Strengths: everything--nice tires, the gearing and shifters are perfect. It's the best bike i have ridden. And it hasn't even been tuned up yet.
Weaknesses: me--i'm 69 yo and need to loose 20 lbs. none on the bike though.
Bottom Line:
I bot this in April 2009, but it was a 2008 closeout at REI Outlet. This is a REALLY nicely equipped bike. I looked at the Treks, Cannondales, etc and nothing compares to this. The only things it lacked was a kickstand $7, lever tighting seat post lock (REI traded), "shorty" bar ends ($9)and a rear rack ($28). It rides nicely upright, but not like my previous Trek Navagator which was HEAVY and you sat like you were in a chair.
I'm 6' and this a 20.5" frame and it is a great fit for me.
Similar Products Used: 2007 Trek Navigator 200, 1998 REI Navarro MTB which i still use
Bike Setup: Shimano Deore shifters, crankset, rear cogs 11-32, 9-speed, derailers. SR Suntour NCXD 63mm travel WITH lockout. Even the stock saddle is decent.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Fotis
a Recreational Rider
from
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2006
Strengths: Definitely it's massive gear range which has been worked out to perfection for the tourer, strong, looks great, comfortable, flawless and intuitive gear changes, excellent V-brakes, versatile, tough as nails. Beyond the normal adjustments nothing has falterd with ths bike. And it's a MARIN!
Weaknesses: Not light, but it's not meant to be a racer. RST suspension fork that came with bike cannot be adjusted and is heavy. I'm looking at replacing it with lightweight non-suspension fork and using a Pantour Hub suspension system instead, which would work as well as the existing fork plus would be lighter. As stated before, Marin may have changed the fork that comes standard - I dunno. Live in constant fear that some kid or drug addict will steal it and break my heart.
Bottom Line:
I have had this bike for over 6 years - disregard the year model staed above. Some of the specs have changed since I bought it - suspension seat post for example. I was in love with this bike when I first bought it and the feeling has endured. It's the perfect road tourer. Has never let me down. Have used it off-road on trails and it always passed the test, subject to the limitations of what type of tire I was using at the time. I commute, shop, and tour with this bike. I found the speeds I average with it's massive gear range comparable on average with a Bianchi racer I also own. Although I don't need another one, I still would love a second one of these for when a friend drops around and we can go for a bike ride together. If you are thinking about investing in a road tourer, this is the bike. If you not thinking about a road tourer, this is still the bike for you, unless you are going for extremes off the road or want a racer. Most trails are within it's scope, but I have never pushed it in terrains which I knew it was not designed for. Even so, with the right tires I cannot imagine anything but the most extreme presenting too many problems off road. Superb bike - great job MARIN.
Similar Products Used: Can't say without looking it up, but bikes designed with this much thought for the particular purpose, flexible touring, aren't common.
Bike Setup: Use Conti Top Tourers, rear rack etc - set up for touring and and as a work horse.
Strengths: Shimano disc brakes, Nexave shifters, frame geometry is a bit more stretched out than other "comfort" bikes
Weaknesses: WTB "comfort"saddle, paint looks great but is thin & wears/chips easily, no eyelets for rear rack or fenders.
Bottom Line:
I purchased the Marin Sausalito for recreational riding with my wife (she has a Marin Kentfield). I've found it's a great commuter bike - a little on the heavy side but rugged enough for street hazards and light non-paved surfaces.
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