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.
Bottom Line:
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.
Similar Products Used: Ridden a Trek 620 for years, and a Trek 6500 mountain bike.
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.
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.
Bottom Line:
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.
Finally settled into our new "home" in Verona and have an internet connection. Camera I choose is a Cannon SD500. Photos in order are: Verona as seen from the road to the Torrecel Read More »
These fotos are from late August. Photos are: 1) types of small cobbles used in Verona, 2) Piazza Erbe, 3) Painted buildings along Piazza Erbe, 4) city bikes abound, even with chil Read More »
I picked up this unusual Chesini, an "Innovation" model from 1994. Made with Columbus EL-OS tubeset (built using the pinning method; the pinning is visible inside), chromed headlug Read More »
could anyone point me in the direction of a good shop in verona, italy?
i am here for a month and after seeing sooooo many people out riding, i need to get on a bike.
pref Read More »
I'm looking for a size Large. I looked all over the internet with no luck. All i can find, S,XL,XXL.
Thank you.
[url=http://www.competitivecyclist.com/product-apparel/2011 Read More »
