Marin Mountain Bikes Verona

Price Paid:  $700.00 at EBay

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Marin - Verona

Bike Setup:
7005 aluminum triple(sticker on frame), or double(according to Marin's literature) butted main frame, with carbon front fork, and seat stays. Gears, brakes and shifting are Shimano 105.

Summary:
I've waited a while to add this review. I purchased this bike in Jan. 07. I have put nearly two full seasons on it, over 2500 miles. This is a great bike, and no one looks and goes wow over the name, but its a very good bike. I've put new tires and tubes, pedals, and a couple of cables, and that's all. The wheels Shimano WH550's are solid, and true. The frame responds to a sprint, descends great, and you can stay on it all day.

Strengths:
Frame and wheels.
Great bike for someone who is on a bike lots of hours, but doesn't race.

Weaknesses:
Biggest weakness has been in the front derailleur, even though its Shimano 105, its not quite smooth.

Similar Products Used:
Ridden a Trek 620 for years, and a Trek 6500 mountain bike.

Price Paid:  $2000.00 at Bike Bros

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Not Windy

Bike Setup:
Stock except replaced carbon post for longer alloy one.

Summary:
Well spec'd bike that rides well. I understand people going for the big "roady" brands on uber-high-end bikes, but at this price I just picked the bike that fit well and had good parts. Many people seem to look as far as the deraiuleurs. I looked at wheels, cranks, bars too and with that considered, the bike ruled.

Strengths:
FSA carbon cranks, FSA winged bars - people don't appreciate or talk about the comfort of winged bars. Shimano R550 wheels - roll incredibly and bearing surfaces remain flawless.

Weaknesses:
Too many people looking at my bike trying to figure out why it isn't a Specialized, Giant, Trek etc. - out here people follow the herd, they can't figure out quality for themselves.

Similar Products Used:
Messed around on friend's Jamis, Spec, Trek, KHS, Salsa