Marin Mountain Bikes Mill Valley

Price Paid:  $725.00 at REI

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Fort DeSoto

Bike Setup:
Compact model with Shimano R770 front derailer, 105 rear, FSA Gossamer 50/36 crankset, etc., see
http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2006/graphics/pdfs/bike_specs/marin_specs_alp.pdf
Added stuff: Headland Pannier SP rack, Axiom panniers, Sigma BC1606L wireless computer, lights

Summary:
After about 3 years of riding on a Fuji MTB with slicks, I decided it was time to get a more dedicated street bike. I tested a variety of bikes at my local bikes shops and nearly purchased a Trek 7.5FX, until I found a great deal on this bike at REI; MSRP for the 2006 Mill Valley C. was $1280. For about the same price as the Trek 7.5FX I got carbon seat stays and upgraded components. The tradeff was the wheelset, the shimano R500s will likely need to be replaced within a year or two (I'm 190lbs). I primarily use this for a 6 miles (each way) commute and weekend/ evening rec rides in the 15-25 mile range. The flat bar is great for commuting and gives me a much more stable body position in traffic. The carbon bar ends are small but anatomically shaped and correctly positioned. The seat (WTB Shadow V) took about 200 miles to finally break in, but is comforatble now. Overall, I'm loving this bike and the speed I can attain with it (once I ditch the rack and panniers). I regularly pass roadies in their drops on the Pinellas Trail. However, the rolling resistance of 28mm is still limiting and I plan to replace them with some Contis in the 23-25mm range. To date I have about 550 miles on this bike and other than one flat from a glass shard, no significant problems. I have made minor adjustments to the cables and the toe in angle on the front brake. I am very pleased with the frame and the combination of speed/comfort this bike offers.

Strengths:
Carbon fork and seat stays.
Frame strength and geometry.
Stable and predictable handling.
Direct pull cantilever brakes.
Double chain ring.
Weight.

Weaknesses:
R500 wheelset.
No braze-ons.
Pearl white is beautiful but quickly shows the dirt.
Aero bars not possible.

Similar Products Used:
Test rides on Trek 7.5FX, Trek Pilot 2.1, Giant FCR1, Specialized Sirrus Sport, Sp. Sequoia Sport, Raleigh Route 24

Price Paid:  $560.00 at Marin HQ

Model Year:
2006

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere my bike takes me

Summary:
This bike is an awsome bike. I ride it as a commuter bike and transportation to and from school. Super comfortable even after 40+ mile rides.

Strengths:
Great geometry, comfortable ride. Dependable, quick

Weaknesses:
the wheels set very weak. When i stared to riding it daily, i was in the shop having to true my wheels, swithced them out for a set of mavic open pros triple cross and they work great

Similar Products Used:
None