I’ve narrowed down my choices to these two after a few considerations:
– mechanical discs are more reliable that rims in wet weather and don’t require as much maintenance as hydraulics
– tourney derailleurs can be switched out for an altus
my usual distance is roughly 7km daily
the fairfax is about $80 cheaper at most bike shops in my city but i’d appreciate some comments
sitdownrando-r on
>mechanical discs are more reliable that rims in wet weather and don’t require as much maintenance as hydraulics
>tourney derailleurs can be switched out for an altus
Neither of those are completely true. Mechanical discs require regular maintenance since they do not automatically adjust as the pad wears and cables can stretch. Also, rim brakes can be reliable in the wet with the correct pad, but I still would opt for disc anyway. Hydraulic disc maintenance occurs far less often, but the process is more involved.
You could swap out the Tourney derailleur for Altus, but you’d still have a dated, 7-speed drivetrain. The main problem with which is what shows the better value here:
Go for the Marin.
The Marin comes with a 7-speed cassette, rather than a 7-speed freewheel. This makes the Marin upgradeable and more durable. The design of the 7-speed freewheel mechanism puts a lot of stress on the axle, which is prone to failure.
1994univega on
Go with the Marin 100%
hoganloaf on
No big difference, get the one that you think is cooler. I like the Marin.
4 Comments
I’ve narrowed down my choices to these two after a few considerations:
– mechanical discs are more reliable that rims in wet weather and don’t require as much maintenance as hydraulics
– tourney derailleurs can be switched out for an altus
my usual distance is roughly 7km daily
the fairfax is about $80 cheaper at most bike shops in my city but i’d appreciate some comments
>mechanical discs are more reliable that rims in wet weather and don’t require as much maintenance as hydraulics
>tourney derailleurs can be switched out for an altus
Neither of those are completely true. Mechanical discs require regular maintenance since they do not automatically adjust as the pad wears and cables can stretch. Also, rim brakes can be reliable in the wet with the correct pad, but I still would opt for disc anyway. Hydraulic disc maintenance occurs far less often, but the process is more involved.
You could swap out the Tourney derailleur for Altus, but you’d still have a dated, 7-speed drivetrain. The main problem with which is what shows the better value here:
Go for the Marin.
The Marin comes with a 7-speed cassette, rather than a 7-speed freewheel. This makes the Marin upgradeable and more durable. The design of the 7-speed freewheel mechanism puts a lot of stress on the axle, which is prone to failure.
Go with the Marin 100%
No big difference, get the one that you think is cooler. I like the Marin.