This seems to be a very good piece of kit at a genuine discounted price. Includes hydraulic disk brakes
Top comments
wenttoabetterplace to GQ Man
4 Jul 163#16
The Marin description is a fair summary;
The Muirwoods 29er is our rough and tumble commute machine. Offering the toughness of a mountain bike-based cromoly frame and fork with an updated geometry and durable component selection, this bike is designed for riders wanting some fun on their commute. From jumping curbs and train tracks to adventuring the dirt roads on the outskirts of town, the Muirwoods 29er can take it all. A 27-speed Shimano Altus and Alivio drivetrain provides the perfect gear regardless of terrain while Tektro hydraulic disc brakes provide dependable braking performance regardless of weather conditions. Night time visibility is taken into account with highly reflective 3M graphics on the frame and tires, while integrated rack and fender mounts allow you to build up the bike to best suit your needs.
29er wheels and a steel frame negates the need for suspension. I have taken my 26" Muirwoods on single track routes on the South Downs without much concern (Marathon XR tires). It of course isn't designed for off roading - but the geometry and the frame certainly make it a much more comfortable bike than most over the rough stuff.
I also like the more heads up riding position (vs the heads down of a racing bike for example) - so if you are just commuting, this would be ideal.
Also, as mentioned earlier, Muirwoods are v.highly regarded as touring bikes - especially when going out onto dirt/gravel tracks. Here's a picture plucked from Google Images of one on the Bolivian Altoplano
In short, if you are after a relaxed and enjoyable ride - with the capability to do MUCH more, then you can't go wrong with the Muirwoods. It's a cracking bike.
All comments (86)
basergorkobal
4 Jul 161#1
This is a very good bike for the money. Not worth the RRP. But for £300 it's well worth it.
I've got a 2010 version of this. Still going strong with most original components.
It is quite heavy. But gives a very comfy ride. And the stealthy black look has a lot of appeal.
elloco8
4 Jul 16#2
Can anyone advise between this and Specialized Sirrus hybrid currently on sale at Evans from 399 to £299. Appreciate they are slightly different bikes and the Marin has disc brakes but wondering if there is anything else to distinguish them. thanks. https://www.evanscycles.com/specialized-sirrus-2016-hybrid-bike-EV244808
mercutio98uk to elloco8
4 Jul 161#5
Personally, I have a bike from Evans (Pinnacle Cobalt) and... they've kinda rubbed me up the wrong way since day 1 with it. The pedals were miss-matched (sorted easily/free on day 3 of purchase but still...) and the barrel adjuster for the front brake was basically rammed in so the thread was broken and couldn't be adjusted (which... was... semi fixed, I ended up buying a new set of shifters though as it wasn't quite right and fitted them myself).
It went for a service and was given back completely un-ridable, still needing a new rear cassette (they apologised, still charged me for the rear cassette even though they'd kinda done a shoddy job of a paid service). They changed the crankset (fixed rings) during the service and about 5 weeks later after being a bit clicky the left crank arm fell off as they hadn't tightened it enough...
Just... kinda small things but really crappy. As such I generally avoid Evans now (and doing my own servicing).
marty-401 to elloco8
4 Jul 16#11
Out of the two I would go for the Sirrus over the hefty 13Kg Marin.
winchman to elloco8
4 Jul 16#17
I'd take the Marin. Yes will be heavier but a bit more do it all and better equipment.
mercutio98uk
4 Jul 161#3
This actually looks like a pretty decent "out of the box" commuter/light off-road bike. There's nothing on it that's outstanding and I'd agree the original RRP is rather too high, on paper it's a fairly solid spec though. Even as far as some relatively decent tyres (puncture resistance, if you aren't worried about weight is one of the first things I'd bother to "fix", there's a good... £40 on new tyres saved, it's a small thing but it seems a really well rounded setup without serious weaknesses).
basergorkobal
4 Jul 162#4
Can't advise as to which one you should buy, because as you pointed out yourself - they're different types of bike. In fact they're very different.
I'd say, Marin is a much better value bike:
- disc brakes - how can you not want them commuting in the UK?
- better drivetrain (9 speed cassette)
- more solid build (steel frame)
- far more stylish in my opinion
- MTB geometry - upright riding position
For a commuter bike it's a no-brainer.
Specialised Sirrus will be noticeably lighter as it's aluminium framed and doesn't have disc brakes. If you want a more sporty hybrid, go for the Spec.
wenttoabetterplace
4 Jul 161#6
Muirwoods are pretty highly regarded in the cycle touring community as a superb budget tourer. Great geometry, supple steel frame, and reliable (if unspectacular) components.
Definitely worth the money at this price!
(I have the 26" version from 2007 which has performed superbly. Lovely frame!)
GQ Man
4 Jul 161#7
Guys ive i know is completely different but ive been offered a Specialized Tarmac sl2 2011 from a guy local to me for £300 its been checked out and is in good condition is this worth it ?
louthepoo to GQ Man
4 Jul 16#8
Well it was £1200 new 5 years ago. If it hasn't had much of a battering then it's a good price
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Opening post
Top comments
The Muirwoods 29er is our rough and tumble commute machine. Offering the toughness of a mountain bike-based cromoly frame and fork with an updated geometry and durable component selection, this bike is designed for riders wanting some fun on their commute. From jumping curbs and train tracks to adventuring the dirt roads on the outskirts of town, the Muirwoods 29er can take it all. A 27-speed Shimano Altus and Alivio drivetrain provides the perfect gear regardless of terrain while Tektro hydraulic disc brakes provide dependable braking performance regardless of weather conditions. Night time visibility is taken into account with highly reflective 3M graphics on the frame and tires, while integrated rack and fender mounts allow you to build up the bike to best suit your needs.
29er wheels and a steel frame negates the need for suspension. I have taken my 26" Muirwoods on single track routes on the South Downs without much concern (Marathon XR tires). It of course isn't designed for off roading - but the geometry and the frame certainly make it a much more comfortable bike than most over the rough stuff.
I also like the more heads up riding position (vs the heads down of a racing bike for example) - so if you are just commuting, this would be ideal.
Also, as mentioned earlier, Muirwoods are v.highly regarded as touring bikes - especially when going out onto dirt/gravel tracks. Here's a picture plucked from Google Images of one on the Bolivian Altoplano
In short, if you are after a relaxed and enjoyable ride - with the capability to do MUCH more, then you can't go wrong with the Muirwoods. It's a cracking bike.
All comments (86)
I've got a 2010 version of this. Still going strong with most original components.
It is quite heavy. But gives a very comfy ride. And the stealthy black look has a lot of appeal.
It went for a service and was given back completely un-ridable, still needing a new rear cassette (they apologised, still charged me for the rear cassette even though they'd kinda done a shoddy job of a paid service). They changed the crankset (fixed rings) during the service and about 5 weeks later after being a bit clicky the left crank arm fell off as they hadn't tightened it enough...
Just... kinda small things but really crappy. As such I generally avoid Evans now (and doing my own servicing).
I'd say, Marin is a much better value bike:
- disc brakes - how can you not want them commuting in the UK?
- better drivetrain (9 speed cassette)
- more solid build (steel frame)
- far more stylish in my opinion
- MTB geometry - upright riding position
For a commuter bike it's a no-brainer.
Specialised Sirrus will be noticeably lighter as it's aluminium framed and doesn't have disc brakes. If you want a more sporty hybrid, go for the Spec.
Definitely worth the money at this price!
(I have the 26" version from 2007 which has performed superbly. Lovely frame!)