Marin Mountain Bikes San Rafael

Price Paid:  $350.00 at REI

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Arizona roads

Bike Setup:
Specialized seat from friends bike.
Replacement pedals (don't remember details)
Aero bars (would recommend if you don't like riding upright all the time.

Summary:
Great return to riding. I rode a lot when I was younger. I'm trying to build up to competition level and this bike was a great tool for early conditioning. Tires, wheels, frame and forks have been terrific. I had to replace the pedals after 300 miles. They were sub-par to begin with but actually developed a lot of drag. The cassetts are alright and the derailer has required quite a bit of adjustment. I've put about 2K miles on it and it is just starting to show signs of wear. Still a great bike. REI has been great with some early issues and even replace a part that was slightly deffective.

Strengths:
light weight. This is not a mountain bike. Does great on hills. Good shifters, derailers and wheels.

Weaknesses:
Didn't like the seat (cruiser type).
Pedals are cheap and below quality of the rest of the bike.

Similar Products Used:
NONE

Price Paid:  $469.00 at Campus Cyclery

Favorite Ride:
Country roads

Summary:
I saw the above review, and wanted to point out that the front forks have a lockout option. They can be locked into position if you don't want the cushion. Maybe the forks were locked. The front suspension had plenty of cushion on the bike I tried. In fact, I thought that it was going to take some getting use to. I currently have an old 10speed with standard forks, and am use to the jarring of the road. I want something where I don't have to lean over so much, but can still ride on some lengthy rides when I work up to it. It was very comfortable to ride. Really, I thought that this was a great bike. The only reason I didn't buy it was that I didn't want to buy the first thing that I tried. I'll probably go back tomorrow and get it after doing a little reading tonight. maybe I'll stop somewhere else just to make myself feel better that I've shopped around. I would add that the people at Campus Cyclery in Cincinnati were great to work with. A no pressure, great service, type of place.

Strengths:
Lockout option on suspension on front forks.

Weaknesses:
don't know

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Caps westwood

Favorite Ride:
hills

Summary:
I tested this bike at my local shop to discover that the suspension on the fork was extremely stiff. Seriously it took a big buff mechanic to get it to budge. The mechanic also says the fork was working perfectly when he built it. He refused to get me a new fork so I didn't waste any money on the bike. On the plus side the frame was racing light!and the gears shifted very smoothly.

Strengths:
Very light bike, smooth shifting

Weaknesses:
The suspension fork might aswell be solid cause your average Joe won't get it to budge.

Similar Products Used:
Trek recreational hybrid 7200