Marin Venezia

Advantages: Strong, light, looks nice
Disadvantages: Chain stays can cause chain suck and problems with quick release pins

...For those of you out looking for a new frame, i'd recommend purchasing a Marine Quake frame. I bought a marine Quake 9 a few months back and its certianly given me value for money, and is one of the most sturdy bikes i've had. The Marine Quake frame comes in three colour scheme those being a combination of grey yellow red and blue. The Quake 9 model has a yellow and grey paint job and looks rather plush. The frame comes in a range of sizes, but being a dirt jumping/Dual bike those sizes are generally small (my own model is a 13" frame). The tubing is triangular in shape, which from your science lessons will tell you adds to strength. Where the top and down tubes meet, extra triangular plates have been welded on to give the bike some strength (especially for those of you thinking of running tripple crown forks). The chain stays... Read review

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Advantages: Lightweight, sturdy, stylish and very versatile
Disadvantages: Expensive

...My brother and I had a flimsy agreement in youth to share a bike so we could get a better more expensive model instead of two more inferior ones. Once our parents bought the BMX Mongoose you didn’t see my brother and his mates for dust all summer. Twenty years on, last year, he suggested the same principle. I had wanted to buy a bike for some time for short journeys to the next village instead of using the car. We decided on the Marin San Raphael at a cost of £425 from the North East dealer in Gateshead for Marin. With it being a joint purchase we had to buy a bike that was suitable for both of us. The San Raphael is classed as a hybrid touring bike and a unisex model; however, I do believe it’s more of a male bike with the high crossbar. I have always preferred the more sturdy looking bikes anyway compared to the ‘ladies... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Great bike, unbeatable value and an exellant warranty.
Disadvantages: Fork needs to be upgraded.

...Marin has once again succeeded in producing a top quality full suspension bike! This bike just keeps getting better, this year it is an unbelievable £900, and has a cheap hope upgrade option. Even though the nature of the bike is downhill, it has the ability to be ridden uphill thanks to the active traction control. When you pedal hard the bike does not bob at all, it is very smooth and has a plush 6.5" travel. The only thing which you can grumble at is the front fork which I really do strongly recommend upgrading to complement the rear shock. The bike is very durable (lifetime guarantee on swingarm bearings) and has an EXALLENT warranty. This bike really is built by the experts, Marin have offered an unbeatable package!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful