Marin Belvedere

[martmorg]

been round a few bike shops the last few days and by far the best shop i came across was les's bike shop in canvey island essex. he reccomemneded two bikes that would suit for what i am looking for and within my price bracket. the first was the dawes discovery 301 http://www.dawescycles.com/p-162-discovery-301-gents.aspx

and the second was the marin belvedere http://www.marin.co.uk/2010/bikepage.php?ModNo=10BE.

im going to be using the bike for training for and then travelling across europe for a month next year.

they both seem a good ride from the test ride i had outside the shop but just wondered what you guys all thought. im more in favour of the marin personally as just felt a better ride. but all opinions welcome

 

[GrasB]

My experience of ALP frames, I have an '03 Mill Valley but have ridden more modern ALP bikes too, is they're solid, stiff, bomb proof & ride fast. It looks like Marin have done their usual thing of mating a better frame & good wheels to a slightly lower spec group set, though someone who knows more than me will have to confirm that.

 

[jay clock]

Personally I like Marin. If you are a heavy rider with luggage the back wheel on any of the cheaper bikes may not take the strain, but you can test that out over the next few mths before you go touring.

Do check pannier fittings, and also heel clearance once panniers are on. Also, visit www.crazyguyonabike.com for all sorts of touring ideas and advice