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Submitted by
jte
a Commuter
from Date Reviewed: May 20, 2004
Strengths: STEEL + CARBON = COMFORTABLE!
Tiagra brakes are decent.
Value.
I personally like the adjustability a quill stem offers.
Nice paint.
I've never seen anyone else on one.Weaknesses: Heavy.
Stock seat is junk (I upgraded to a Flite TA Gel)
Stock Kenda tires gave me 5 flats in 2 mos.
Too much writing and logos on frame.Bottom Line: Overall a very nice bike. Most bikes in my price range were all the cookie cutter aluminum frame with cut rate brakes and mismatched drivetrain. The Argenta has a Colombus steel frame, carbon fork/seatstays, and full tiagra drivetrain and brakes. A very comfortable bike with better features than most others in the same price range. I have not noticed weaknesses with the wheels or Cinelli bar/stem as reported in the previous review.
Favorite Ride: Home from work
Price Paid:
$875.00
Purchased At: Cycle Logic
Bike Setup: Flite TA Gel saddle.
Continental Ultra Gatorskins.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Drylie
a Recreational Rider
from Date Reviewed: October 1, 2003
Strengths: It is an elegant bike that nobody else has, and the Marin name gives some security. Steel frame comes with lifetime warrenty. Decent components: Tiagra.Weaknesses: Well. I am beginning to find them -- all the standard complaints as you outgrow and entry level bike. Foremost, the wheels are very questionable. I don't feel comfortable going over 30 mph. There is a distinct wabble and sway depite being true. They simply are not very stiff, and it shows on hard climbs in the standing position as well. They seem slow as well -- I am easily outcoasted by my friend on his Bontrager wheels. Also the entry-level cinelli handlebars are way too flexible and even squeek as they flex. Upgrades are critical.Bottom Line: I should first say that, despite the ubiquitousnes of Marin in Mountain Biking, their road bikes are difficult to get your hands on. The better ones are nearly impossible to find. I came across the Argenta at Galyans (a large sporting goods store) so at first I was very skeptical of it. But Marin offers something to no other manufacturer does: an entry level high-quality steel frame bike. This bike has Columbus Thron steel. I know Columbus makes lighter, stiffer steel now, but for years this was the standard. It rides beautifully -- as steel does. It has a classical geometry, and leaves you nicely stretched over the bike (none of this upright touring stuff that Trek is proposing). It is also a gorgeous bike with Marin's sleek triangular tubing, a nice matt silver finish, and quality painted logo (no decals). It is one classy bike! Add to it a carbon fork and even --WOW! -- carbon seat stays, and this bike cannot be beat for the price.
Favorite Ride: Lake Mead
Price Paid:
$899.00
Purchased At: Galyans
Similar Products Used: LeMond Tourmelet, Trek 1500, Giant OCR,
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