Marin Mountain Bikes Venezia

Price Paid:  $750.00 at REI

Model Year:
2005

Bike Setup:
Sora derailers and shifters

Summary:
I ride this bike everywhere, as much as possible. I have worked it pretty hard as a city rider and it's been awesome.
Guess what? I paid 750$, do I expect awesome components? no, you get what you pay for so why would you complain about Sora and Tiagra components.
I mean the frame is awesome enough to have a carbon seat stay for that price. Marin has shifted the style and look since the 2005. Mine is not as "comfort oriented with the top bar no sloping up. Either way, I can say Marin's frame quality seems great! The welding is so well done and not sloppy looking. (which I hate when it is)

Strengths:
Smooth ride for aluminum. Pretty bike! (bright blue)that stands out from the rest.
Flexibility to upgrade, since the frame is so nice. (mainly carbor seat stay)
Everything is stock except for the rear wheel because a wipe out. Everything has lasted well.

Weaknesses:
2 things: Wheels are not that great and the stock brake pads are terrible, but last forever.

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at Penny Farthing Cycle

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Marin Venezia

Summary:
An excellent entry level road bike. Has carbon forks and seat stays with an alloy frame. This makes the entrie bike frame good, solid and reliable for the amount you pay. Groupset is slightly below average. I found that I had to adjust the front derailleur many times and had trouble shifting gears from middle cog to smallest in the front chain rings. (Model i have has a triple set in the front and 8 speed at the rear).

Strengths:
-Strong rigid and reliable frame
- Caron forks and seat stays

Weaknesses:
Sora 8 speed shifters - average but could be better in terms of crisp, accurtate shifting.

Wheels are okay quality, reliable and quick.

Front derailleur and crankset of low quality. They should have fitted a tiagra 9 speed groupset with this bike. This would have given the bike some long-gevity and more cost efficent upgrade for future use.

Rear section of frame flexes when powering up a steep incline when off the saddle-reduceds power transfer from crank to rear wheel.

Similar Products Used:
None that I can think of. Still new to road cycling and haven't test ridden anything else.

Price Paid:  $700.00 at REI

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Hicks Road/HWY 9

Bike Setup:
Full Shimano 105, FSA K-Wing, FSA carbon seatpost, Terry Fly Ti saddle, carbon seatstays and fork, carbon spaces and steam, Alex-450 wheels. I'm content with the setup, except for the wheels. They are not very good. I might sell this bike and put the cash towards a Cerverlo Soloist, or buy some new wheels and tough it out until '09.

Summary:
I bought this to get my into road riding and to stay in shape. It did just that, but the low-quality components keep my digging into my wallet for constant upgrades. I wanted to keep my first bike cheap to see if I would be dedicated and now I am already dreaming of a Cervelo Soloist or Trek Madone 5.2, but this is a great entry bike. I ride between 100-200 miles a week and the 105 drivetrain keeps up well, although I will upgrade to Ultegra when parts start dropping off, although I don't forsee that happening. I replaced all my components except for the wheels, although I may get some Ultegra Mavic's in the near future. I must say, these stock parts were very poor for someone who rides as much as I do. The Sora and Tiagra were horrible. Bad shifting, bad everything. Terrible brakes. Once you do a complete overhaul, this bike rides well. It's a smooth, cunning bike for the price. I have sank about $1800 total, including the original purpose and I am happy with it for now. I do plan on touring in Summer '08 and will most likely upgrade to a Cervelo Soloist Team, but if weekend riding is what you're in to, this bike will get it done. It has a solid frame, but sub-par parts. Sora is terrible and Tiagra isn't much better. If you plan on doing more than 50 miles a week, plan on buying new parts and go Shimano 105. It's bullet proof and solid for someone who cares more about shedding 20 pounds off their gut instead of ounces off the frame. I'm either going to tuff it out and get some new wheels or get an '08 Cervelo Soloist Team. I bought this bike for an entry into road biking. I'm now beyond that point. This bike helped me get to where I was today. If you're looking for a relaxing road bike with decent geometry, check this out. If you're looking to do some serious riding after the initial purchase, save up $1500 and get a Trek or Specialized. Don't sink tons of money into it like I did. I don't regret it, but if I could have had the time to save up, I would have gone for a Trek or Specialized. Bottom line, if you have extra cash, don't buy it. It you can just afford this, go for it. The frame is tough, but not light...

Strengths:
Solid, comfortable frame. I'm 6', 215 and I never have a problem with the frame creaking or becoming shady underneath me. Good geometry

Weaknesses:
Terrible parts. All of them. If it's not 105, it's not up to grade. Don't trust the brakes, shifters, derailuers or cranks. I did an immediate, full Shimano 105 upgrade in the first 3 months. The wheels aren't bad, but they're in my crosshairs.

Similar Products Used:
Some cheap Performance Bike stuff.

Price Paid:  $489.00 at REI Outlet

Model Year:
2004

Favorite Ride:
Along the Mississippi River

Bike Setup:
All stock setup.

Summary:
Excellent bike for the money. A litle on the heavy side. The Sora componenets work well. A very smooth ride with the carbon fork and seat stays.

Strengths:
Carbon fork and seat stays, Price

Weaknesses:
Heavy, could always have better components. What do you expect for under $500?

Similar Products Used:
Older Cannondale SR500, Cervelo P3