deeb

I am new here, and have really been enjoying this forum. I have been lurking and scanning through the archives to try and reacquaint myself with the language as I have not ridden nor thought of a new bike since my Gunnar was stolen about 5-6 years ago.
I have a baby now and will be pulling a trailer. Which means I will need a bike that can bear loading. Previously I used a BOB. Also - My budget is almost non existent- about 5-7 hundred.
I have seen some positive commentary regarding the Marin Muirwoods. It happens to be on sale until the end of the day Sunday at REI for $465. However There is also a used LHT in my size for $750 that seems to still be available as I write.
I have included the ad text for the surly and the link for the Marin. The Marin is much more in my price range- but maybe the extra couple of c notes for the surly is the better deal. I am no longer familiar with components and am having difficulty discerning.
I would welcome and appreciate any commentary...

Surly:
"Really nice bike.

Surly Long Haul Trucker. Sweet ride. 18 speeds.
Full Shimano Dura-Ace groupo.
Cyclocross tires. 26".
Olive green paint job. Steel frame.
Perfect for a small female. 48cm. (Yes, I know Surly's site doesn't list a 48cm, but it is.) It has eyelets for a rack.
I'm in Southeast. Give me a call, feel free to come check it out."

The Marin is here:
https://www.rei.com/product/762221 $465

Cyclist0383

For your height (assuming the 48cm LHT fits you) I'd go for the Surly as it has 26" tires compared to the 29" of the Marin, which most likely will be too big for you.

Keep in mind that I'm also a very happy rider of a LHT; I think it's a great frame.

Ken Wind

The Muirwoods comes in two flavors. One is a 29er, and the other has 26" wheels. I believe deeb is referring to the latter. Both bikes are probably a good deal, but the quality of components on the Surly will be much higher as long as everything is in decent shape. I would go for the Surly as long as it fits.

Cyclist0383

Not according the link that was provided, it's for the 29".

deeb

Good point about the 29"s- did not think that through. I was actually wanting those - but forgot about the added height. I also liked the idea of disc brakes as I live in the rainy country and thought that with the baby in back they may be a bit safer.
The surly is about 5-8 hours away; depending upon public transit or car rental. I may re-contact her though...
Thanks for such quick replies.

deeb

Another question: could I put a 26" wheel on the Marin for less than the cost of the surly? My old Gunnar offered that option.

Cyclist0383

I highly doubt it. You'd have issues with brakes, handling, and bottom bracket clearance.

hockeyteeth

The used Surly has a Dura-Ace double crankset. You might need lower gearing for towing a trailer. Since it is 9-speed you could use an expensive mtb cassette to get lower gearing, but you would also need a new long-cage rear derailleur.

tacomee

I'd go to REI and test ride the Marin--- it's a quality bike. Fit the bike with racks and REI panniers before you leave the store (that should be less than $750). Ride and Enjoy! (or take it back for a 100% refund if it doesn't work out)

Be darn careful about buying a used bike-- it's just as easy to get ripped off as get a good deal.

halfspeed

What are you planning on doing with this bike other than pulling a child? Somebody must have thought a full Dura-Ace group was a sensible thing to put on an LHT, but I can't imagine why.

deeb

Okay- thanks for input. What I did was order the Marin.
I was thinking something like tacomee said. I have some panniers, but racks I need.
I could not test drive as I am not in the US right now.
I also contacted the owner of the used surly and a couple of my friends. They will check out the surly. One friend is my height and close in proportion. She will ride it. The other is savvy in the ways of buying/selling and components. The idea is I try the Marin when I pick it up if it is too big, or otherwise not a good fit then I can return it. If the seller still has the surly at that time(after an okay by my friends) then I can always pick it up. I tired to make sure that I was not left completely out.

halfspeed said:
What are you planning on doing with this bike other than pulling a child? Somebody must have thought a full Dura-Ace group was a sensible thing to put on an LHT, but I can't imagine why.

I too wonder about the components, as they seem different than most set ups I have seen on a complete new surly, but being so out of the loop...
I am hoping to get back to some touring-very likely Oregon coast state park hopping kind of stuff. (I used to do small off road jaunts, working up to a long haul, but then my Gunnar and tent and even my rain coat were stolen while in Eugene Or).
To start I will be pulling a baby and what ever will fit in and on. I Live in North Vancouver BC. It is nothing but hills. I am hoping to use public transport to augment my hill climbing. This is another reason for my tight budget as I need to also purchase a stroller/trailer combo as the transport co. does not allow a trailer on board but a stroller they do.
Sorry for the long version.
Thanks for the info.

halfspeed

Dura-Ace is Shimano's top of the line racing component group. It's very nice stuff, but it's very light weight and geared very high. If you're planning on loaded touring, pulling a kid and hill climbing, then you'll likely find yourself wanting to replace the cassette, rear derailleur, crankset and maybe front derailleur to get lower gearing. That's going to bump up your cost quite a bit. The Marin makes more sense, especially if you get a 26" version.

Ken Wind

Ah, my bad. I didn't even see that.

What about the Marin Point Reyes? Nevermind, the REI website is sold out of them.