Marin hybrid bike - opinions??

[BigonaBianchi]

http://www.marin.co.uk/2013/bikepage.php?ModNo=13SR2

Ok Im after some opinions on this marin ds3 bike. I'm pretty sure I'll get it, but just want to post in case th eentire world knows something I don't.

It's not for me either, it's for my Dad, which is the point because he is 78 and has two artificial legs ...and a determination to ride like a demon to the shops !

The bike will reside in Cyprus, so it has to contend with some rough road surfaces as well as the smoother roads. It needs to be comfortable for him more so than be capable of being hurled over and mountain ledge in a race etc

I liked it for him because it has shimano bits and bobs (easy fixed anywhere hopefully?) it has disc brakes, and some suspension up front I think...and also the shop can fit a suspension seat post for free and and adjustable stem. he sat on it today and seemed ok to get on and off with limited hassle (a big factor) and we are going back on saturday to take a test ride around the park.

So all im really asking is if anybody can see and screaming issues with it given its intented role is to be a simple safe bike to get to the shops/beach etc on good and rough roads but not across fields etc. The main need here is comfort and reliabilty as he cant fix it at the roadside if something falls apart.

Chime in with any advice...if alls well It'll get bought saturday.

Ta.

 

[Cyclist33]

Marin: good bikes!

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

For the stated purpose and for comfort, I personally don't think cheap Suntour forks and suspension seatpost are the best either from a performance or maintenance standpoint. If I were buying I would pick a good, light, rigid hybrid with big tyre clearance, and stick a pair of Schwalbe Big Apple tyres on - pneumatic is the lightest, most effective and adjustable, and easiest to maintain suspension money can buy when offroad performance is not required.

The other thing is I am not sure if disc brakes are that great from a maintenance standpoint, especially uncommon models. For one reason or another I have worked on a number of abused Ridgeback hybrids, and would not hesitate to recommend them for the present purpose. This e.g. has Shimano hubs, which are far more serviceable than other minor brand offerings.

Just my 2p.

 

[HLaB]

An ex colleague got one through C2W and it seemed a good bike and I liked its gearing options

 

[biggs682]

Marin: good bikes!

i have had mine since 1992 and we have been all over

 

[BigonaBianchi]