Marin Mountain Bikes 1999 Vicenza

Price Paid:  $1200.00 at LBS

Summary:
Review is based on 98 model. Reasonable entry level race bike. Campy components definite plus. Very compliant ride, but trade off is noticeable frame flex. I tend to spin rather than mash, but on hills or acceleration, can easily induce BB flex. More sluggish handling than I would design. Relatively heavy (26 lbs all up). Rates a 4 because it is a better than average product, but gulf between this 4 and a true five is vast. Probably deserves a 3.5

Strengths:
Comfortable compliant steel ride. Budget price for performance oriented bike. Awsome paint scheme, visual design. Aero wheels.

Weaknesses:
Weight, flex (particularly in bottom bracket), as-is saddle not high quality. Secondary components (post, saddle, stem) are of a budget flavor. Heavy wheels.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale CAAD 4,

Price Paid:  $1199.00 at class cycle novato ca.

Favorite Ride:
hills of sonoma vally

Bike Setup:
campy veloce groupo speedplay pedals.

Summary:
I bought this bike to ride centurys. I got it in March and rode a 120 miler in May and 2weeks later I rode the Davis double and 8 other centurys and double metrics. when I get in my body feels good. I turned 52 last week so I neededa bike that would be a good all around bike. It climbs good, and is good in and out of the sadle. I like the triple chain ring crank. It came in handy on the Death Ride. When this one is old and warn I would like to have a bike like this trusty steed.

Strengths:
smooth ride. sexy paint. campy parts.

Weaknesses:
I had a problem with shifting but it shifts smooth now

Similar Products Used:
none

Bike Setup:
TIG welded Columbus Brain frame
Campy Veloce triple components
Ambrosia rims, Cinelli bar and stem

Summary:
A bit of Italian cycling tradition. A great handling steel package which packs a lot of value. I also looked at the Schwinn Peloton and Lemond Buenos Aires but I prefered the neutral, predictable geometry of the Vicenza. I also got a good deal as a '99 leftover. I liked the handling of the steel fork even though it weighs a ton compared to the carbon forks on the other bikes mentioned. The welds, paint and finish quality are top notch and I like the niceties such as chrome stays, braze on derailleur tab, pump peg, and neat cable routing. A solid all-around bike although it adds some weight compared to Aluminum bikes in the same price range. The triple helps out on those climbs that have gotten steeper as I've gotten older.

Strengths:
comfortable, stable and confidence inspiring handling
great paint and finish quality
a bit of Italian tradition (from a Mtn. bike company!)

Weaknesses:
weight; 23+ lbs in 59cc size
no name headset and seatpost

Similar Products Used:
None

Favorite Ride:

comming down Moody

Summary:
Sweet bike. The thing looks beautiful, the guy at the shop (The Bicycle Connection) told me in this really thick russian accent how he was just like the founder of Marin. And the Vicenza was what he owned himself. I demo'd it and loved it. I was really lucky to get this baby under $1000 so for that reason alone it is a superior bike. Another good reason is that this bike can really hustle, and is easy to work on yourself. This bike would be a rock solid buy even if I had to pay full price

Strengths:

campy components
awesome paintjob
sweet wheelsvery configurable and easy to self-service

Weaknesses:

heavy ass frame
terminal saddle

Similar Products Used:

Cannondale R300

Summary:
Because it has been a rainey month in Seattle, I have only been able to put about 150 miles since I purchased the bike. I really like it. I, like the other reviewer, like the fixed brake levers of the Campy better than the movable ones of the Shimano. It is probably something that you get used too, but I did't like it when i reached for the brake and moved the lever out of the way in the process. I shopped around for about 6 months before buying the bike. I think that for the price (I paid 1329) that it is a great value. The bike is comfortable and quick. I have had absolutely no problems with the bike. Some of my rides are fairly long and in places where support may not be near. This makes me wonder about the campy wheels (Scirrocco). Since the spokes are clearly made for the wheels, how hard would it be to get them serviced if for example a spoke were to break? I would appreciate hearing from others that have had experience with these wheels.
Overall I give it 5 chillis.

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
None