Almost feel bad hitting this sub with one of these posts when there are so many already, but I’m at the point of pulling the trigger on a handful of bikes and I don’t know which to point the money-gun at. I have friends in other parts of the country who seem to pack on all sorts of bikes – would appreciate polling the collective breadth of knowledge we have here. My sincerest thanks if you have the time to pitch in.
Bikes are:
2023 Roscoe 8 (HT – used and in great condition for only $1000AUD) —
2023 Marin Pine Mountain (steel, rigid) —
2023 Marin Team 2 (HT/XC) —
2022 Specialized Chisel (HT) —
2022 Specialized Fuse (gravel)
(Hopefully this works) I have put together a 99Spokes comparison of these for reference:
https://99spokes.com/en-AU/compare?bikes=marin-team-marin-2-2023;*z.md-29-29|w.29,marin-pine-mountain-2-2023;*z.md-29-29|w.29,trek-roscoe-8-2023,specialized-chisel-comp-2023
My background:
From Australia. Retired enduro weekend warrior. Love a fixie. Avid camper. Not an unfit cyclist but not an endurance racer. Decent on the tools.
My criteria and dilemma:
Something that can serve as a bit of single trail fun when I’m not packing, but also could handle the weekend getaway and taking overseas for loading up travelling on. Not fussed on taking it through hell and back but I love backwoods riding and getting a little technical at times.
My gripes: Compared to the alloy hardtails above, I am concerned a rigid steel frame will be unpleasant uphill and on long journies off-road and won’t be as much fun on the casual single track ride/fun technical outings. Inversely, I’m concerned the alloy hardtails may be weak in the long term and unpleasant on long stretches.
Budget is ballpark $3000AUD but if I can save on the purchase and put money towards components, I’ll be much happier about it.
Hope you’re all healthy, happy and riding strong out there. Thanks very much.
by brenthonydantano