I already owned an ageing Raleigh racing bike, and I always felt that I would enjoy cycling more if I was not battling against the bike so much. So this year, I bought myself a San Rafael City Bike, by Marin. I am suprised to see that Marin were not already in the ciao headings.
I don't know a great deal about bikes, but I know enough to know I like this bike! It has front suspension, and a mountain bike look, but with nice road tyres. It is lovely and light, and has excellent push/pull gear changers - bit like my old grifter!
I like the upright seating position. I am using the bike to go to work, and leisure cycling at the weekends. I wont be doing much off roading, but I know I could go off-road if necessary. Not mountain climbing, but honestly - how many people with mountain bikes actually use them for that purpose.
With quick release everything, and being so light, the bike fits in the back of my Scenic no bother.
I am really looking forward to the summer, and getting the most from this bike.
The bike costs £400 new, but I got last years model for 50 quid less.
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DJ_Large puts forward a well-reasoned argument, doesn't he? (not). You're right about the tyres - I train kids in cycling safety for a part time job and of course, they all turn up on full-suspension bikes with very knobbly tyres, none of which anyone has bothered to pump up - it comes as quite a revelation to them when I put 65 p.s.i. in - "wow, this bike's really easy now" etc. Real road tyres would be even better, like you've got. I agree with you that most mountain bikes hardly ever get used for off-road purposes (unles you count riding on the pavement!) - it's more a fashion statement amongst the kids I teach. They all have a jolly good laugh at my Brompton folder, but I've got 100 p.s.i in my road-going tyres and it's a breeze to pedal. (Hard on the arse though!)
dj_large 02.03.2001 21:55
lots of peopel do go off roading just because you have a crap bike doesn't over people have
Eatcha 03.02.2001 13:20
Nice very 'specific to the product 'opinion. Liked it.
Jan 29th, 2001
(Jan 27th, 2001)
very helpful by (33%):
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