng

Well, for a hybrid, I would go to Bikes Direct - https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/hybrid_bikes.htm

They have better components on their bikes in the same price range. They also don't charge tax (except in Texas) or for shipping.
Here is an example of a nice bike in the $600 range...

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gt/gt_traffic_1.htm

Ian

cycle2

I like the Marin better but both have similar components. Check out https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gt/gt_traffic_1.htm
The Tachyon 3.0 is also another option with road components(Sora) that is will probably be less(see it at nashbar website).

episodic

I appreciate the thoughts on internet purchases, but my LBS has been a real gem to me - and I'm lucky to have them in a town of 20 thousand - so I'd like to stick to one of these two brands. They get QBP stuff, Marin, Fuji, and Orbea as their main brands. My budget is about $600.00. If you notice my weight, they did more free fixes to keep me rolling in my 300lb stage, I owe getting stuff from them

jsdavis

Those two are quite different. The level of components are similar, but the components make the bikes different. The Fuji is more of a performance hybrid and the Marin is more of a flat handle road bike though I guess both could be considered hybrids. The Fuji may be a bit more upright than the Marin as far as riding position goes, the adjustable stem will also give you an upright ride if you want on the Fuji. You'll need to ride both to verify.

Take a look at the gearing; both have 8 speed cassettes, but the Marin has a 12-25 and the Fuji has a 11-32. If you're not a strong hill climber or live in an area with lots of hills, the Fuji will be easier for climbs at least until you get stronger.

IMO, the Fuji Absolute is closer to a Marin Larkspur than the Belvedere.

episodic

I'm wanting something that will be 'faster' for group rides, so then the Marin Belvedere wins?

episodic

Is there anything about this model Marin that would make it unable to keep up on a group ride? It has 26 in tires instead of 700c - but they are street.

https://www.marinbikes.com/2011/bike_...?serialnum=207

I'm assuming this would be a sturdy bike from the specs as well.

LongIslandTom

The Marin Muirwoods is a pretty heavy-duty bike. All-steel construction, and the Alex CA20 rims are real heavy too.

If you want to join group rides faster than C+ pace, I'd look for something more road-bike-like.

no1mad 

Quick question for the OP- what are you currently riding?

qmsdc15

Weigh them. Buy the lightest bike.

javal

Has extremely little do to with the bike. More so about you. You can make a bike go faster!

w98seeng

Loyalty is rare today. I would stay with your LBS and go with Marin. What about Marin road bikes? Marin had the 'Portofino' and you can see it's a pretty nice bike for the money ($500 - $600 range). It even comes with a carbon fork.
https://www.marinbikes.com/2010/bike_...?serialnum=721

The components are similar to the Belvedere but the bike is a road bike and possibly better suited to longer rides.

By the way your weight loss is amazing. Really inspiring.

If you are going to go with the Marin Belvedere, it might help to do a component upgrade. This can help with the smoothness and speed the bike shifts, the difference in weight isn't much of a factor. If you were to sell the original components you will have a better bike without having to spend that much more.

I have almost new (maybe 35 miles) front (FD-M580) and rear (RD-M580) LX derailleurs and LX dual control shifters / brake levers (ST-M580, all 9 speed) if you are interested. You can sell the original components and have better components at a decent price. I also have an FSA Gossamer crankset (50/39/30) with the MegaExo bottom bracket (68mm) and a SRAM PG970 9 speed cassette (11, 13, 15, 17, 20, 23, 26, 30, 34) and 9 speed chain. PM me if you are interested and we''ll talk.

Ian

episodic

The reason I wasn't looking at road specifically is that I like to take long rides, even overnighters alot. Sometimes I carry 20-30lbs worth of stuff, and I run a rack on the back and was looking for something a little beefier that could serve a dual purpose. I was under the impression that carbon and skinny tires were less than optimal for these things.

w98seeng

I think what you are looking for would be a touring bike.

Here is some info I found about touring bikes.
Steel is probably the material of choice when it comes to touring bikes. Aluminum, while being lighter is also a lot more rigid so the ride isn't as good as a steel frame would be for long rides.

And you're right about the tires. A touring bike usually has 32's on heavier rims, again to handle the extra loads associated with touring.

If you're going to go touring, make sure the frame has mounting points for racks, front and rear. Two or even better three mounting points for water bottles and fender mounts as well.

Have you ever though of going used? You can get a lot of bike for $500 - $600.