What do you think of the Marin Bridgeway?

[KLizotte]

I don’t know anything about the Marin line so can’t comment.

I do suggest checking out the Jamis line of commuter bikes.

[jrenaut]

You have to move to Brooklyn if you get a bike with those handlebars.

I think last year’s models at REI are generally a good value. I don’t know anything about Marin specifically, but I’ve never heard anything bad.

[KLizotte]

Make sure you take the bike up a few hills on test rides to see how heavy it is in “real life.” It would be good to take with you what you intend to carry on your commute.

[DismalScientist]

Marin is a perfectly respectable brand name. Their heritage is in mountain bikes and garishly painted road bikes.

[ShawnoftheDread]

@DismalScientist 65483 wrote:

Marin is a perfectly respectable brand name. Their heritage is in mountain bikes and garishly painted road bikes.

Fightin’ words!

[jrenaut]

@ShawnoftheDread 65493 wrote:

Fightin’ words!

I believe you are an expert on garishly painted road bikes.

[ShawnoftheDread]

@lordofthemark 65461 wrote:

http://www.rei.com/product/845702/marin-bridgeway-bike-2013

test rode it at REI the other day, I liked it.

Seems decent. The Raleigh at the bottom of that page has more gears but seems comparable otherwise. It’s $100 less, but you’d have to add your own fenders.

[lordofthemark]

@jrenaut 65478 wrote:

You have to move to Brooklyn if you get a bike with those handlebars.

Been there, done that, lost the accent, mostly.

I lived in Brooklyn before it was cool. In fact when it was most definitely uncool.

[lordofthemark]

@KLizotte 65482 wrote:

Make sure you take the bike up a few hills on test rides to see how heavy it is in “real life.” It would be good to take with you what you intend to carry on your commute.

I rode up the hills in the REI parking lot (not the huge one out front though). I still have some other places I want to look, but that’s a good idea before I actually buy it.

[lordofthemark]

@ShawnoftheDread 65495 wrote:

Seems decent. The Raleigh at the bottom of that page has more gears but seems comparable otherwise. It’s $100 less, but you’d have to add your own fenders.

They didn’t have any of those in stock on Sunday. Do you think Raleigh would be fine on quality, etc.?

[hozn]

@lordofthemark 65601 wrote:

They didn’t have any of those in stock on Sunday. Do you think Raleigh would be fine on quality, etc.?

Raleigh is a very well respected brand. It will definitely be as fine on quality as other stuff at this price point. Really, quality is going to generally be fine once you are out of Walmart bike territory. You are paying for weight savings and creature comforts (like more gears, disc brakes, etc.). Most of us wouldn’t consider giving these mod cons up, but then I can’t imagine going back to a tube TV either.

[lordofthemark]

@hozn 65606 wrote:

Raleigh is a very well respected brand. It will definitely be as fine on quality as other stuff at this price point. Really, quality is going to generally be fine once you are out of Walmart bike territory. You are paying for weight savings and creature comforts (like more gears, disc brakes, etc.). Most of us wouldn’t consider giving these mod cons up, but then I can’t imagine going back to a tube TV either.

well I guess I may want to test ride the raleigh too then – BTW the specs say its 28 lbs.

[ShawnoftheDread]

@lordofthemark 65736 wrote:

well I guess I may want to test ride the raleigh too then – BTW the specs say its 28 lbs.

Seven pounds lighter and better components will make a big difference from your current bike.

[DismalScientist]

If you are looking at REI, I would suggest looking into a Marin Fairfax SC4. It might be significantly lighter for $50 more.

PS: This thread: http://forums.roadbikereview.com/beginners-corner/indecision-~$500-hybrid-marin-fairfax-v-spcl-sirrus-v-gnt-rapid-v-jamis-coda-203233.html suggests that is might be sub 25 pounds.

[Author]

Posts