Marin Muirwoods 29" tire bike?

[blessingx]

Any out there have a reason I shouldn't pick up a Marin Muirwoods? Looking for a hybrid bike to run around the city with. Prefer control over comfort, though the latter is great if the former doesn't suffer. And don't want to get ridiculously expensive as being stolen in San Francisco is always a possibility. After trying several Trek and Gary Fisher bikes I came across the steel (but very light) Marin Muirwoods. Dug the 29" version. The steel frame and larger tires felt much more solid than the others I rode. Since from past threads I know there are some bike enthusiasts here - any reason I should avoid it or any others in this price range I should consider?

Here are the specs:

Bicycle Typecity/commuter
Sugg Retail$570.00
WeightUnspecified
Sizes17", 19", 20.5", 22"
ColorsMatte Midnight

Frame & Fork
Frame ConstructionTIG-welded/bonded
Frame Tubing Material4130 chromoly
Fork Brand & ModelCromoly Rigid
Fork MaterialCromo Blades and Steerer, unicrown crown
Rear ShockNot applicable

Components
Component GroupCommuter Mix
BrakesetAvid BB 5 Mechanical brakes, forged alloy 3 finger levers
Shift LeversShimano Alivio
Front DerailleurShimano C-100
Rear DerailleurShimano Deore
CranksetTruVativ X-Flow C 3.0, 28/38/48 teeth
PedalsComposite with Alloy Cage
Bottom BracketTruVativ Power Spline
BB Shell WidthUnspecified
BB Shell WidthUnspecified
Rear Cogs8-speed, 11 - 32 teeth
ChainShimano HG40
SeatpostAlloy Micro Adjust, 27.2mm diameter
SaddleWTB Speed V Sport LE
HandlebarDouble Butted 6061 Alloy OS riser
Handlebar ExtensionsNot included
Handlebar StemMarin OS Alloy
Headset1 1/8" Ritchey LB

Wheels
HubsAlloy Disc QR
RimsAlex TD-20, 32-hole
Tires29 x 1.60" Continental Town Ride
Spoke BrandWTB stainless steel, 15ga. (1.8mm)
Spoke NipplesUnspecified

 

[blessingx]

Well for those following, after trying a few more bikes (even some from Electra) I went with the Muirwoods 29er. We'll see. So far seems great.

 

[Lazarus Short]

The bigger wheels will serve you well in going over chuckholes, curbs, and the like. However, down the road, if they do not catch on, you may have problems getting replacements. Keep an eye out, and if the tire, tube, rim size begins to fade, salt away a supply of spares. Owners of 27-inch wheeled bikes are in the same boat with so many people, me included, going over to 700C.

Laz

 

[jayinhk]

Wow, that's pretty cool. 29"! I'd buy one if it was practical here in Hong Kong, but I don't even have anywhere to put one.

 

[Pangaea]

My wife and I have been looking at bikes. Now, being a hybrid bike what exactly does that mean... is it good for both trails and around town?

Checked out their site, but its a lot of bikes and info for a beginner...

 

[OverlordXenu]

I have a Specialized, cost around the same. I think it's a hybrid. Anyway, I love it.

Ah, I think it's a Rockhopper.

 

[jayinhk]

A hybrid is a combination of a road/cruiser/mountain bike. This particular bike has a mountain bike style frame, but with cruiser gearing and street tires. No suspension fork. Your Rockhopper is a perfect example of a hardtail mountain bike.

 

[Cata1yst]

Only problem with hybirds is the saying "jack of all trades, master of none"

29" ers are ment to make obstacles smaller and smooth out the trail...though you probably could throw on a fork on that bike and take it off the pavement.

The Rockhopper is a nice bike...i was thinking about getting it..but i decided to let myself spluge on a Gary Fisher Marlin...and as a result i wont have a DAC until february... though its a nice bike...the wheel tuck signature of gary fisher bikes lets me fly up hills

And remember hardtails for hardasses

 

[Ken Wind]

This is a bit of an old thread, but I'd like to correct some misinformation. The 29" tire is actually just a wide 700c tire. You could probably fit as low as 700 x 32, maybe even 700 x 28 on that bike. It won't be obsolete or outdated any time soon. I hope you're enjoying your bike. It looks like a fun ride.