That Marin looks good!
Only you know how fit you are and what you hope to do with a new bike.
There are plenty of people here in their 60s and 70s who are not yet ready for an ebike (me included). On the other hand there are lots of people who go further and have more fun with some battery assistance.
Sorry that's not much help. Whatever you buy, enjoy it!
Thank you! The Marin does appeal. Fitness isn’t bad right now so I could just carry on having fun!
Its hard to know if we have reached peak ebike or if they will get a lot better within the next few years.
If you want a bike for easy trails, scour the bigger car boot sales for old school, non suspension MTBs. I have picked up some quite good ones for under £50 and it is hard to get anything as well suited to the task even brand new.
Yes, it’s hard to imagine how ebikes will change. Presumably more on the battery side rather than the bike side. Good idea on the second hand mtb, thank you.
I visited a bike shop with my partner recently, she tested a Marin - just like the one you linked - and was absolutely enchanted. I gave it a try as well and have to say was very impressed. The Deore shifters were really nice to use and the (SunRace?) wide range cassette at the back was awesome. Out of the two options, that's what I would get.
That’s very encouraging, thank you. I saw the lower spec version today, definitely prefer the colour of the pricier one. My friend recommended the Kona Dr Dew too, which is a bit more understated.
Really depends on the state of your bank account
Just followed the link to the Larkspur. Looks like an American beach cruiser with derailleurs. Don’t know who it’s aimed at but one things for sure you won’t be going anywhere fast.
Don't understand why your existing bikes can’t cope with the byeways and path. I use my Trek road bike with 28mm tyres for what pass for roads plus paths down here, although it is more comfortable on my Cube MTB.
An electric bike is another matter..
Thank you, lots to consider here. I have savings to cover a normal bike, would possibly need to save more for an ebike but veering away from that route following the replies here. I’m not fast at all… even my notionally faster bike had chunky wheels, mudguards and a rack added. The mixte is also not built for speed. Interestingly, when I bought the Vita I had really chunky tyres put on for going on the local trails, but it was just not fun. I do run the Mixte on the flat trails into town and that's OK, if they're not too muddy.
Even if the actual bicycle mechanics doesn't change much in the next few/several years, I'm betting battery technology will develop at least somewhat.
If I were you I'd wait for the electric bike until/unless (for whatever reason) you feel it's a 'must'. Which might well not be for another 20 years or more, if you're in your 50s now and in reasonable health.
Thank you, that all makes good sense. Health is pretty good, touch wood, and always better after a bike ride!
Or the local recycling center if they've got a sales area...
This is pretty well much what I've done, although I stripped the one I acquired down to the bare frame and built it back up again with new components and gearing that suits. Wasn't as cheap as I'd hoped in the end, as I spent around £350 (oops!) but I've a lovely bike that handles the duff surfaces that my other bikes won't. It's a bit staid on dry tarmac, but take it off road and it really comes alive.
Added bonus, it's completely bespoke. And it turns heads.
Thank you. I remain really impressed by your building a "just right" bike. I'd love to do that one day. I don't think my skills are there quite yet though. Still smarting after a couple of recent fettling fails. Our local recycling centre redirects bikes to a community enterprise - bikes are checked over and sold. I'll have a look and see what they have.
agree and when need to may well be able to get a conversion. I can see kits getting better.
Yes! That sounds very sensible. Thank you.
There you go fixed that for you. Get the Marin
Well that was easy
